Skip to content

3D Concrete Printing for Tunnel Linings (2024-05)

Opportunities and Challenges

10.1088/1755-1315/1333/1/012039

 Tao Yaxin,  Yuan Yong
Journal Article - IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Vol. 1333, Iss. 1, No. 012039

Abstract

The use of shotcrete for hard rock tunnel linings has drawbacks such as irregular surfaces and rebounds. By contrast, extrusion-based 3D concrete printing presents a promising solution with precise deposition and reduced rebound. This study discusses the potential of 3D printing for tunnel linings, focusing on mitigating shear failure and addressing interfacial detachment. Achieving high strength early for stable adhesion to rock surfaces is paramount for countering shear failure. A twin-pipe pumping system was introduced utilizing a helical static mixer to blend concrete involving chemical triggers, effectively managing the stiffness and fluidity during pumping. In addition, the adhesion to the substrate must be addressed. Based on the above discussion, this study offers insights into the fundamental challenges, paving the way for advancing extrusion-based 3D concrete printing for tunnel linings.

20 References

  1. Flatt Robert, Wangler Timothy (2022-05)
    On Sustainability and Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  2. Heidarnezhad Fatemeh, Zhang Qian (2022-01)
    Shotcrete-Based 3D Concrete Printing:
    State of Art, Challenges, and Opportunities
  3. Kloft Harald, Krauss Hans-Werner, Hack Norman, Herrmann Eric et al. (2020-05)
    Influence of Process Parameters on the Inter-Layer Bond Strength of Concrete Elements Additive Manufactured by Shotcrete 3D Printing
  4. Kruger Jacques, Zijl Gideon (2020-10)
    A Compendious Review on Lack-of-Fusion in Digital Concrete Fabrication
  5. Lu Bing, Qian Ye, Li Mingyang, Weng Yiwei et al. (2019-04)
    Designing Spray-Based 3D Printable Cementitious Materials with Fly-Ash-Cenosphere and Air-Entraining Agent
  6. Marchon Delphine, Kawashima Shiho, Bessaies-Bey Hela, Mantellato Sara et al. (2018-05)
    Hydration- and Rheology-Control of Concrete for Digital Fabrication:
    Potential Admixtures and Cement-Chemistry
  7. Muthukrishnan Shravan, Ramakrishnan Sayanthan, Sanjayan Jay (2022-02)
    Set-on-Demand Geopolymer Using Print-Head Mixing for 3D Concrete Printing
  8. Putten Jolien, Rahul Attupurathu, Schutter Geert, Tittelboom Kim (2021-08)
    Development of 3D Printable Cementitious Composites with the Incorporation of Polypropylene Fibers
  9. Reiter Lex, Wangler Timothy, Anton Ana-Maria, Flatt Robert (2020-05)
    Setting-on-Demand for Digital Concrete:
    Principles, Measurements, Chemistry, Validation
  10. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel (2018-09)
    Active Control of Properties of Concrete:
    A (P)Review
  11. Schutter Geert, Lesage Karel, Mechtcherine Viktor, Nerella Venkatesh et al. (2018-08)
    Vision of 3D Printing with Concrete:
    Technical, Economic and Environmental Potentials
  12. Tao Yaxin, Lesage Karel, Tittelboom Kim, Yuan Yong et al. (2021-11)
    Influence of Substrate-Surface-Roughness and Moisture-Content on Tensile Adhesion Performance of 3D Printable Concrete
  13. Tao Yaxin, Lesage Karel, Tittelboom Kim, Yuan Yong et al. (2023-03)
    Twin-Pipe Pumping-Strategy for Stiffening-Control of 3D Printable Concrete:
    From Transportation to Fabrication
  14. Tao Yaxin, Mohan Manu, Rahul Attupurathu, Schutter Geert et al. (2023-02)
    Development of a Calcium Sulfoaluminate-Portland Cement Binary System for Twin-Pipe 3D Concrete Printing
  15. Tao Yaxin, Rahul Attupurathu, Mohan Manu, Schutter Geert et al. (2023-05)
    Enhancing Mechanical Performance of Twin-Pipe Printable Concrete Using a Binary Binder System
  16. Tao Yaxin, Rahul Attupurathu, Mohan Manu, Tittelboom Kim et al. (2022-09)
    Blending Performance of Helical Static Mixer Used for Twin-Pipe 3D Concrete Printing
  17. Tao Yaxin, Ren Qiang, Vantyghem Gieljan, Lesage Karel et al. (2023-02)
    Extending 3D Concrete Printing to Hard Rock Tunnel Linings:
    Adhesion of Fresh Cementitious Materials for Different Surface Inclinations
  18. Wangler Timothy, Pileggi Rafael, Gürel Şeyma, Flatt Robert (2022-03)
    A Chemical Process Engineering Look at Digital Concrete Processes:
    Critical Step Design, In-Line Mixing, and Scale-Up
  19. Zhang Ketao, Chermprayong Pisak, Xiao Feng, Tzoumanikas Dimos et al. (2022-09)
    Aerial Additive Manufacturing with Multiple Autonomous Robots
  20. Zhang Yu, Zhang Yunsheng, She Wei, Yang Lin et al. (2019-01)
    Rheological and Hardened Properties of the High-Thixotropy 3D Printing Concrete

1 Citations

  1. Hasani Alireza, Dorafshan Sattar (2025-11)
    Evaluation of Fresh, Hardened, and Durability Properties of Three-Dimensional Concrete Printed Pipes

BibTeX
@article{tao_yuan.2024.3CPfTL,
  author            = "Yaxin Tao and Yong Yuan",
  title             = "3D Concrete Printing for Tunnel Linings: Opportunities and Challenges",
  doi               = "10.1088/1755-1315/1333/1/012039",
  year              = "2024",
  journal           = "IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science",
  volume            = "1333",
  number            = "1",
  pages             = "012039",
}
Formatted Citation

Y. Tao and Y. Yuan, “3D Concrete Printing for Tunnel Linings: Opportunities and Challenges”, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 1333, no. 1, p. 012039, 2024, doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/1333/1/012039.

Tao, Yaxin, and Yong Yuan. “3D Concrete Printing for Tunnel Linings: Opportunities and Challenges”. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1333, no. 1 (2024): 012039. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1333/1/012039.