Concept of Using 3D Printing for Production of Concrete–Plastic Columns with Unconventional Cross-Sections

Abstract

A concept of concrete–plastic columns was presented in the paper. As a proof of concept, a research program was conducted. Seven different cross-sections of columns formwork were 3D printed using plastic. The cross-sections represented three types of columns’ shapes: most common, rare, and impossible to be realized using traditional formworks (based on fractals). Prepared plastic formworks were filled with cement mortar playing the role of ordinary concrete. After 28 days of curing, the load–strain characteristics of all the concrete columns were tested. Achieved results were discussed. It was proven that concrete–plastic columns were characterized by quasi-plastic behavior while being ultimately destroyed. Columns with fractal-based cross-sections sustained the largest strains while maintaining a significant part of the maximum load. The achieved results proved that it is possible to completely omit traditional steel rebar-stirrup reinforcement. The future direction of needed research should cover larger columns and other concrete–plastic elements. Using fiber-reinforced concrete for the creation of concrete–plastic elements should be also tested.

Simulated and Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties for Improving Isotropic Fracture Strength of 3D-Printed Capsules

“…To compensate for this problem, three-dimensional (3D) printer-based self-healing capsules were proposed that allow for various capsule structural designs, repeatable fabrication, and strength analysis. This 3D printing has become a technology that offers many opportunities in various research fields such as construction, and mechanical and biomedical engineering [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. This polymer-based 3D printing technology is well known for obtaining fast and relatively accurate models of high strength; moreover, the method is inexpensive and capable of using complex geometrical shapes [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Harnessing 3D Printing of Plastics in Construction—Opportunities and Limitations

“…The selected shapes corresponded to the three groups of most frequently encountered, rarely encountered, and impossible to realize (based on fractals) cross-sections. All columns were characterized by a constant height of 160 mm and a constant cross-sectional As demonstrated, it is possible to use 3D-printed plastic elements as an unconventional reinforcement [53][54][55]. The formwork would be used for the traditional casting of concrete structural elements.…”

“…As demonstrated, it is possible to use 3D-printed plastic elements as an unconventional reinforcement [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. The formwork would be used for the traditional casting of concrete structural elements.…”

“…Katzer and Skoratko [ 53 ] presented the concept of plastic-concrete columns. Seven different sections of 3D-printed formwork made of plastics were prepared ( Figure 5 a).…”

“…The described research and possibilities aim at simplifying the technological process itself [ 51 , 68 ]. It was also forecast that the complex fractal cross-sections of the columns, apart from their artistic value, may have an impact on noise reduction in public spaces [ 53 ].…”