Skip to content

Plastic Shrinkage and Cracking of 3D Printed Mortar with Recycled Sand (2021-08)

10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124405

 Zhang Hanghua,  Xiao Jianzhuang
Journal Article - Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 302, No. 124405

Abstract

This study focused on the plastic shrinkage and cracking of 3D printed mortar mixed with recycled sand as fine aggregates. The test methods for free and restrained plastic shrinkage were designed and improved to simulate the plastic shrinkage of 3D printed mortar. The shrinkage and the development of cracks under constraints were measured by image processing, and the effect of recycled sand was evaluated. 3D printed natural sand mortar and 3D printed recycled sand mortar with replacement ratios of 25%, 50%,75%, and 100% were tested and analyzed. Results showed that the plastic shrinkage of the 3D printed mortar increased with the increase of recycled sand content. With the higher replacement ratio of recycled sand, the plastic cracking of 3D printed mortar under restraint conditions showed a higher cracking depth. It can be concluded that the 3D printed mortar mixed with recycled sand shows a minor plastic shrinkage rate under a 50% replacement ratio. When a 100% replacement ratio of recycled sand is reached, the 3D printed recycled sand mortar needs additional consideration of shrinkage compensation design to avoid early-age cracking in the plastic stage.

15 References

  1. Baz Bilal, Aouad Georges, Kleib Joelle, Bulteel David et al. (2021-04)
    Durability-Assessment and Micro-Structural Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Exposed to Sulfuric-Acid Environments
  2. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Qin Fei, Duan Zhenhua (2020-03)
    Mechanical Behavior of 3D Printed Mortar with Recycled Sand at Early-Ages
  3. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zou Shuai, Wang Yu (2020-06)
    Hardened Properties of Layered 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Sand
  4. Ghourchian Sadegh, Butler Marko, Krüger Markus, Mechtcherine Viktor (2021-04)
    Modelling the Development of Capillary Pressure in Freshly 3D Printed Concrete Elements
  5. Hou Shaodan, Duan Zhenhua, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ye Jun (2020-12)
    A Review of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Performance-Requirements, Testing Measurements and Mix-Design
  6. Khoshnevis Behrokh (2003-11)
    Automated Construction by Contour Crafting:
    Related Robotics and Information Technologies
  7. Khoshnevis Behrokh, Dutton Rosanne (1998-01)
    Innovative Rapid Prototyping Process Makes Large-Sized, Smooth-Surfaced Complex Shapes in a Wide Variety of Materials
  8. Kristombu Baduge Shanaka, Navaratnam Satheeskumar, Zidan Yousef, McCormack Tom et al. (2021-01)
    Improving Performance of Additive Manufactured Concrete:
    A Review on Material Mix-Design, Processing, Inter-Layer Bonding, and Reinforcing-Methods
  9. Mechtcherine Viktor, Buswell Richard, Kloft Harald, Bos Freek et al. (2021-02)
    Integrating Reinforcement in Digital Fabrication with Concrete:
    A Review and Classification Framework
  10. Moelich Gerrit, Kruger Jacques, Combrinck Riaan (2020-08)
    Plastic Shrinkage Cracking in 3D Printed Concrete
  11. Nerella Venkatesh, Hempel Simone, Mechtcherine Viktor (2019-02)
    Effects of Layer-Interface Properties on Mechanical Performance of Concrete Elements Produced by Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
  12. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Tan Ming (2017-07)
    Anisotropic Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Sustainable Construction-Material
  13. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel, Mechtcherine Viktor, Nerella Venkatesh et al. (2018-08)
    Vision of 3D Printing with Concrete:
    Technical, Economic and Environmental Potentials
  14. Yu Shiwei, Du Hongjian, Sanjayan Jay (2020-07)
    Aggregate-Bed 3D Concrete Printing with Cement-Paste Binder
  15. Zhang Yu, Zhang Yunsheng, Yang Lin, Liu Guojian et al. (2021-02)
    Hardened Properties and Durability of Large-Scale 3D Printed Cement-Based Materials

