<p>Carbon dots (CDs) are a new type of zero-dimensional fluorescent carbon nanomaterials. Due to their low toxicity, environmental friendliness, and excellent photostability, they show great potential in fields such as environmental monitoring, drug delivery, and catalysis. However, the practical application of CDs is still limited by the lack of large-scale application scenarios, posing a challenge for their industrial deployment. Civil engineering materials are the most widely used materials in the world, and the successful application of CDs in this field has excellently addressed this challenge. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress of CDs as a novel material in civil engineering field, including synthesis methods of CDs, enhancement of mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials, inhibition of metal corrosion, and the mechanisms involved in these aspects. This review aims to provide guidance for future research and practical applications, promoting the large-scale use and industrial production of CDs.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>