Modelling Buildability Performance of 3D Printable Cementitious Materials Using Chemo-Mechanical Model (2025-11)¶

This study develops a chemo-mechanical numerical framework to simulate the buildability behavior of 3D-printed cementitious materials. The model incorporates a quiet element activation method to replicate the layer - by - layer printing process accurately. The hydration kinetics are governed by alite phase hydration up to the dormant period, capturing the early-age chemical evolution of the material. Time-dependent mechanical behavior is modeled using a combination of Burger’s viscoelastic model (early age creep) and the Drucker – Prager plasticity criterion, both linked through an aging mechanism (hydration process) to represent the evolving mechanical properties of the mix. The proposed model is applied to evaluate the buildability performance of two distinct printable mortar mixes. Simulation results demonstrate strong agreement with observed buildability trends and effectively capture different failure modes across varied printing geometries, including straight wall, semi-hollow, and hollow structures. Furthermore, the influence of key printing process parameters, such as material placement time, printing speed, and layer height, on buildability is systematically investigated. These findings provide a more predictive understanding of early-age mechanical stability in 3DCP and offer valuable insights for optimizing process parameters.