Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Three-dimensional printing concrete (3DPC) has garnered significant attention for its construction efficiency and complex geometric capabilities. However, its mechanical properties differ markedly from cast-in-place concrete due to interlayer/intralayer interface weakening and pore anisotropy. Flowa...
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2025-05-01
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| author | Xinlei Song Quanbiao Xu Hailong Wang Xiaoyan Sun Feng Xue |
| author_facet | Xinlei Song Quanbiao Xu Hailong Wang Xiaoyan Sun Feng Xue |
| author_sort | Xinlei Song |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Three-dimensional printing concrete (3DPC) has garnered significant attention for its construction efficiency and complex geometric capabilities. However, its mechanical properties differ markedly from cast-in-place concrete due to interlayer/intralayer interface weakening and pore anisotropy. Flowability directly regulates printability and pore distribution, thereby influencing mechanical properties. This study systematically examines flowability’s effects on 3DPC mechanical properties through compressive, flexural, and interfacial splitting tensile tests, integrated with Griffith’s fracture theory and stress intensity factor calculations. The key findings are as follows: (1) 3DPC exhibits pronounced anisotropy—compressive strength (X > Y > Z), flexural strength (Y ≈ Z > X2 > X1), and splitting tensile strength (C > T). Increased flowability enables compressive and Y/Z direction flexural strengths to approach cast concrete levels. (2) The anisotropy coefficient <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>I</mi></mrow><mrow><mi mathvariant="normal">a</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> decreases significantly with flowability (66.7% for compressive, 66.8% for flexural strength). Flexural strength shows greater sensitivity to interfacial defects than compressive strength. (3) The aspect ratio of ellipsoidal pores directly influences the anisotropic compressive behavior. Increased flowability promotes morphological transformation of elliptical pores toward more spherical geometries with reduced flattening, thereby mitigating the anisotropy in compressive performance. These results establish a theoretical framework for optimizing and predicting 3DPC mechanical performance, supporting its practical application in construction. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-dda2a8c29cbe4192ac9a4ff5c5a8b55d |
| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-dda2a8c29cbe4192ac9a4ff5c5a8b55d2025-08-20T03:46:50ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-05-011511607010.3390/app15116070Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical StudyXinlei Song0Quanbiao Xu1Hailong Wang2Xiaoyan Sun3Feng Xue4College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaCenter for Balance Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaCollege of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaCollege of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaSIPPR Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 450007, ChinaThree-dimensional printing concrete (3DPC) has garnered significant attention for its construction efficiency and complex geometric capabilities. However, its mechanical properties differ markedly from cast-in-place concrete due to interlayer/intralayer interface weakening and pore anisotropy. Flowability directly regulates printability and pore distribution, thereby influencing mechanical properties. This study systematically examines flowability’s effects on 3DPC mechanical properties through compressive, flexural, and interfacial splitting tensile tests, integrated with Griffith’s fracture theory and stress intensity factor calculations. The key findings are as follows: (1) 3DPC exhibits pronounced anisotropy—compressive strength (X > Y > Z), flexural strength (Y ≈ Z > X2 > X1), and splitting tensile strength (C > T). Increased flowability enables compressive and Y/Z direction flexural strengths to approach cast concrete levels. (2) The anisotropy coefficient <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>I</mi></mrow><mrow><mi mathvariant="normal">a</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> decreases significantly with flowability (66.7% for compressive, 66.8% for flexural strength). Flexural strength shows greater sensitivity to interfacial defects than compressive strength. (3) The aspect ratio of ellipsoidal pores directly influences the anisotropic compressive behavior. Increased flowability promotes morphological transformation of elliptical pores toward more spherical geometries with reduced flattening, thereby mitigating the anisotropy in compressive performance. These results establish a theoretical framework for optimizing and predicting 3DPC mechanical performance, supporting its practical application in construction.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6070flowability3D printing concretemechanical propertiesstrength predictionanisotropy |
| spellingShingle | Xinlei Song Quanbiao Xu Hailong Wang Xiaoyan Sun Feng Xue Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study Applied Sciences flowability 3D printing concrete mechanical properties strength prediction anisotropy |
| title | Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study |
| title_full | Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study |
| title_fullStr | Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study |
| title_short | Flowability-Dependent Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printing Concrete: Experimental and Theoretical Study |
| title_sort | flowability dependent anisotropic mechanical properties of 3d printing concrete experimental and theoretical study |
| topic | flowability 3D printing concrete mechanical properties strength prediction anisotropy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6070 |
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