Reinforcement of Printed Structures (2025-01)¶

This chapter recalls the important elements in the history of “reinforced concrete”, the material mechanisms involved and the challenges in terms of strength and ductility control. It takes stock of existing initiatives, and classifies them according to whether they reenforce the printed structure, the printing material, or in-line. Technical progress is still needed to improve the achievable fiber content and workability of mortars. In-line reinforcement is certainly an interesting avenue, perhaps more in tune with the spirit of technology and construction 4.0. This should enable more massive reinforcements, in competition with conventional steel systems for concrete, more flexible in use and adaptable according to the need and the object to be reinforced. The chapter focuses on flow-based-pultrusion which enables more homogeneous, “in-line” reinforcement and avoids technologies and motors for guiding and driving the reinforcement.