3D printing of mortar with continuous fibres: principle, properties and potential for application
Résumé
Important developments in additive manufacturing with concrete have been achieved in the past decades. Yet, printed components usually do not comply with building standards or basic reliability principles, and are not commonly used as load-bearing components. A gap between research and practice exists and despite several attempts, off-the-shelf commercial solutions for the reinforcement of the 3D printed structural components seem always expected. This article presents a patented alternative for reinforcement of 3D printed structures. This technology inspired by the composite industry is called flow-based pultrusion for additive manufacturing. A strict control of the rheological behaviour of the cementitious matrix ensures the routing and impregnation of continuous yarns of thin fibres (glass, basalt, etc.). The resulting material, Anisotropic Concrete homogeneously reinforced in a single direction, provides enhanced strength and ductility. This paper describes the process, its constraints, and first experimental achievements. It also lists and proposes new applications of the technology beyond conventional applications of concrete printing. New possibilities about the process itself and extrusion strategies, but also new imaginable constructive solutions and structural applications. Some of them are inspired by composite material industry.
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