Assessing 3D-printed concrete process parameters through Discrete Element Modeling

Resumo

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) has emerged as a promising manufacturing technique in the civil engineering sector, offering myriad advantages over traditional construction methods. Despite its potential, challenges persist in optimizing the manufacturing stage of 3DCP, including determining optimal fresh concrete rheology, layer thickness, print path, and nozzle characteristics. In this study, we incorporate the Discrete Fresh Concrete model (DFC) into our Discrete Element Method (DEM) code to simulate the rheological behavior of fresh printable concrete during printing, aiming to explore a comprehensive range of process parameters and their combinations to enhance understanding and optimization 3DCP process. Through a series of simulations, we systematically vary some of the process variables such as concrete mix design, nozzle specifications, and printing speed to investigate their influence on the printed output quality. By the obtained results, we aim to identify the key parameters that significantly affect the process, offering insights for refining 3DCP technologies and helping guide their development. We believe methodologies of the type as shown here may be an efficient tool for advancing 3DCP technologies.