Design and analyses of printable strain hardening cementitious composites with optimized particle size distribution

Since the advent of three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP), several studies have shown potential strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCC) as a self-reinforcing printable mortar. However, only few papers focus on achieving sufficient buildability when developing SHCC. This study investigates role particle size distribution (PSD) in relation to properties mixture fresh state and hardened state. To this end 6 mixtures were designed based optimal packing with application Modified Andreasen Andersen Model. The two mix designs showed highest displacement at maximum stress selected for further development their rheological properties. was achieved by addition viscosity modifying agent (VMA) super plasticizer (SP) through material analysis means ram extrusion tests. Further characterization final 3DP-SHCC attained deployment uniaxial unconfined compression tests (UUCT), Vicat Buildability After successful SHCC composites, compressive strength, 4-point bending strength tensile determined an age 28 days. research shows that optimization PSD design results improvement buildability, but can introduce decreased pumpability capacity. • A methodology develop is presented. An optimized contribute performance. Unconfined test underestimate Printable susceptible segregation pumping phase. pump geometry has significant influence process 3DP-SHCC.