Skip to content

Finite Element Buildability Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Including Failure by Elastic Buckling and Plastic Flow (2025-06)

10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120675

Chen Qinbin,  Barbat Gabriel,  Cervera Miguel
Journal Article - Engineering Structures, Vol. 340, No. 120675

Abstract

The present work proposes a novel framework for the numerical simulation of 3D printed concrete structures. For this, a constitutive model is proposed to reproduce the material behavior featuring aging, tensile and compressive damage, irreversible strain and creep. This is combined with a large-displacement framework to perform the buildability analysis of 3D printed concrete structures taking into account failure by both elastic buckling and plastic flow. In this work, a total of four numerical simulations of 3D printing of concrete are included, all of them being experiments reported in the literature: a straight wall, a hollow cylindrical wall, a large hollow square wall and a small hollow square wall. The results show the ability of the model to reproduce failure by elastic buckling and plastic flow with precision, effectively predicting the buildability of the 3D printed concrete structures.

63 References

  1. Abbaoui Khalid, Korachi Issam, Jai Mostapha, Šeta Berin et al. (2024-04)
    3D Concrete Printing Using Computational Fluid Dynamics:
    Modeling of Material-Extrusion with Slip-Boundaries
  2. An Dong, Zhang Yixia, Yang Chunhui (2023-11)
    Numerical Modelling of 3D Concrete Printing:
    Material-Models, Boundary-Conditions and Failure-Identification
  3. Andersen Sebastian, Silva Wilson, Paegle Ieva, Nielsen Jens (2020-07)
    Numerical Model Describing the Early-Age Behavior of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Work in Progress
  4. Bhattacherjee Shantanu, Basavaraj Anusha, Rahul Attupurathu, Santhanam Manu et al. (2021-06)
    Sustainable Materials for 3D Concrete Printing
  5. Chang Ze, Liang Minfei, Chen Yu, Schlangen Erik et al. (2023-09)
    Does Early-Age Creep Influence Buildability of 3D Printed Concrete?:
    Insights from Numerical Simulations
  6. Chang Ze, Liang Minfei, He Shan, Schlangen Erik et al. (2023-09)
    Lattice-Modelling of Early-Age Creep of 3D Printed Segments with the Consideration of Stress-History
  7. Chang Ze, Liang Minfei, Xu Yading, Schlangen Erik et al. (2022-08)
    3D Concrete Printing:
    Lattice Modeling of Structural Failure considering Damage and Deformed Geometry
  8. Chang Ze, Xu Yading, Chen Yu, Gan Yidong et al. (2021-05)
    A Discrete Lattice-Model for Assessment of Buildability Performance of 3D Printed Concrete
  9. Chang Ze, Zhang Hongzhi, Liang Minfei, Schlangen Erik et al. (2022-07)
    Numerical Simulation of Elastic Buckling in 3D Concrete Printing Using the Lattice-Model with Geometric Non-Linearity
  10. Cheng Hanbin, Radlińska Aleksandra, Hilman Michael, Liu Feihong et al. (2024-05)
    Modeling Concrete-Deposition via 3D Printing Using Reproducing Kernel-Particle-Method
  11. Chen Baixi, Zhao Xueqi, Qian Xiaoping (2024-09)
    Voxel-Based Path-Driven 3D Concrete Printing Process Simulation Framework Embedding Inter-Layer Behavior
  12. Comminal Raphaël, Serdeczny Marcin, Pedersen David, Spangenberg Jon (2019-06)
    Motion-Planning and Numerical Simulation of Material-Deposition at Corners in Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
  13. Comminal Raphaël, Silva Wilson, Andersen Thomas, Stang Henrik et al. (2020-07)
    Influence of Processing Parameters on the Layer Geometry in 3D Concrete Printing:
    Experiments and Modelling
  14. Comminal Raphaël, Silva Wilson, Andersen Thomas, Stang Henrik et al. (2020-10)
    Modelling of 3D Concrete Printing Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics
  15. Cui Weijiu, Sun Haijun, Zhou Jiangang, Wang Sheng et al. (2024-07)
    Geometric Quality Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Printable Concrete Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
  16. Diab Zeinab, Do Duc, Rémond Sébastien, Hoxha Dashnor (2023-04)
    Probabilistic Prediction of Structural Failure During 3D Concrete Printing Processes
  17. Hossain Md., Zhumabekova Altynay, Paul Suvash, Kim Jong (2020-10)
    A Review of 3D Printing in Construction and Its Impact on the Labor Market
  18. Jayathilakage Roshan, Rajeev Pathmanathan, Sanjayan Jay (2020-01)
