Print Geometry Alterations and Layer Staggering to Enhance Mechanical Properties of Plain and Fiber-Reinforced Three-Dimensional-Printed Concrete

Avinaya Tripathi, Sooraj A.O. Nair, Harshitsinh Chauhan, Narayanan Neithalath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conventional approaches to concrete three-dimensional (3-D) printing relies on printing concrete in a straight (linear) print path, with layers overlaid on top of each other. This results in interlayer and interfilament joints being potential weak spots that compromise the mechanical performance. This paper evaluates simple alterations to the print geometry to mitigate some of these effects. A printable mixture with 30% of limestone powder replacing cement (by mass), with a 28-day compressive strength of approximately 70 MPa in the strongest direction is used. S- and 3-shaped print paths are evaluated as alternatives to the linear print path. Staggering of the layers ensures that the interfilament joints do not lie on the same plane along the depth. Flexural strength enhancement is observed when print geometries are changed and/or layers are staggered. The study shows that print geometry modifications mitigate mechanical property reductions attributed to interfilament defects in 3-D concrete printing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-30
Number of pages14
JournalACI Materials Journal
Volume121
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Keywords

  • anisotropy
  • compressive strength
  • flexural strength
  • layer geometry
  • three-dimensional (3-D) concrete printing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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