71 Citations

  1. Kumar Sandeep, Dixit Anjaneya (2026-04)
    3D-Printable Concrete Using Stabilized Soil:
    Effect of Binders and Curing Regimes on the Engineering Performance
  2. Nayak Anitha, Nayaka Ramesh, Zhang Y. (2026-04)
    Performance Evaluation, Microstructure Behaviour and Life Cycle Assessment of 3D Concrete Printable Ink Containing Recycled Construction Waste
  3. Huang Jie, Wang Xinjie, Shi Quanbin, Yuan Pu et al. (2026-04)
    Optimizing the Utilization Rate and Performance of 3D-Printed Mortar with Dual-Size Recycled Sand
  4. Azarhomayun Fazel, Alipanahi Pouya, Zeng Hang, Kim Heejeong et al. (2026-04)
    Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Plastic Shrinkage Control in 3D-Printed Concrete Using Natural Zeolite
  5. Liu Chao, Ma Ruiyang, Liu Huawei, Dai Meiling et al. (2026-02)
    Shrinkage in Concrete Additive Manufacturing:
    A Critical Review of Mechanisms, Characterization, and Control Strategies
  6. Iqbal Imtiaz, Kasim Tala, Besklubova Svetlana, Inqiad Waleed et al. (2025-12)
    Exploring Knowledge Domains and Future Research Directions in 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Bibliometric and Systematic Review
  7. Xu Fengming, Yu Jie, Teng Fei, Lin Xiaoshan et al. (2025-12)
    Application of Recycled Tile as Internal Curing Material in 3D-Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites
  8. Patel Aniket, Tripathi Avinaya, Kiran Ravi, Santhanam Manu et al. (2025-11)
    Decoupling Early-Age Free Shrinkage and Restraint Effects in 3D Printed Concrete Using Digital Image Correlation
  9. Válek Josef, Romanová Dorota (2025-09)
    3D Concrete Printing Simulating Device in Comparison to Real Printing and Aggregate Substitutes
  10. Luo Surong, Jin Wenhao, Zhang Zhaorui, Zhang Kaijian (2025-09)
    Constitutive Relationship of 3D Printed Fiber Reinforced Recycled Sand Concrete Under Uniaxial Compression
  11. Els Heinrich, Zijl Gideon, Villiers Wibke (2025-06)
    A Review of Shrinkage and Restrained Shrinkage Cracking in 3D Concrete Printing
  12. Gomez Jaramillo Laura, Luković Mladena, Šavija Branko, Zhou Wen (2025-06)
    Recycled Sand for 3D-Printed Strain Hardening Cementitious Composite:
    A Review of Recent Developments
  13. Liu Qiong, Singh Amardeep, Wang Qiming, Qifeng Lyu (2025-05)
    3D-Printed Application in Concretes
  14. Demirbaş Ali, Tuğluca Merve, Şahin Oğuzhan, İlcan Hüseyin et al. (2025-05)
    A Comprehensive Study on the Valorization of Recycled Concrete Aggregates in 3D-Printable Cementitious Systems
  15. Thib Raghed, Taleb Maria, Belayachi Naima, Bulteel David et al. (2025-05)
    Hardened Properties of 3D Printable Mortars with Full Replacement of Natural Sand by Recycled Sand
  16. Zhao Herui, Jiang Quan, Xia Yong, Hou Dongqi et al. (2025-04)
    Microbial-Induced Calcareous Precipitation Effect on Tensile Strength and Early Age Shrinkage of 3D Printed Concrete
  17. Liu Qiong, Wang Qiming, Sun Chang, Singh Amardeep et al. (2025-04)
    Compressive Performance and Damage Evolution of Concrete Short Columns with Shell-Filling Structure Confined by Continuous Fiber Reinforced 3D Printed Mortar
  18. Maralapalle Vedprakash, Kumavat Hemraj, Nadaf Maheboobsab, Zende Aijaz et al. (2025-04)
    Optimizing 3D Geopolymer Concrete for Sustainable Construction:
    A Review of Material Selection, Printing Methods, and Properties
  19. Mim Nusrat, Shaikh Faiz, Sarker Prabir (2025-03)
