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Sustainably 3D-Printing Mortar with Construction Residue Sand (2026-02)

Printability, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructural Mechanisms

10.3390/buildings16040709

Zhou Wenjuan,  Yang Can, He Xiao, Zhou Mingli, Zhao Handi
Journal Article - Buildings, Vol. 16, Iss. 4, No. 709

Abstract

This study addresses the technical challenges of using construction residue sand (CRS) with high mud content in 3D printing by developing a novel sustainable mortar system. The key novelty lies in optimizing the mix design with calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) and defining a quantitative printability window. Results show that at a CSA dosage of 10–15% and a sand–binder ratio of 1.4–1.5, the mortar achieves excellent printability, with a fluidity of 165–195 mm and a slump of 10–40 mm. Mechanistically, CSA promotes AFt formation, refining pore structure, and enhancing mechanical strength. This work provides a high-value pathway for recycling construction waste and advancing green intelligent construction.

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0 Citations

BibTeX
@article{zhou_yang_he_zhou.2026.S3PMwCRS,
  author            = "Wenjuan Zhou and Can Yang and Xiao He and Mingli Zhou and Handi Zhao",
  title             = "Sustainably 3D-Printing Mortar with Construction Residue Sand: Printability, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructural Mechanisms",
  doi               = "10.3390/buildings16040709",
  year              = "2026",
  journal           = "Buildings",
  volume            = "16",
  number            = "4",
  pages             = "709",
}
Formatted Citation

W. Zhou, C. Yang, X. He, M. Zhou and H. Zhao, “Sustainably 3D-Printing Mortar with Construction Residue Sand: Printability, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructural Mechanisms”, Buildings, vol. 16, no. 4, p. 709, 2026, doi: 10.3390/buildings16040709.

Zhou, Wenjuan, Can Yang, Xiao He, Mingli Zhou, and Handi Zhao. “Sustainably 3D-Printing Mortar with Construction Residue Sand: Printability, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructural Mechanisms”. Buildings 16, no. 4 (2026): 709. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040709.