FURI | Spring 2022

3D Printing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

The research team developed an Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) blend that retained significant mechanical strength for 3D printing applications. The blend consists of type II/V Portland cement and fly ash, limestone, and slag as cementitious replacement material. Fibers were added to the mixture for tensile reinforcement, but were limited by the capacity of the auger to continuously push the material uniformly through the nozzle of the printer. Printed specimens with flexural strength of up to 13 MPa and compressive strength up to 120 MPa were obtained.