    Sustainable 3D Printed Concrete Incorporating Alternative Fine Aggregates:
    A Review
  20. Yu Jie, Xu Fengming, Zhang Hanghua, Ye Junhong et al. (2025-01)
    Leveraging Incinerator Bottom Ash for Mitigating Early-Age Shrinkage in 3D Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites
  21. Bai Meiyan, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ding Tao, Yu Kequan (2024-12)
    Interfacial Bond-Properties Between 3D Printed Engineered Cementitious Composite and Post-Cast Concrete
  22. Liu Chao, Banthia Nemkumar, Shi Yifan, Jia Zijian et al. (2024-09)
    Early-Age Shrinkage Mitigation and Quantitative Study on Water Loss Kinetics of 3D Printed Foam-Concrete Modified with Superabsorbent Polymers
  23. Palomba Martina, Esposito Laura, Villani Chiara, Wagner Eckhard (2024-09)
    Environmental Conditions Affecting the Shrinkage Behavior of Low Clinker 3D Printable Mortar
  24. Hou Shaodan, Wu Wenbo, Duan Zhenhua, Zhou Shuai et al. (2024-09)
    Rheology of Fiber-Reinforced Mortar for 3D Printing Construction:
    Effect of Recycled Hybrid-Powder and Polyethylene-Fiber
  25. 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
  26. Zhi Yefan, Teng Teng, Akbarzadeh Masoud (2024-08)
    Designing 3D Printed Concrete Structures with Scaled Fabrication Models
  27. Wu Yiwen, Liu Chao, Liu Huawei, Bai Guoliang et al. (2024-07)
    Mechanism of the Influence of Multi-Scale Pore-Structure on the Triaxial Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Sand
  28. Li Bingying, Ding Tao, Qu Changwei, Liu Wei (2024-07)
    Modification of Fresh and Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Recycled Mortar by Superabsorbent Polymers
  29. Asghari Y., Mohammadyan-Yasouj S., Petrů M., Ghandvar H. et al. (2024-07)
    3D Printing and Implementation of Engineered Cementitious Composites:
    A Review
  30. Villiers Wibke, Mwongo Mwiti, Babafemi Adewumi, Zijl Gideon (2024-06)
    Quantifying Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste for Use in 3D Printed Concrete
  31. González-Fonteboa Belén, Seara-Paz Sindy, Caneda-Martínez Laura (2024-06)
    3D Printing Concrete with Byproducts
  32. Liu Qiong, Tang Huilin, Chen Kailun, Peng Bin et al. (2024-05)
    Utilizing CO2 to Improve Plastic Shrinkage and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Mortar Made with Recycled Fine Aggregates
  33. Zaid Osama, Ouni Mohamed (2024-04)
    Advancements in 3D Printing of Cementitious Materials:
    A Review of Mineral Additives, Properties, and Systematic Developments
  34. Xia Kailun, Chen Yuning, Chen Yu, Jia Zijian et al. (2024-04)
    Understanding and Modeling the Plastic Deformation of 3D Printed Concrete Based on Viscoelastic Creep Behavior
  35. Ding Yahong, Zhang Yaqi, Zhao Yu, Zhang Meixiang et al. (2024-04)
    Impact of Pre-Soaked Lime-Water-Carbonized Recycled Fine Aggregate on Mechanical Properties and Pore-Structure of 3D Printed Mortar
  36. Liu Xinhao, Hu Jiajun, Guo Xiaolu (2024-03)
    Printability and Inter-Layer Bonding Property of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer
  37. Chen Zhengyuan, Yang Shutong, Liu Qi, Xu Mingqi et al. (2024-03)
    Closed-Form Fracture-Model for Evaluating Crack-Resistance of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Slag/Fly-Ash Recycled-Sand Concrete
  38. Shi Yifan, Jia Lutao, Jia Zijian, Ma Lei et al. (2024-03)
    Early-Age Inhomogeneous Deformation of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Characteristics and Influences of Superplasticizer and Water-Binder Ratio
