Time-dependent buildability evaluation of 3D printed concrete: experimental validation and numerical simulation

Abstract

This study aims to determine the constructability of printed material, aiming to predict the potential maximum achievable height for the printed material without encountering any instances of printed specimen failure. Thus, a new experimental technique was suggested to assess the constructability of printed concrete in a fresh state. In the early development phase, tests were conducted to evaluate both the load-bearing capability and the maximum height achievable through the printing process of the structure. Afterward, experiments were conducted to explore time-dependent characteristics and integrate these findings into simulation models during a subsequent stage. Later, a constructability testing model based on the Drucker–Prager (DP) criterion was developed, and its accuracy was validated via numerical and experimental testing. The utilized model effectively and accurately represents the evolving mechanical characteristics of material properties over time. Additionally, the numerical model demonstrated considerable accuracy in forecasting the constructability capacity of early-stage printed concrete.