A DEM-Based Simulation Framework for 3D Concrete Printing with the Discrete Fresh Concrete Model (2026-03)¶

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is gaining traction as an innovative construction technique, offering notable advantages over conventional building methods. However, optimizing the material deposition process remains a key challenge, particularly concerning filament formation and stability during extrusion. This study combines the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with the Discrete Fresh Concrete (DFC) model to simulate the rheological behavior of fresh concrete during the printing process. We simulate two representative single-layer depositions — a circular path and a rectangular path — to assess the model’s ability to reproduce realistic filament shapes under different geometric constraints. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using the DEM–DFC approach for capturing filament behavior during extrusion and for supporting future developments in 3D concrete printing simulations.