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Article
Fiber Orientation Effects on Ultra-High Performance Concrete Formed by 3D Printing
Cement and Concrete Research
  • Arun R. Arunothayan
  • Behzad Nematollahi
  • Ravi Ranade
  • Shin Hau Bong
  • Jay G. Sanjayan
  • Kamal Khayat, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

Despite the growing interest in 3D concrete printing, its current progress is limited by reinforcing methods. Inclusion of steel fibers is a potential reinforcing solution; however, the effect of printing process on orientation of the fibers is still unknown. This study aims to quantitatively investigate the orientation distribution of steel fibers in 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete. The effects of extrusion nozzle size, Cartesian print speed, and fiber volume fraction on the orientation of fibers were evaluated using digital image analysis. The consequent effects of the fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed specimens were also determined. The results were compared with those of the conventionally mold-cast specimens. The results revealed that the smaller nozzle size and higher fiber volume fraction significantly enhanced the fiber alignment parallel to the printing direction. This preferential fiber alignment led to superior mechanical performance of the printed specimens to the mold-cast specimens.

Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • 3D printing,
  • Fiber orientation,
  • Image analysis,
  • Mechanical properties,
  • Ultra-high performance concrete
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2021 Pergamon, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
5-1-2021
Publication Date
01 May 2021
Citation Information
Arun R. Arunothayan, Behzad Nematollahi, Ravi Ranade, Shin Hau Bong, et al.. "Fiber Orientation Effects on Ultra-High Performance Concrete Formed by 3D Printing" Cement and Concrete Research Vol. 143 (2021) ISSN: 0008-8846
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kamal-khayat/116/