Geometric quality evaluation of three-dimensional printable concrete using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

The importance of geometrical control of three dimensional (3D) printable concrete without the support of formwork is widely acknowledged. In this study, a numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics was developed to evaluate the geometrical quality of a 3D printed layer. The numerical results were compared, using image analysis, with physical cross-sectional sawn samples. The influence of printing parameters (printing speed, nozzle height, and nozzle diameter) and the rheological behavior of printed materials (yield stress), on the geometrical quality of one printed layer was investigated. In addition, the yield zone of the printed layer was analyzed, giving insights on the critical factors for geometrical control in 3D concrete printing. Results indicated that the developed model can precisely describe the extrusion process, as well as the cross-sectional quality.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

digital fabrication / 3D concrete printing / geometric quality / computational fluid dynamics / printing parameters / yield stress

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52008224), the Open Fund of innovation institute for Sustainable Maritime Architecture Research and Technology (iSMART), Qingdao University of Technology (No. 2020-031) and the Key Technology Research and Development Program of Shandong (No. 2019GSF110004). The authors also express their gratitude for the financial support received from the Industrial Research Fund (IOF.PRO.2022.0010.01) from Ghent University.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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