Skip to content

3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate (2025-11)

Freeze-Thaw Resistance Assessment and Damage Mechanisms

10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.108095

 Liu Huawei,  Tao Yaxin, Zhu Chao,  Liu Chao, Wang Yifei, Yun Jiao, Zhang Yukun
Journal Article - Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 200, No. 108095

Abstract

3D printed concrete exhibits significant durability issues under freeze–thaw (F–T) conditions due to its unique pore structure, restricting its widespread application in cold regions. In this study, the frost resistance of 3D printed recycled aggregate concrete (3DPRAC) was systematically evaluated at different recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratios (0 %, 50 %, and 100 %), and the underlying damage mechanisms induced by F–T cycles were elucidated. Results indicated that the frost resistance of 3DPRAC was notably inferior to cast concrete and further deteriorated nonlinearly with increasing RCA replacement ratios. Ellipsoidal pores within 3DPRAC facilitated ice crystal formation, accelerating crack initiation and propagation. Damage originated from the porous old mortar in RCA and dual interfacial transition zones, while ultimate failure was dominated by a multi-interface and pore structure defect system jointly formed by RCA and printed structure. This research provides theoretical insights for durability design of 3D printed concrete structures in cold-region applications.

22 References

  1. Chen Yidong, Zhang Yunsheng, Zhang Yu, Pang Bo et al. (2023-08)
    Influence of Gradation on Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Concrete with Coarse Aggregate
  2. Das Arnesh, Song Yu, Mantellato Sara, Wangler Timothy et al. (2022-04)
    Effect of Processing on the Air-Void System of 3D Printed Concrete
  3. Givkashi Mohammad, Tohidloo Mohammad (2024-07)
    The Effect of Freeze-Thaw-Cycles and Sulfuric-Acid-Attack Separately on the Compressive Strength and Microstructure of 3D Printed Air-Entrained Concrete
  4. Guan Jingyuan, Wang Li, Wan Qian, Ma Guowei (2025-01)
    Material and Structural Fatigue-Performance of 18m Span Reinforced Arch Structure Manufactured by 3D Printing Concrete as Permanent Formwork
  5. Ler Kee-Hong, Ma Chau-Khun, Chin Chee-Long, Ibrahim Izni et al. (2024-08)
    Porosity and Durability Tests on 3D Printing Concrete:
    A Review
  6. Liu Chao, Liang Zhan, Liu Huawei, Wu Yiwen et al. (2025-03)
    Seismic Performance of 3D Printed Reinforced Concrete Walls:
    Experimental Study and Numerical Simulation
  7. Liu Huawei, Liu Chao, Wu Yiwen, Bai Guoliang et al. (2022-09)
    3D Printing Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregates:
    The Influence of Pore-Structure on Inter-Layer Adhesion
  8. Liu Huawei, Liu Chao, Wu Yiwen, Bai Guoliang et al. (2022-06)
    Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate
  9. Liu Chao, Liu Huawei, Wu Yiwen, Wu Jian et al. (2025-02)
    Effect of X-Ray CT Characterized Pore Structure on the Freeze-Thaw Resistance of 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate
  10. Reiter Lex, Wangler Timothy, Roussel Nicolas, Flatt Robert (2018-06)
    The Role of Early-Age Structural Build-Up in Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  11. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel, Mechtcherine Viktor, Nerella Venkatesh et al. (2018-08)
    Vision of 3D Printing with Concrete:
    Technical, Economic and Environmental Potentials
  12. Skibicki Szymon, Pułtorak Monika, Kaszyńska Maria, Hoffmann Marcin et al. (2022-04)
    The Effect of Using Recycled PET-Aggregates on Mechanical and Durability Properties of 3D Printed Mortar
  13. Tao Yaxin, Lesage Karel, Tittelboom Kim, Yuan Yong et al. (2023-03)
    Twin-Pipe Pumping-Strategy for Stiffening-Control of 3D Printable Concrete:
    From Transportation to Fabrication
  14. Tarhan Yeşim, Şahin Remzi (2024-12)
    The Impact of Air-Entraining on Frost-Endurance in 3D Printed Concrete:
    The Function of Printing Orientation and Curing Process
  15. Tittelboom Kim, Mohan Dhanesh, Šavija Branko, Keita Emmanuel et al. (2024-08)
    On the Micro-and Meso-Structure and Durability of 3D Printed Concrete Elements
  16. Tong Jiaqi, Ding Yahong, Lv Xiuwen, Ning Wei (2023-11)
    Effect of Carbonated Recycled Coarse Aggregates on the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Recycled Concrete
  17. Wang Lei, Nerella Venkatesh, Li Dianmo, Zhang Yuying et al. (2024-11)
    Biochar-Augmented Climate-Positive 3D Printable Concrete
  18. Wangler Timothy, Roussel Nicolas, Bos Freek, Salet Theo et al. (2019-06)
    Digital Concrete:
    A Review
  19. Wang Hailong, Shen Wenbin, Sun Xiaoyan, Song Xinlei et al. (2025-01)
    Influences of Particle-Size on the Performance of 3D Printed Coarse Aggregate Concrete:
    Experiment, Microstructure, and Mechanism Analysis
  20. Wang Li, Xiao Wei, Wang Qiao, Jiang Hailong et al. (2022-07)
    Freeze-Thaw-Resistance of 3D Printed Composites with Desert Sand
  21. Xiao Jianzhuang, Ji Guangchao, Zhang Yamei, Ma Guowei et al. (2021-06)
    Large-Scale 3D Printing Concrete Technology:
    Current Status and Future Opportunities
  22. Zhang Yu, Zhang Yunsheng, Yang Lin, Liu Guojian et al. (2021-02)
    Hardened Properties and Durability of Large-Scale 3D Printed Cement-Based Materials

0 Citations

BibTeX
@article{liu_tao_zhu_liu.2026.3PCwRCA,
  author            = "Huawei Liu and Yaxin Tao and Chao Zhu and Chao Liu and Yifei Wang and Jiao Yun and Yukun Zhang",
  title             = "3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate: Freeze-Thaw Resistance Assessment and Damage Mechanisms",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.108095",
  year              = "2026",
  journal           = "Cement and Concrete Research",
  volume            = "200",
  pages             = "108095",
}
Formatted Citation

H. Liu, “3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate: Freeze-Thaw Resistance Assessment and Damage Mechanisms”, Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 200, p. 108095, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.108095.

Liu, Huawei, Yaxin Tao, Chao Zhu, Chao Liu, Yifei Wang, Jiao Yun, and Yukun Zhang. “3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate: Freeze-Thaw Resistance Assessment and Damage Mechanisms”. Cement and Concrete Research 200 (2026): 108095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2025.108095.