FraMCoS 12 2025 Vienna, Austria

Fracture behavior of additively manufactured cementitious materials

Additive manufacturing (AM) of cementitious materials, also known as 3D printing, offers transformative potential for the construction sector. Given the inherently quasi-brittle behavior of cementitious materials and their vulnerability to fracture, it is essential to understand how the layer-by-layer extrusion…

First page of: Fracture behavior of additively manufactured cementitious materials
Year 2025
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Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) of cementitious materials, also known as 3D printing, offers transformative potential for the construction sector. Given the inherently quasi-brittle behavior of cementitious materials and their vulnerability to fracture, it is essential to understand how the layer-by-layer extrusion process affects their fracture resistance. This study explored the interplay between early-age rheology, pore structure, and fracture toughness of additively manufactured cementitious materials. Using three-dimensional micro-computed tomography, the impact of early-age thixotropic behavior and varying printing time intervals on the pore structure of the interlayers was examined. Fracture tests were conducted on printed specimens, incorporating a digital image correlation system for precise monitoring and visualization of crack evolution. The findings demonstrated that fracture toughness of additively manufactured cementitious materials is strongly influenced by their early-age rheological behavior and printing conditions.