Assessing the Load-Bearing Capacity of 3D Printed Concrete at Early-Ages (2024-11)¶

The focus of this study is to determine the load-bearing capacity of a structure produced using 3D printing technology. The main objective is to forecast the highest achievable elevation for 3D-printed concrete construction while avoiding any structural integrity issues. To achieve this objective, an inventive experimental approach was introduced to assess the load-bearing potential of freshly printed concrete. The study involved conducting tests to measure the structure's load-bearing capacity and determine the highest achievable printing height in its initial developmental phase. Afterward, the time-dependent properties were examined experimentally with the intention of integrating them into simulations at a subsequent phase. Subsequently, the buildability standard utilizing the Mohr–Coulomb model was defined, and its accuracy was tested via a combination of numerical and experimental assessments. The model demonstrated satisfactory performance in accurately capturing the time-dependent mechanical behavior of concrete properties as they developed over time. Each casted block weighed 7.2 kg and served as a load on the printed structure. The structure withstood the weight of up to six casted blocks before reaching its failure point, all while achieving a successful printing height exceeding 600 mm. Additionally, the numerical model exhibited satisfactory performance in forecasting the initial plastic bearing capacity of 3DPC during its early stages. However, during the experiments, the actual specimen failed immediately after the application of the sixth load, whereas the modeling results suggested that the specimen could bear the sixth load before ultimately yielding. Ultimately, recommendations were proposed with the goal of enhancing the forthcoming 3DPC simulation modeling.