OPTIMISATION OF MIX DESIGN FOR 3D PRINTABLE CONCRETE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATED CONTINUOUS SUPPLY MECHANISM OF RAW MATERIALS

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the mix design optimization in 3D printable concrete and the development of an automated continuous supply mechanism for the enhancement of current state-of-the-art technology in 3D concrete printing. The addition of supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and sugarcane bagasse ash lends strength to the sustainability and mechanical performance of 3DPC with reduced cement content. The study has introduced an automated supply system, which enables continuous material flow during printing for improved efficiency and print quality. Results from experiments proved that mix designs and supply mechanisms that were optimized reduce labor significantly, with lower environmental impact and enhanced reliability in 3D printing. This indicates that such innovations could be critical to solving housing shortages in disaster-prone regions and making the construction solution fast and sustainable. This paper contributes immense amounts of insight into the field of 3DCP and suggests pathways forward for future development and commercialization.