  39. Robayo-Salazar Rafael, Vargas Armando, Martínez Fabio, Gutiérrez Ruby (2024-02)
    Utilization of Powders and Fine Aggregates from the Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste in the 3D Printing of Portland-Based Cementitious Materials
  40. Xiao Jianzhuang, Liu Haoran, Ding Tao, Yu Kequan et al. (2024-02)
    Rebar-Free Concrete Construction:
    Concept, Opportunities and Challenges
  41. Zhou Wen, Zhu He, Hu Wei-Hsiu, Wollaston Ryan et al. (2024-02)
    Low-Carbon, Expansive Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) In the Context of 3D Printing
  42. Liu Qiong, Cheng Shengbo, Peng Bin, Chen Kailun et al. (2024-01)
    The Buildability and Flexural Properties of 3D Printed Recycled Mortar Reinforced with Synchronized Steel-Cable Under Different Reinforcement Ratios
  43. Tang Yuxiang, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ding Tao, Liu Haoran et al. (2024-01)
    Trans-Layer and Inter-Layer Fracture Behavior of Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Concrete Under Three-Point Bending
  44. Liu Qiong, Cheng Shengbo, Sun Chang, Chen Kailun et al. (2023-11)
    Steel-Cable Bonding in Fresh Mortar and 3D Printed Beam Flexural Behavior
  45. Markin Slava, Cordova Julian, Mechtcherine Viktor (2023-10)
    Evolution of Capillary Pressure in 3D Printed Concrete Elements:
    Numerical Modelling and Experimental Validation
  46. Jia Zijian, Zhang Zedi, Jia Lutao, Cao Ruilin et al. (2023-09)
    Effect of Different Expansive Agents on the Early-Age Structural Build-Up Process of Cement-Paste
  47. Zhang Hanghua, Hao Lucen, Zhang Shipeng, Xiao Jianzhuang et al. (2023-08)
    Advanced Measurement Techniques for Plastic Shrinkage and Cracking in 3D Printed Concrete Utilising Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor
  48. Soares Augusto, Costa Hugo, Carmo Ricardo, Rodrigues Ana et al. (2023-08)
    Comprehensive Design Methodology for 3D Printing Mortars
  49. Cao Xiangpeng, Yu Shiheng, Cui Hongzhi (2023-08)
    Experimental Study of the In-Situ Rebar-Splicing-Technique to Reinforce 3D Printed Concrete in Vertical Directions
  50. Zhu Lingli, Zhang Meng, Zhang Yaqi, Yao Jie et al. (2023-07)
    Research Progress on Shrinkage Properties of Extruded 3D Printed Cement-Based Materials
  51. Han Xiaoyu, Yan Jiachuan, Chen Tiefeng, Tang Boyang et al. (2023-07)
    Plastic Shrinkage of 3D Printed Concrete Under Different Self-Weight of Upper Layers
  52. Cao Xiangpeng, Yu Shiheng, Cui Hongzhi, Li Zongjin (2023-07)
    In-Situ Coating Technique for Rebar Installation for 3D Printed Reinforced Concrete
  53. Deng Qi, Zou Shuai, Xi Yonghui, Singh Amardeep (2023-06)
    Development and Characteristic of 3D Printable Mortar with Waste-Glass-Powder
  54. Soares Augusto, Rodrigues Ana, Costa Hugo, Carmo Ricardo et al. (2023-06)
    Bond Between Layers of Cementitious Mortars Developed for 3D Printing
  55. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Mechtcherine Viktor (2023-05)
    Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inter-Layer Regions in Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Concrete:
    A Critical Review
  56. Bai Meiyan, Wu Yuching, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ding Tao et al. (2023-04)
    Workability and Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites Incorporating Recycled Sand and PE-Fibers
