Bending Performance of Bio-Inspired 3D Printed Porous Lattice SHCC Circular Arch Structures (2026-02)¶

Arch structures have been widely applied in construction engineering owing to their excellent load distribution and deformation resistance. 3D concrete printing (3DCP), with its advantages of flexibility and formwork-free fabrication, shows great potential for manufacturing geometrically complex structures. Inspired by Elytrigia repens, strain-hardening/engineered cementitious composites (SHCC/ECC) were utilized as extrusion materials in combination with 3DCP to fabricate 3D printed porous lattice circular arches. These arches featured three distinct lattice infill patterns: triangular, rectangular, and honeycomb. The bending performance of the specimens was evaluated through three-point bending tests. The results showed that the specimens exhibited two types of failure modes, either dominated by tension or by shear. The 3D printed porous lattice SHCC circular arch structures performed better than traditional mold-cast structures did, with significant improvements in deformation capacity (up to 105.2 %) and energy absorption (up to 7.5 %). A numerical model incorporating both the concrete damage plasticity model and cohesive elements successfully predicted the failure mechanisms and load-bearing capacities, showing strong agreement with the experimental results. Finally, a theoretical prediction model for the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the proposed structure was established based on the curved beam model. Using SHCC materials in porous lattice arches offers the potential for lightweight, high-performance, and sustainable architecture while fostering innovation in construction.