Optimisation of Mix Proportion of 3D Printable Mortar Based on Rheological Properties and Material Strength Using...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 3D printable mortar (3DPM) requires a delicate balance between rheological properties for flow and material strength for structural integrity.
• Developing optimized mix compositions for 3DPM is challenging due to the wide array of available materials like cementitious materials, admixtures, and fibers.
• Fly ash, basalt fiber, and superplasticizer are key components that can enhance the performance of 3DPM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the rheological properties and material strength of 3D printable mortars (3DPM).
• To develop an optimized mix composition for 3DPM using cement, fly ash, basalt fiber, and superplasticizer.
• To establish statistical models for predicting 3DPM performance based on material parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a factorial design approach and desirability function to optimize mix proportions.
• Investigated varying dosages of cement, fly ash, basalt fiber, and superplasticizer.
• Evaluated rheological properties using slump flow, cone penetrometer, and cylindrical slump tests.
• Assessed mechanical strength through three-point bending and compressive tests.
• Developed prediction models using polynomial regression to analyze parameter effects and interactions.

Main Results:

• Regression models based on factorial design effectively predicted 3DPM performance.
• Cement, fly ash, and superplasticizer dosages significantly influenced both rheological and mechanical properties.
• Basalt fiber demonstrated an impact on static yield stress and flexural strength.
• Isoresponse curves and desirability functions aided in identifying trends and optimizing mix proportions.

Conclusions:

• The factorial design approach provides accurate prediction models for 3DPM.
• Optimized mix proportions can be achieved to meet desired performance objectives in both fresh and hardened states.
• This research offers valuable insights into the behavior of 3DPM constituents for enhanced additive manufacturing applications.