Parametric modelling of 3D printed concrete segmented beams with rebars under bending moments

Abstract

3D concrete printing is gaining relevance as a technology for the manufacture of lightweight components and complex freeform shells. Nevertheless, the insertion of reinforcing elements to withstand tensile stress, the fabrication of large structures, and the insertion of joints between different segments are some targets that are still to be addressed for its full development. A new method which also includes a novel parametric model is presented in this study to simulate the performance of 3DPC reinforced segmented beams subjected to 3-point bending tests. In addition to the geometry of the complete beam, the beam segments, different materials, and the rebar, which were considered in previous works, the material age and the interface between segments and rebar-concrete adhesion are also considered in the new method. The method is complemented by a new set of programmed routines that connect commercial design and finite element calculation programs, requiring only one user interaction with an initial routine to generate the estimated performance of a component in a 3-point flexural test in a given set of cases. Finally, the method was validated through direct comparisons with experimental tests.

Keywords

• Numerical modelling
• FEM
• Additive manufacturing
• 3D concrete printing
• Reinforcement