A (p)review: Adhesion of printcrete for tunnel structures
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Date
2025-07
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
The construction of tunnel structures is a labor-intensive and challenging process, particularly in extreme environments such as high geothermal zones or cold regions, where human presence is often unsuitable or even hazardous. These conditions call for innovative construction techniques that can minimize on-site human intervention. Digital fabrication with concrete, particularly through 3D concrete printing, presents a transformative potential for automating the construction of tunnel structures. Unlike conventional methods such as mold-casting or shotcrete, which inherently ensure good adhesion between the material and the rock substrate, extrusion-based printable concrete (printcrete) faces significant challenges in achieving satisfactory adhesion, especially during its fresh and early hardening stages. Adhesion performance is critical for the structural integrity of printed tunnel structures, and a deeper understanding of this aspect is necessary. To this end, this paper consolidates prior research, focusing on three interacting components influencing the adhesion: the substrate, the printcrete, and any bonding agent at the interface. Based on these studies, the paper further discusses the unique adhesion challenges encountered in tunnel construction using printcrete and presents potential solutions.
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published
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Journal / series
Volume
22
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Elsevier
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Subject
Extrusion-based 3D concrete printing; Printcrete; Automated construction; Tunnel structures; Adhesion; Interface
Organisational unit
03891 - Flatt, Robert J. / Flatt, Robert J.
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication