Performance Indicators of Printed Construction Materials: a Durability-Based Approach

Abstract

Studying the durability of materials and structures, including 3D-printed structures, is now a key step in better meeting the challenges of sustainable development and integrating technical and economic aspects from the design phase into the execution phase. While digital and robotics technologies have been well developed for construction 3D printing, the material aspect still faces critical issues to meet the evolving requirements for buildings. This research aims to develop performance indicators for 3D-printed materials used in construction regardless of the nature of the material. A general guideline is to be established as a result of this research. Thus, the literature review analyzes traditional durability approaches to construction materials and challenges are identified for potential applications in construction. The results suggest that performance indicators for 3D-printed materials should be checked as printable through an experimental case study. This research could be of interest to researchers, professionals, and start-ups in the construction and materials research fields.

Review of Advances in 3D Printing Technology of Cementitious Materials: Key Printing Parameters and Properties Characterization

“…For Khalil et al (2018) [98], this measure is determined by controlling of the length of the ground layer as a function of speed. For Lafhaj and Dakhli (2019) [102], pumpability is the threshold of pressure that allows a possible flow. A good pumpability is not necessary for a good printability if shape retention is not satisfactory or if the production of additional layers in heights is not verified.…”

“…The porosity is then determined by hydrostatic weighting. Mixtures with and without accelerators and retarders are compared, and this indicates that additives influence the total porosity [102]. Oxygen permeability gives an indication of the interconnectivity of the pores.…”

“…The aim is to measure chloride anion diffusion in the depth of the material over time. The influence of the layering created during the printing process is evaluated [102,111,113,114]. For Van der Putten et al (2020), a mortar is evaluated between cast and 3D-printed samples with different time gaps.…”

“…The hygroscopic characteristics are then evaluated (Figure 23). Typically, if moisture is large, samples can be more sensitive to aggressive agents [102]. Since 3D-printed materials are usually more porous than usual casts, they are subjected to more moisture uptake under RH given values.…”

Experimental Approach for Printability Assessment: Toward a Practical Decision-Making Framework of Printability for Cementitious Materials

“…Especially there is no normative standard to follow in order to formulate a ready to uses material for AM. Thus, various efforts must be made for standardizing the technology in the construction industry [26,27].…”