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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Preparation of Aligned Steel Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite and Its Flexural Behavior
Published on: June 27, 2018
Performance of 3D-Printed Beams and Slabs Using Self-Sensing Cementitious Composites and DIC Method
1Materials and Structures Innovation Group, School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
This study compares 3D-printed and cast concrete beams and slabs with carbon additives. 3D-printed composites show superior piezoresistive properties, though cracking performance was lower.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Background:
- Carbon fiber and activated carbon powder enhance concrete flexural strength and reduce electrical resistivity.
- 3D printing offers novel fabrication methods for concrete structures.
- Understanding the structural performance of these composites is crucial for advanced construction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural performance of 3D-printed versus cast cement-based steel-reinforced concrete beams and slabs.
- To evaluate the mechanical, electrical, and piezoresistivity properties of these composites.
- To compare crack propagation and strain behavior under load.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D-printed and cast concrete beams (250x325x3500 mm) and one-way slabs (150x400x3500 mm) with carbon additives.
- Mechanical, electrical, and piezoresistivity property testing up to 80% of maximum stress.
- 2D digital image correlation (DIC) for crack propagation and strain analysis.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed composites exhibited enhanced anisotropic behavior, leading to a better piezoresistive response.
- DIC analysis showed comparable results between 3D-printed and cast samples regarding crack and strain.
- 3D-printed blocks demonstrated lower cracking performance due to horizontal case fractures at lower stress levels.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed concrete with carbon additives presents promising piezoresistive capabilities.
- While structural integrity is comparable, 3D printing may require optimization for crack resistance.
- This research contributes to the development of advanced smart concrete materials.
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