Skip to content

Simulation and Analysis of Material Stacking and Migration Induced by Extrusion Behavior in 3D Printed Concrete (2025-04)

10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04605

Zhang Ziqi,  Pan Tinghong, Guoa Rongxin, Lin Runsheng, Fu Chaoshu, Luo Zhiqiang, Guan Dian, Li Xiang
Journal Article - Case Studies in Construction Materials, No. e04605

Abstract

The process of 3D printing concrete using various nozzle configurations will change the shape of the printing strip. However, the fundamental causes behind this impact are still unclear. This study adopts a new perspective and uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations to analyze the extrusion process under different extrusion angles and nozzle rotation radii from the perspective of differences in the extrusion path of concrete materials. A new material migration analysis model based on the force induced mechanism of material extrusion has been established. By utilizing the deformation of strip cross-sections during experimental and simulation processes and analyzing the migration process of internal concrete materials under different nozzle extrusion angles and printing rotation radii, a quantitative relationship between material extrusion path differences, material migration amounts, and structural deformation variables was determined. In addition, by analyzing the changes in material extrusion pressure and speed during the simulation process, it was found that reducing the material path would increase the constraint of the surrounding structure on the extruded material, leading to an increase in internal pressure and a decrease in internal velocity, thereby further inducing material migration. This indicates that the differences in printing paths caused by different printing extrusion processes of the nozzle are the fundamental factors affecting the structural changes of the printing strip. This study provides a more detailed analysis model and theoretical basis for understanding the material migration process of 3D printed concrete during material extrusion,thereby providing technical guidance for subsequent optimization of multi-layer structure printing.

