Development of Ultra-High-Performance Engineered Cementitious Composites for 3D Printing Applications

The present study aims to develop and assess ultra-high-performance engineered cementitious composites (UHP-ECC) materials, made mostly from readily available ingredients in Louisiana, with rheological properties especially optimized for construction 3D printing (3DP). Mainly, this study evaluated the effect of fly ash to cement ratio ( FA/C), sand to binder ratio (S/B), and high-range water reducer (HRWR) content on the fresh properties and compressive strength of the cementitious composites. Fresh properties evaluated in this study included flowability, setting time, extrudability, and shape stability. Furthermore, the compressive strength was performed at 28 days to assess hardened properties. Experimental results showed that (1) the increase in FA/C produced a decrease in f'c, but an increase in flowability and setting time; (2) an increase in S/B resulted in a decrease in flow and setting time, as well as an increase in shape stability; and (3) the increase in HRWR resulted in an increase in flow as expected.

Automated summary

The present study focuses on the development of ultra-high-performance engineered cementitious composites (UHP-ECC) for 3D printing in construction. The study evaluated the effects of fly ash to cement ratio, sand to binder ratio, and high-range water reducer content on the fresh properties and compressive strength of the materials. The experimental results show that the different ratios and additives significantly influenced the material's properties.