Extrusion-based layer deposition is the most popular form of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP). A 3D printed assembly is a composite made up of multiple layers. The stress response of the printed assembly is influenced by the directionality of the material…
Extrusion-based layer deposition is the most popular form of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP). A 3D printed assembly is a composite made up of multiple layers. The stress response of the printed assembly is influenced by the directionality of the material deposit and the stress transfer between the layers. The bond between the layers determines the level of stress transfer and the composite action achieved in printed assemblies. The inter-layer bonding is an important parameter, which effects the homogeneity of the element and thus its mechanical behavior. The bond between the layers depends upon several factors including the fluidity of the mixture and the time between layers. Weak interfaces develop between two adjacent layers of concrete depending on the fluidity of the mix and the time gap between placement. The study involves the understanding of interface between the layers on the fracture behavior of the printed beams. Crack propagation in the layered beam is evaluated using digital image correlation. The influence of changes in the interface created by different wait times on the crack planes across the printed interfaces are studied. The reduction in the bond between layers with waiting time is related to fracture behavior of the printed beam.