Towards efficient concrete structures with ultra-thin 3D printed formwork: exploring reinforcement strategies and optimisation
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Date
2022
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
The Eggshell fabrication process combines the 3D printing of formwork with the simultaneous casting of a fast-hardening concrete. One limiting factor to reaching mass-market adoption is a suitable reinforcing strategy. In this study, a reinforcement strategy combining steel reinforcing bars with steel fibres is explored. A series of eight beams were produced using the Eggshell process or conventionally cast. The longitudinal reinforcement was provided by two reinforcing bars, and two types of fibres, either mixed with the concrete or placed and aligned between the cast concrete layers, were used as shear reinforcement. The results showed that combining conventional longitudinal reinforcement and fibres as shear reinforcement is a suitable strategy.
These findings were applied to fabricate an optimised beam with a volume reduction of almost 50%. The structural performance of this beam was similar to the beam with a rectangular crosssection with the same reinforcement strategy showing the potential of Eggshell in combination with an innovative reinforcement strategy to produce material-efficient structural concrete elements.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
17 (3)
Pages / Article No.
599 - 616
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Digital fabrication with concrete; eggshell; reinforcement strategies; optimisation; 3D printing; structural concrete
Organisational unit
09469 - Kaufmann, Walter / Kaufmann, Walter
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio
03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias
03891 - Flatt, Robert J. / Flatt, Robert J.
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication
Notes
Funding
141853 - Digital Fabrication - Advanced Building Processes in Architecture (SNF)
Related publications and datasets
Is supplemented by: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000518546