3D printed concrete construction

This project will contribute to developing design guidelines for steel-reinforced 3D printed concrete structural members. 3D printing is a novel construction method that is being developed around the world. It has the potential to revolutionize construction practices, because it is an automated process that requires less heavy labor compared to regular construction practices. The material used for 3D printing structural members has similar properties to ordinary concrete, however there are few critical differences that make the design codes developed for reinforced concrete construction possibly not applicable for 3D printed reinforced concrete, unless modified.

This proposal will investigate one of these critical differences-the fact that the aggregate sizes need to be a small fraction of those common in reinforced concrete. This means that the development length of the steel rebar in 3D printed concrete will need to be re-established for this new type of material and construction. The development length is an important parameter that needs to be satisfied in all reinforced concrete designs, to assure that the full design capacity of the section can be developed. This proposal will determine the development length and spacing of steel rebars needed for successful 3D printed construction.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dagmar Svecova

Student:

Partner:

Gardon Construction

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: