This paper presents the theoretical analysis and experimental results concerning the rheological behavior and mix design of a 3d printable cement paste as matrix for printing concrete. From the point of view of classical rheology of disperse systems, the application of 3D printing technology in construction has been analyzed. The general scientific concept for optimization of admixtures for 3D printable materials has been developed in terms of viscosity, consistency, and parameters of flocculation and structural built-up. The technological tools to control rheological behavior of visco-plastic admixtures are identified in all stages of 3D printing such as mixing, pumping, extrusion, multilayer casting and structural built-up in the printing layers. The relevant considerations include the concentration, size, morphology, chemical and mineralogical composition, the physical and chemical activity of the solid phase’s surface, and the ionic composition, viscosity, and density of the liquid phase. The squeezing test is used in this paper as a rheological behaviour identification tool of cement-based materials in order to evaluate the extrudability and buildability. It is shown that these properties are significantly influenced by the mix proportions such as W/C-ratio, concentration of plasticizer additives and viscosity modifier additives as factors of changes in the concentration of the dispersed phase and properties of the dispersion liquid.
Assessment of asymmetrical rheological behavior of cementitious material for 3D printing application
