Integrating 3D Modelling and Non-Linear Numerical Simulations in Concrete Additive Manufacturing (2024-11)¶

Additive manufacturing is an emerging technology that is gradually being adopted in the construction industry. When assessing the structural integrity of elements built using 3D concrete printing, careful consideration is required for unique structural aspects like a po- tentially weaker interlayer bond or geometric imperfections arising from the printing process. This study addressed these aspects by the means of non-linear finite element method. A single comprehensive analysis covering the entire lifecycle of a 3D-printed element from the construction process until a final load test is presented. First in the analysis, the printing process is simulated to check the stability of the element during manufacturing. The deformation from the early age is kept in the model and subsequently automatically considered during the load test simulation. The outcomes of the load test simulation are compared with experimental results for validation.