    Yield-Stress-Criteria to Assess the Buildability of 3D Concrete Printing
  19. Jayathilakage Roshan, Rajeev Pathmanathan, Sanjayan Jay (2021-05)
    Extrusion Rheometer for 3D Concrete Printing
  20. Krenzer Knut, Palzer Ulrich, Müller Steffen, Mechtcherine Viktor (2022-06)
    Simulation of 3D Concrete Printing Using Discrete Element Method
  21. Kristombu Baduge Shanaka, Navaratnam Satheeskumar, Zidan Yousef, McCormack Tom et al. (2021-01)
    Improving Performance of Additive Manufactured Concrete:
    A Review on Material Mix-Design, Processing, Inter-Layer Bonding, and Reinforcing-Methods
  22. Liu Haoran, Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Mechtcherine Viktor (2022-04)
    Buildability Prediction of 3D Printed Concrete at Early-Ages:
    A Numerical Study with Drucker-Prager-Model
  23. Liu Xuanting, Sun Bohua (2021-11)
    The Influence of Interface on the Structural Stability in 3D Concrete Printing Processes
  24. Ma Liangzhu, Yin Deshun, Ren Jiangtao, Tian Mingyuan et al. (2024-09)
    An Effective Thixotropic Structural-Dynamics Rheological-Model for 3D Printed Concrete Materials in the Flow-State
  25. Meere Hani, Yan Shuaxing, Wang Dongpo, Bi Yuzhang (2024-01)
    Behavior of Traditional Concrete Dams and Three-Dimensional Printed Concrete Dams Under the Debris Flow Impact
  26. Mengesha Meron, Schmidt Albrecht, Göbel Luise, Lahmer Tom (2020-07)
    Numerical Modeling of an Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing-Process Considering a Spatially-Varying Pseudo-Density Approach
  27. Mengesha Meron, Schmidt Albrecht, Göbel Luise, Lahmer Tom et al. (2021-06)
    Numerical Simulation for 3D Printed Wall Structure During the Process of Printing Considering Uncertainty
  28. Mohan Manu, Rahul Attupurathu, Schutter Geert, Tittelboom Kim (2020-10)
    Extrusion-Based Concrete 3D Printing from a Material Perspective:
    A State of the Art Review
  29. Mollah Md., Comminal Raphaël, Serdeczny Marcin, Šeta Berin et al. (2023-05)
    Computational Analysis of Yield-Stress-Buildup and Stability of Deposited Layers in Material-Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
  30. Nedjar Boumediene (2021-07)
    On a Geometrically Non-Linear Incremental Formulation for the Modeling of 3D Concrete Printing
  31. Nedjar Boumediene (2021-09)
    Incremental Viscoelasticity at Finite Strains for the Modelling of 3D Concrete Printing
  32. Nguyen Vuong, Nguyen-Xuan Hung, Panda Biranchi, Tran Jonathan (2022-03)
    3D Concrete Printing Modelling of Thin-Walled Structures
  33. Ooms Ticho, Vantyghem Gieljan, Coile Ruben, Corte Wouter (2020-12)
    A Parametric Modelling-Strategy for the Numerical Simulation of 3D Concrete Printing with Complex Geometries
  34. Ramyar Elham, Cusatis Gianluca (2021-11)
    Discrete Fresh Concrete-Model for Simulation of Ordinary, Self-Consolidating, and Printable Concrete-Flow
  35. Reinold Janis, Gudžulić Vladislav, Meschke Günther (2023-03)
    Computational Modeling of Fiber Orientation During 3D Concrete Printing
  36. Rizzieri Giacomo, Cremonesi Massimiliano, Ferrara Liberato (2023-08)
    A 2D Numerical Model of 3D Concrete Printing Including Thixotropy
  37. Rizzieri Giacomo, Cremonesi Massimiliano, Ferrara Liberato (2024-09)
    Challenging the Limits of Fluid FEM Modelling in 3D Concrete Printing
  38. Rizzieri Giacomo, Ferrara Liberato, Cremonesi Massimiliano (2023-07)
    Numerical Simulation of the Extrusion and Layer-Deposition-Processes in 3D Concrete Printing with the Particle-Finite-Element-Method
  39. Robayo-Salazar Rafael, Gutiérrez Ruby, Villaquirán-Caicedo Mónica, Delvasto Arjona Silvio (2022-12)
    3D Printing with Cementitious Materials:
    Challenges and Opportunities for the Construction Sector
  40. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel (2018-09)
    Active Control of Properties of Concrete:
    A (P)Review
  41. Serdeczny Marcin, Comminal Raphaël, Pedersen David, Spangenberg Jon (2019-05)
    Numerical Simulations of the Mesostructure Formation in Material-Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
  42. Shahzad Qamar, Li Fangyuan (2023-09)
    An Innovative Method for Buildability-Assessment of 3D Printed Concrete at Early-Ages
  43. Singh Amardeep, Liu Qiong, Xiao Jianzhuang, Lyu Qifeng (2022-02)
    Mechanical and Macrostructural Properties of 3D Printed Concrete Dosed with Steel-Fibers under Different Loading-Direction
