UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-OU-03
Title: Durability Assessment of Binders with Interlayer Reinforcement for 3D Printed Elements
Performing Institution: University of Oklahoma, University of New Mexico (consulting collaborators)
Principal Investigator: Shreya Vemuganti, University of Oklahoma
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 10/1/2023-09/30/2024
Project Description: 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is one of the fastest emerging technologies and involves layer-by-layer building of a binder material with additives without the use of formworks while enabling the design freedom to produce complex structural geometries. To enable this technology to reach end-use applications in construction such as printing large-scale, fail-safe concrete structural elements, the low tensile strength of concrete is to be overcome. Incorporating reinforcement such as steel between printed layers to carry tensile stress is at the risk of exposure to environmental degradation mechanisms such as chloride ingress and freeze-thaw which affect their durability due to lack of formwork and the weak morphology of the interface.

In this study, it is hypothesized that intrusion of chlorides and exposure to freeze-thaw will decrease the flexural strength and interlayer strength of reinforced 3DCP elements. In addition, 3DCP elements with fiber-reinforced polymers may show increased resistance to deterioration mechanisms while improving flexural and interlayer strength. This project aims to assess the durability properties of cementitious binders with interlayer reinforcement to aid in the design and development of 3DCP elements for transportation systems. The objectives of the proposed study are to answer two issues: the effect of deterioration mechanisms such as chloride ingress and freeze and thaw on the mechanical performance, and flexural strength capacities of (a) cementitious binders with successive layers representing 3D printed elements and (b) cementitious binders with different types of reinforcement incorporated at the interface between successive layers.
Click to read more