Elastic buckling and plastic collapse during 3D concrete printing

• Published in: Cement and concrete research 2020-09, Vol.135, p.106016, Article 106016
• Main Authors: Suiker, A.S.J., Wolfs, R.J.M., Lucas, S.M., Salet, T.A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing experiments; Additive manufacturing; Concrete; Elastic buckling; Optimization; Optimization of 3D printing process; Parametric 3D printing model; Plastic buckling; Plastic collapse; Structural failure; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional printing
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106016

This contribution studies failure by elastic buckling and plastic collapse during 3D concrete printing of wall structures. Four types of experiments were performed, which demonstrate the circumstances under which elastic buckling and plastic collapse occur, the effect of geometrical imperfections on the buckling response, the influence by the curing rate of the concrete material on the buckling stability, and the conditions leading to the successful printing of a complex, practical structure (a picnic table). The experimental results are compared to those computed by the parametric 3D printing model recently developed by Suiker (Int. J. Mech Sci, 137: 145–170, 2018), showing a very good agreement. The design formulas and design graphs deduced from the parametric model serve as a useful tool for accurately designing wall structures against failure during 3D concrete printing. Furthermore, they may be applied to optimize the process conditions during 3D printing, by providing the maximal printing velocity, the optimal geometrical characteristics, or the minimal amount of material required for adequately printing the structure.