Reinforcing Digitally Fabricated Concrete (2020-11)¶

The structural integrity of contemporary structures is dependent on the interaction between a brittle concrete matrix and ductile reinforcement. Therefore, reinforcement integration is considered a fundamental subsystem of extrusion-based concrete printing. However, if concrete printing is set to ameliorate the shortcomings of conventional concrete construction techniques, then the strategies by which reinforcement is integrated must be aligned with the unique advantages of the novel technology. Consequently, a systems approach for the assessment of twelve unique reinforcement strategies is proposed and demonstrated in this study. These strategies are evaluated by their degree of system integration, which is based on alignment with measurable advantages of extrusion-based concrete printing reported in 51 publication on reinforcing of printed objects. In addition to the degree of system integration, the suitability of these strategies to reinforce a column, wall and bench is determined through a group interview of structural engineers with 13.3 years of combined experience in concrete printing. It is recognised that a reinforcement strategy may be particularly well-suited for reinforcing of some objects by less so for others. Thus, this study intends to provide a systems approach framework by which various reinforcement strategies can be selected based on their alignment with measurable advantages and their intended application. Nonetheless, given the maturity, simplicity and non-laborious nature of fibre entrainment, in addition to its ability to reinforce during printing and conform to most geometries, this strategy is in nearperfect alignment with the measurable advantages and particularly well-suited to reinforce all three objects considered in this study.