Micro- and Macroscopic Investigations on the Interface Between Layers of 3D-Printed Cementitious Elements

Author(s): Venkatesh N. Nerella, Simone Hempel and Viktor Mechtcherine
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceeding of the 71st RILEM Annual Week & ICACMS 2017
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam, Ravindra Gettu, Radhakrishna G. Pillai, Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN:978-2-35158-195-7, 978-2-35158-190-2 (Set)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 557-566
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract:  Digital construction techniques such as 3D-concrete-pritning open new horizons as they enable faster, innovative construction processes, which are formwork free, less labour intensive and largely autonomous. Though these modern techniques have high potential, many concrete technological issues are still open and are yet to be scientifically investigated. Weak interface strengths or cold-joints between printed layers is one such important challenge to be studied. In this work, the layer-interface was investigated on two scales: micro and macro. Macroscopic studies were carried out by testing mechanical properties with different loading directions while microscopic studies involved investigating the microstructure at the interface of two printed layers. Material and process parameters were varied and their influences on layer-interface strength were critically analysed. A multi-scale methodology was developed to investigate and quantify influence of layer-interface on mechanical performance of 3D-printed cementitious elements. This methodology can also serve as a tool in supporting comprehensive material design for digital construction. Keywords: 3D printing, digital construction, interface strength, concrete printing, CONPrint3D, digital fabrication

Online publication :2017
Publication type :full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00