  57. Volpe Stelladriana, Sangiorgio Valentino, Petrella Andrea, Notarnicola Michele et al. (2023-04)
    3D Printed Concrete Blocks Made with Sustainable Recycled Material
  58. Wang Li, Hu Yuanyuan, Wang Qiao, Cui Tianlong (2023-03)
    Shrinkage and Cracking Performance of PP/PVA Fiber-Reinforced 3D Printed Mortar
  59. Fonseca Mariana, Matos Ana (2023-03)
    3D Construction Printing Standing for Sustainability and Circularity:
    Material-Level Opportunities
  60. Liu Chao, Wang Zhihui, Wu Yiwen, Liu Huawei et al. (2023-02)
    3D Printing Concrete with Recycled Sand:
    The Influence Mechanism of Extruded Pore-Defects on Constitutive Relationship
  61. Xiao Jianzhuang, Hou Shaodan, Duan Zhenhua, Zou Shuai (2023-01)
    Rheology of 3D Printable Concrete Prepared by Secondary Mixing of Ready-Mix Concrete
  62. Puzatova (nee Sharanova) Anastasiia, Shakor Pshtiwan, Laghi Vittoria, Dmitrieva Maria (2022-11)
    Large-Scale 3D Printing for Construction Application by Means of Robotic Arm and Gantry 3D Printer:
    A Review
  63. Melichar Jindřich, Žižková Nikol, Brožovský Jiří, Mészárosová Lenka et al. (2022-11)
    Study of the Interaction of Cement-Based Materials for 3D Printing with Fly-Ash and Superabsorbent Polymers
  64. Nodehi Mehrab, Aguayo Federico, Nodehi Shahab, Gholampour Aliakbar et al. (2022-07)
    Durability Properties of 3D Printed Concrete
  65. Hao Lucen, Xiao Jianzhuang, Sun Jingting, Xia Bing et al. (2022-06)
    Thermal Conductivity of 3D Printed Concrete With Recycled Fine Aggregate Composite Phase-Change-Materials
  66. Zhang Hanghua, Xiao Jianzhuang, Duan Zhenhua, Zou Shuai et al. (2022-06)
    Effects of Printing Paths and Recycled Fines on Drying Shrinkage of 3D Printed Mortar
  67. Klyuev Sergey, Klyuev Alexander, Fediuk Roman, Ageeva Marina et al. (2022-04)
    Fresh and Mechanical Properties of Low-Cement Mortars for 3D Printing
  68. Mechtcherine Viktor, Tittelboom Kim, Kazemian Ali, Kreiger Eric et al. (2022-04)
    A Roadmap for Quality-Control of Hardening and Hardened Printed Concrete
  69. Yang Huashan, Che Yujun (2022-01)
    Recycling of Aggregate Micro-Fines as a Partial Replacement for Fly-Ash in 3D Printing Cementitious Materials
  70. Skibicki Szymon, Jakubowska Patrycja, Kaszyńska Maria, Sibera Daniel et al. (2021-12)
    Early-Age Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Mortar with Spent Garnet
  71. Liu Junli, Li Shuai, Gunasekara Chamila, Fox Kate et al. (2021-11)
    3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Glass:
    Effect of Glass Gradation on Flexural Strength and Microstructure

BibTeX
@article{zhan_xiao.2021.PSaCo3PMwRS,
  author            = "Hanghua Zhang and Jianzhuang Xiao",
  title             = "Plastic Shrinkage and Cracking of 3D Printed Mortar with Recycled Sand",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124405",
  year              = "2021",
  journal           = "Construction and Building Materials",
  volume            = "302",
  pages             = "124405",
}
Formatted Citation

H. Zhang and J. Xiao, “Plastic Shrinkage and Cracking of 3D Printed Mortar with Recycled Sand”, Construction and Building Materials, vol. 302, p. 124405, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124405.

Zhang, Hanghua, and Jianzhuang Xiao. “Plastic Shrinkage and Cracking of 3D Printed Mortar with Recycled Sand”. Construction and Building Materials 302 (2021): 124405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124405.