Effects of time-varying liquid bridge forces on rheological properties, and resulting extrudability and constructability of three-dimensional printing mortar

Abstract

Extrudability and constructability are two important, yet contradictory issues pertaining to the construction of three-dimensional (3D) printing concrete. Extrudability is easily achieved when 3D printing cement mortar has a high water content and low cohesion, but the printed structure is easily collapsible. However, a 3D printing cement mortar with a low water content and high cohesion has a relatively stable printed structure although the cement mortar might not be extrudable. This study proposes a particle-based method to simulate 3D printing mortar extrusion and construction as an overall planning tool for building design. First, a discrete element model with time-varying liquid bridge forces is developed to investigate the microscopic effects of these forces on global rheological properties. Next, a series of numerical simulations relevant to 3D printable mortar extrudability and constructability are carried out. The study demonstrates that the effects of time-varying liquid bridge forces on rheological properties and the resulting extrudability and constructability of 3D printing mortar are considerable. Furthermore, an optimized region that satisfies both the extrusion and construction requirements is provided for 3D printing industry as a reference.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

particle-based simulation / liquid bridge force / rheological property / 3D printing mortar / extrudability / constructability

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Acknowledgements

This work was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52178299 and 51325802). The authors wish to thank Jesus Christ for listening to our prayers and to the anonymous reviewers for their thorough review of the article and for their constructive pieces of advice.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 Higher Education Press