Solid waste-based set-on-demand 3D printed concrete: Active rheological control of cement-based magneto-rheological fluids

Interventions at the print head, such as magnetic fields, are expected to efficiently improve the buildability of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) without compromising flowability. A cement-based magneto-rheological (MR) fluid material has been developed using electric arc furnace slag powder (EAFSP). This paper found that the storage modulus and dynamic yield stress of cement-based MR fluids dramatically increased with the magnetic field strength and EAFSP concentration. According to the linear fitting results, the rheological properties correlate with the additional energy the magnetic moment obtains whenever a constant magnetic field is applied. Furthermore, after a time-limited magnetic sweep, the 3DPC buildability was improved, probably due to the presence of residual chain-like structures. This research assumes significance for the application of set-ondemand 3DPC.

Automated summary

This research developed a cement-based magneto-rheological (MR) fluid material to improve the buildability of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) through interventions at the print head, such as magnetic fields. The study found that the storage modulus and dynamic yield stress of the MR fluid dramatically increased with the magnetic field strength and EAFSP concentration. Additionally, after a time-limited magnetic sweep, the buildability of 3DPC was improved, possibly due to the presence of residual chain-like structures.