High strength lightweight 3D concrete printing

• Main Author: Ngui, Phui Yook
• Other Authors: Wong Teck Neng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167423
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

3D concrete printing has been used in recent decades to create structures. These structures are typically composed of components such as Portland cement, water, admixtures, silica fumes, and other coarse or fine aggregates. Each of these substances is combined in varying ratios and combinations to create a concrete mix with properties that are ideal for its intended use. This has resulted in the creation of high-strength concrete, lightweight or low-density concrete, and many other types of concrete with different applications and uses. Since 3D concrete printing is still considered a relatively new technology, there are many areas that can be explored. This report will focus on the use of lightweight aggregates to create concrete with high-strength properties while also being lightweight. The study will use three aggregates: foam bits, cenosphere, and recycled plastic (ABS). Mixtures of different aggregate levels will be produced and tested to find the optimal mixture that gives the best results in this experiment. Tests such as compressive tests will be used to determine the strength, while rheology will be used to determine the yield stress of the concrete mix. Moreover, tests such as porosity and water absorption will be conducted to understand how they affect the results, which may vary in different mixes. This will provide a better understanding of the effects of using the chosen lightweight aggregates compared to the strength of the resulting concrete, which will have high-strength capability while also being lightweight.