Title:
3D-Printed Polymer Concrete Mix Design Optimization: Insights from Early-Age Rheological and Mechanical Properties
Author(s):
Siham Al Shanti
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S25_Shanti.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/30/2025
Abstract:
3D-printed concrete has gained rapid growth and adoption due to design flexibility, reduced waste, and faster build times compared with traditional construction methods. While cement-based concrete has limitations such as low tensile strength and brittle behavior, polymer concrete (PC) offers advantages like enhanced flow control, improved buildability, and superior structural integrity, making it an ideal material for specialized 3D-printing applications. A key factor in achieving high-quality 3D printing—ensuring stable prints without structural collapse—requires a good understanding of the early-age rheological and mechanical properties of 3D-printed PC. This research characterizes the early-age rheological and mechanical properties of PC and investigates their relationship with the 3D-printing process and PC mix design. An experimental study has been conducted to measure slump, early-age gel strength and rheological behavior, unconfined uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and shear strength of 3D-printed PC. The findings were used to establish correlations between the early-age properties and the PC mix components, providing valuable insights for developing future 3D-printed PC mix design guidelines.