The buildability and flexural properties of 3D printed recycled mortar reinforced with synchronized steel cable under different reinforcement ratios

Abstract

This study achieved the synchronized reinforcement of 3D printed mortar with steel cables by modifying the printing equipment. Recycled sintered brick powder replaced 30 % of cement in the 3D printed mortar mixture. The optimal range for the open time was determined through flowability tests and preliminary tests, which ranged from 10 to 40 min. Ways to improve the reinforcement ratio without compromising buildability were explored. The bond strength between the steel cables and the printed mortar was tested and found to be approximately 2–2.5 MPa. The flexural strength of the printed beams with steel cable reinforcement increased by 172%–357 %, and multiple cracks occurred at the mid-span during the failure process. A correction formula for the flexural strength was provided, with calculated values showing an error within 12 % of the test values.