  44. Spangenberg Jon, Silva Wilson, Comminal Raphaël, Mollah Md. et al. (2021-10)
    Numerical Simulation of Multi-Layer 3D Concrete Printing
  45. Sreenivas Gagan, Rizzieri Giacomo, Bhattacherjee Shantanu, Jain Smrati et al. (2024-11)
    Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Layer Deformation in a 3D Printed Concrete Element
  46. Suiker Akke, Wolfs Robert, Lucas Sandra, Salet Theo (2020-06)
    Elastic Buckling and Plastic Collapse During 3D Concrete Printing
  47. Tao Yaxin, Zhou Jiangang, Cui Weijiu, Shi Xinyu et al. (2024-04)
    Numerical Assessment of Plastic Yielding in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing
  48. Vantyghem Gieljan, Ooms Ticho, Corte Wouter (2020-11)
    VoxelPrint:
    A Grasshopper Plug-In for Voxel-Based Numerical Simulation of Concrete Printing
  49. Wang Qing, Ren Xiaodan, Li Jie (2023-08)
    Damage-Rheology Model for Predicting 3D Printed Concrete Buildability
  50. Wei Ying, Han Song, Chen Ziwei, Lu Jianxian et al. (2024-04)
    Numerical Simulation of 3D Concrete Printing Derived from Printer Head and Printing Process
  51. Wijaya Ignasius, Kreiger Eric, Masud Arif (2022-05)
    An Elastic‐Inelastic Model and Embedded Bounce‐Back-Control for Layered Printing with Cementitious Materials
  52. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2018-02)
    Early-Age Mechanical Behaviour of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Numerical Modelling and Experimental Testing
  53. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2019-06)
    Triaxial Compression Testing on Early-Age Concrete for Numerical Analysis of 3D Concrete Printing
  54. Wolfs Robert, Suiker Akke (2019-06)
    Structural Failure During Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Processes
  55. Wu Yun-Chen, Li Mo (2022-09)
    Effects of Early-Age Rheology and Printing Time Interval on Late-Age Fracture Characteristics of 3D Printed Concrete
  56. Xia Kailun, Chen Yuning, Chen Yu, Jia Zijian et al. (2024-04)
    Understanding and Modeling the Plastic Deformation of 3D Printed Concrete Based on Viscoelastic Creep Behavior
  57. Xiao Jianzhuang, Ji Guangchao, Zhang Yamei, Ma Guowei et al. (2021-06)
    Large-Scale 3D Printing Concrete Technology:
    Current Status and Future Opportunities
  58. Xiao Jianzhuang, Liu Haoran, Ding Tao (2020-11)
    Finite-Element-Analysis on the Anisotropic Behavior of 3D Printed Concrete under Compression and Flexure
  59. Yu Hao, Zhang Weiwei, Yin Binbin, Sun Weikang et al. (2024-01)
    Modeling Extrusion-Process and Layer-Deformation in 3D Concrete Printing via Smoothed Particle-Hydrodynamics
  60. Zhi Peng, Wu Yuching, Rabczuk Timon (2023-11)
    Effects of Time-Varying Liquid Bridge Forces on Rheological Properties, and Resulting Extrudability and Constructability of Three-Dimensional Printing Mortar
  61. Zhu Jinggao, Cervera Miguel, Ren Xiaodan (2024-06)
    Buildability of Complex 3D Printed Concrete Geometries Using Peridynamics
  62. Zhu Jinggao, Ren Xiaodan, Cervera Miguel (2023-08)
    Buildability Modeling of 3D Printed Concrete Including Printing-Deviation:
    A Stochastic Analysis
  63. Zhu Jinggao, Ren Xiaodan, Cervera Miguel (2023-07)
    Peridynamic Buildability-Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Including Damage, Plastic Flow and Collapse

0 Citations

BibTeX
@article{chen_barb_cerv.2025.FEBAo3PCIFbEBaPF,
  author            = "Qinbin Chen and Gabriel B. Barbat and Miguel Cervera",
  title             = "Finite Element Buildability Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Including Failure by Elastic Buckling and Plastic Flow",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120675",
  year              = "2025",
  journal           = "Engineering Structures",
  volume            = "340",
  pages             = "120675",
}
Formatted Citation

Q. Chen, G. B. Barbat and M. Cervera, “Finite Element Buildability Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Including Failure by Elastic Buckling and Plastic Flow”, Engineering Structures, vol. 340, p. 120675, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120675.

Chen, Qinbin, Gabriel B. Barbat, and Miguel Cervera. “Finite Element Buildability Analysis of 3D Printed Concrete Including Failure by Elastic Buckling and Plastic Flow”. Engineering Structures 340 (2025): 120675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120675.