38 References

  1. Alhumayani Hashem, Gomaa Mohamed, Soebarto Veronica, Jabi Wassim (2020-06)
    Environmental Assessment of Large-Scale 3D Printing in Construction:
    A Comparative Study between Cob and Concrete
  2. Arunothayan Arun, Nematollahi Behzad, Ranade Ravi, Bong Shin et al. (2021-02)
    Fiber-Orientation Effects on Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Formed by 3D Printing
  3. Chen Wenguang, Ye Junhong, Jiang Fangming, Fediuk Roman et al. (2024-05)
    Printability Region for 3D Printable Engineered Cementitious Composites
  4. Christen Heidi, Zijl Gideon, Villiers Wibke (2023-02)
    Improving Building Thermal Comfort Through Passive Design:
    An Experimental Analysis of Phase-Change-Material 3D Printed Concrete
  5. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zou Shuai, Wang Yu (2020-06)
    Hardened Properties of Layered 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Sand
  6. Fan Dingqiang, Zhu Jinyun, Fan Mengxin, Lu Jianxian et al. (2023-04)
    Intelligent Design and Manufacturing of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete:
    A Review
  7. Furet Benoît, Poullain Philippe, Garnier Sébastien (2019-04)
    3D Printing for Construction Based on a Complex Wall of Polymer-Foam and Concrete
  8. Haar Bjorn, Kruger Jacques, Zijl Gideon (2024-04)
    Off-Site 3D Printed Concrete Beam Design and Fabrication
  9. He Lewei, Tan Jolyn, Chow Wai, Li Hua et al. (2021-11)
    Design of Novel Nozzles for Higher Inter-Layer Strength of 3D Printed Cement-Paste
  10. Heras Murica Daniel, Genedy Moneeb, Taha Mahmoud (2020-09)
    Examining the Significance of Infill-Printing-Pattern on the Anisotropy of 3D Printed Concrete
  11. Hou Shaodan, Duan Zhenhua, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ye Jun (2020-12)
    A Review of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Performance-Requirements, Testing Measurements and Mix-Design
  12. Ji Guangchao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zhi Peng, Wu Yuching et al. (2022-02)
    Effects of Extrusion-Parameters on Properties of 3D Printing Concrete with Coarse Aggregates
  13. Lao Wenxin, Li Mingyang, Wong Teck, Tan Ming et al. (2020-02)
    Improving Surface-Finish-Quality in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing Using Machine-Learning-Based Extrudate-Geometry-Control
  14. Li Mingyang, Liu Zhixin, Ho Jin, Wong Teck (2023-03)
    Improving Homogeneity of 3D Printed Cementitious Material-Distribution for Radial Tool-Path
  15. Liu Zhixin, Li Mingyang, Tay Yi, Weng Yiwei et al. (2020-04)
    Rotation-Nozzle and Numerical Simulation of Mass-Distribution at Corners in 3D Cementitious Material-Printing
  16. Mohan Manu, Rahul Attupurathu, Tittelboom Kim, Schutter Geert (2020-10)
    Rheological and Pumping Behavior of 3D Printable Cementitious Materials with Varying Aggregate Content
  17. Pan Tinghong, Guo Rongxin, Fu Chaoshu, Ji Xuping et al. (2023-10)
    Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing with Different Flow-Direction
  18. Pan Tinghong, Guo Rongxin, Jiang Yaqing, Ji Xuping et al. (2022-11)
    Flow and Deformation Behaviors of Cementitious Materials Through Nozzles with Different Geometric Parameters:
    Experimental and Numerical Approaches
  19. Pan Tinghong, Guo Rongxin, Jiang Yaqing, Ji Xuping (2022-07)
    How Do the Contact Surface Forces Affect the Inter-Layer Bond Strength of 3D Printed Mortar?
  20. Pan Jinlong, Ping Pengxin, Ding Boyin, Zhu Binrong et al. (2024-03)
    Impact Behavior of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite Beams
  21. Pan Tinghong, Teng Huaijin, Liao Hengcheng, Jiang Yaqing et al. (2022-03)
    Effect of Shaping Plate Apparatus on Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Cement-Based Materials:
    Experimental and Numerical Studies
  22. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Mohamed Nisar, Tay Yi et al. (2017-09)
    Measurement of Tensile Bond Strength of 3D Printed Geopolymer Mortar
  23. Panda Biranchi, Ruan Shaoqin, Unluer Cise, Tan Ming (2018-11)
    Improving the 3D Printability of High-Volume Fly-Ash Mixtures via the Use of Nano-Attapulgite-Clay
  24. Pang Zhiming, Lu Cong, Li Baoshan, Wang Jiajie (2023-02)
    A Multi-Scale Model for Quantifying Fiber-Orientation Effects on the Tensile Properties of 3D Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites
  25. Paul Suvash, Zijl Gideon, Tan Ming, Gibson Ian (2018-05)
    A Review of 3D Concrete Printing Systems and Materials Properties:
    Current Status and Future Research Prospects
  26. Roussel Nicolas (2018-05)
    Rheological Requirements for Printable Concretes
  27. Roussel Nicolas, Spangenberg Jon, Wallevik Jon, Wolfs Robert (2020-06)
    Numerical Simulations of Concrete Processing:
    From Standard Formative Casting to Additive Manufacturing
  28. Sarakinioti Maria, Turrin Michela, Konstantinou Thaleia, Tenpierik Martin et al. (2018-03)
    Developing an Integrated 3D Printed Façade with Complex Geometries for Active Temperature-Control
  29. Saruhan Vedat, Keskinateş Muhammer, Felekoğlu Burak (2022-04)
    A Comprehensive Review on Fresh State Rheological Properties of Extrusion-Mortars Designed for 3D Printing Applications
  30. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Paul Gavin (2019-05)
    A Study into the Effect of Different Nozzles Shapes and Fiber-Reinforcement in 3D Printed Mortar
  31. Wang Chaofan, Chen Bing, Vo Thanh, Rezania Mohammad (2023-07)
    Mechanical Anisotropy, Rheology and Carbon Footprint of 3D Printable Concrete:
    A Review
  32. Weng Yiwei, Li Mingyang, Tan Ming, Qian Shunzhi (2018-01)
    Design 3D Printing Cementitious Materials via Fuller-Thompson-Theory and Marson-Percy-Model
  33. Xiao Jianzhuang, Lv Zhenyuan, Duan Zhenhua, Hou Shaodan (2022-03)
    Study on Preparation and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Concrete with Different Aggregate-Combinations
  34. Yu Kequan, McGee Wesley, Ng Tsz, Zhu He et al. (2021-02)
    3D Printable Engineered Cementitious Composites:
    Fresh and Hardened Properties
  35. Zhang Yu, Zhang Yunsheng, She Wei, Yang Lin et al. (2019-01)
    Rheological and Hardened Properties of the High-Thixotropy 3D Printing Concrete
  36. Zhi Peng, Wu Yuching, Yang Qianfan, Kong Xiangrui et al. (2022-03)
    Effect of Spiral Blade Geometry on 3D Printed Concrete Rheological Properties and Extrudability Using Discrete Event Modeling
  37. Zhu Jinggao, Cervera Miguel, Ren Xiaodan (2024-06)
    Buildability of Complex 3D Printed Concrete Geometries Using Peridynamics
  38. Zhu Binrong, Pan Jinlong, Nematollahi Behzad, Zhou Zhenxin et al. (2019-07)
    Development of 3D Printable Engineered Cementitious Composites with Ultra-High Tensile Ductility for Digital Construction

0 Citations

BibTeX
@article{zhan_pan_guoa_lin.2025.SaAoMSaMIbEBi3PC,
  author            = "Ziqi Zhang and Tinghong Pan and Rongxin Guoa and Runsheng Lin and Chaoshu Fu and Zhiqiang Luo and Dian Guan and Xiang Li",
  title             = "Simulation and Analysis of Material Stacking and Migration Induced by Extrusion Behavior in 3D Printed Concrete",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04605",
  year              = "2025",
  journal           = "Case Studies in Construction Materials",
  pages             = "e04605",
}
Formatted Citation

Z. Zhang, “Simulation and Analysis of Material Stacking and Migration Induced by Extrusion Behavior in 3D Printed Concrete”, Case Studies in Construction Materials, p. e04605, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04605.

Zhang, Ziqi, Tinghong Pan, Rongxin Guoa, Runsheng Lin, Chaoshu Fu, Zhiqiang Luo, Dian Guan, and Xiang Li. “Simulation and Analysis of Material Stacking and Migration Induced by Extrusion Behavior in 3D Printed Concrete”. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2025, e04605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04605.