Evaluating the Structural Performance of 3D Printed FRCC Beams with Anchoring Reinforcement (2025-06)¶

Increasing attention was paid to three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the construction, architecture, and medical care sectors. However, the utilization of cementitious composites in 3D concrete printing was increased to upgrade the structural behavior of the printed members. In contrast, difficulties and uncertainties still exist regarding the reinforcement method of the printed members with other induced challenges regarding the cost efficiency and sustainability concerns. This study evaluates the structural performance of 3D printed beams with fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) and anchoring reinforcement using the method of finite element analysis (FEA). A total of eighteen beams were simulated with different shear spans (400, 500, and 575 mm), overall depth (120, 200, and 276 mm), and FRCC compressive strengths (23.2 and 43.2 MPa). The behavior was reported for all models in terms of the ultimate load and its corresponding deflection, initial stiffness, toughness, and failure modes. Results were presented as general guidelines to highlight the effect of the examined parameters to provide the scientists and engineers with a wide knowledge of the printing field, mitigating the required time and cost. It was found that increasing the shear span increases the beam’s ultimate deflection and reduces its capacity. Moreover, increasing the depth of the beams has various effects on the failure mode and the deflection values where beams with lower depths sustain larger deflections compared to the deeper ones.