Seismic Performance Assessment of 3D-Printed Concrete Structures (2025-05)¶

In recent years, 3D concrete printing has emerged as an innovative construction technology, enhancing efficiency by enabling the creation of complex geometries, reducing labor costs, and minimizing construction waste compared to traditional construction methods. 3D-printed concrete is a tailored concrete that can be deposited layer by layer through a 3D printer without the need for formwork or vibration. However, despite extensive research on printable materials, the absence of specific design regulations for 3D-printed structures has limited the development of comprehensive assessments of their structural behavior. The layered structure and lack of conventional reinforcement in 3D-printed concrete further distinguish its structural behavior from that of conventionally constructed concrete. This study evaluates the structural performance of an unreinforced 3Dprinted wall element subjected to in-plane lateral loading through numerical simulation. The wall is modeled in SAP2000 using the mechanical properties of cement-based printable materials. A nonlinear pushover analysis is conducted to assess the lateral load-bearing capacity and deformation characteristics of the wall under loading conditions representative of seismic demand. The developed model provides insights into the behavior of 3Dprinted structures under lateral loading. The findings aim to contribute to the future integration of additive manufacturing into performance-based structural design and enhance understanding of the lateral performance of 3D-printed concrete.