Exploring fibre addition methods and mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced 3D printed concrete: A review

Abstract

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is a growing field of sustainable technology that offers an avenue for rapid industrialisation of the construction industry. Over the years, many non-structural elements have been fabricated by 3D printing, thus demonstrating significant advantages over traditional casting process, including freedom from the need of mold, realisation of complex geometries and reduction of material use etc. However, examples of 3D printed structural parts are still limited with addition of fibres into concrete mixes. The fibres can be incorporated in 3D printed concrete either before mixing or printing; or during the printing. The present study adopted systematic review methodology to recommend effective fibre addition method in terms of mechanical properties of the printed concrete composite. In this review work, an attempt has been made to summarise the effect of different fibres including their type, dosage, entrainment methods, while highlighting the technical challenges and approaches adopted in the past for increasing the fibre dosages, controlling their distribution and orientation. This may save a significant amount of time and resources for the industrial sector for 3D printing high strength fibre reinforced concrete structures.