The burgeoning field of additive manufacturing for concrete construction has brought about rapid advancements, but a persistent challenge remains the lack of ductility in the finished structures. Traditional solutions often involve melding printing with conventional casting and reinforcing methods to address this shortcoming. However, this paper introduces an innovative approach by exploring a system designed to incorporate reinforcement directly during the printing process. A specific device has been developed to facilitate this integration, focusing on the application of various online reinforcement mediums which are evaluated for both printability and structural efficacy.
The study conducts extensive testing, including printing test runs and 4-point bending tests, to assess the performance of potential reinforcement materials, particularly high-performance steel cables. These cables demonstrate promising reinforcement properties; however, the effectiveness is somewhat tempered by bonding issues which, if improved, could better leverage the cable's capabilities. Results indicate significant potential for enhancing post-cracking deformations and strength, pointing to a viable path forward in additive manufacturing. The findings strongly advocate for continued research into the optimal placement and configuration of reinforcement to maximize the structural benefits and advance the technology's application in concrete construction.
