3D concrete printing modelling of thin-walled structures

Failures induced by either instability (elastic buckling) or green strength (plastic collapse) mechanisms have been commonly encountered in 3D concrete printed (3DCP) structures. In this work, a numerical model of the 3D concrete printing process is implemented to simulate these two failure mechanisms. Early-age mechanical properties of two printable mixes are used as input data for the simulation. The finite element (FE) modelling is then validated by comparison with 3DCP experiments of a hollow cylinder. The numerical analysis program can accurately predict the deformation and its failure modes during the 3D concrete printing process. Besides, the FE model is also used for validating a printed free thin wall. Further, sensitivity and parametric analyses are investigated to unveil the influence of printing process parameters, i.e., printing speed, extrusion width, and different mesh sizes on buildability.

Automated summary

This study implements a numerical model to simulate the failure mechanisms in 3D concrete printing, and validates the model's accuracy. Sensitivity and parametric analyses reveal the influence of printing process parameters on buildability.