journal article·2025-12Open access

Evaluation and optimization of 3D-printed concrete based on flowability considering printability and micro-pore characteristics

Hailong Wang, Xinlei Song, Wenbin Shen, Xiaoyan Sun, Yaxin Tao, Xiqiang Lin

Abstract

Flowability significantly impacts the performance of 3D printed concrete (3DPC). However, reconciling the conflicting demands of printability (extrudability and buildability) remains a challenge, and a comprehensive framework for quantitative evaluation and optimization remains underexplored. This study addresses the conflicting requirements of extrudability and buildability in 3DPC by developing two novel quantitative indices: the extrudability impact factor (D) and the buildability impact factor (I), both based on flowability measurements. A multi-objective optimization approach integrating the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy method was employed to determine the ideal balance between these properties. The ideal solution on the Pareto frontier was further refined using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Microstructural X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was further used to explore the impact of flowability on pore characteristics, including interlayer and intralayer porosity. Furthermore, a porosity impact factor (P) was proposed to quantify the microstructural characteristics of interlayer and intralayer pores, enabling the establishment of a cubic fitting curve between flowability and P. This curve served to correct the optimal flowability range determined by dual-objective optimization. The results showed that an optimal flowability range (175.8–180.4 mm) minimizes pore-related defects while ensuring high extrusion quality and structural stability. The proposed framework provides a robust, quantitative methodology for optimizing 3DPC material performance, offering theoretical and practical insights for advanced 3D printing applications. • Novel indices are introduced to evaluate extrudability and buildability. • A multi-objective optimization framework for printed concrete is employed. • The impact of flowability on the pore structure of printed concrete is analyzed. • The optimal flowability range of printed concrete is identified.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

References (60)

Show source-provided references
1. 3D printing concrete structures: state of the art, challenges, and opportunities10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133364 ↗
2. Vision of 3D printing with concrete — Technical, economic and environmental potentials10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.06.001 ↗
3. Evaluation of workability parameters in 3D printing concrete10.1016/j.prostr.2018.09.023 ↗
4. U. Jalil Malik, Inclusive characterization of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) in additive manufacturing: a detailed review10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132229 ↗
5. Extrusion-based additive manufacturing with cement-based materials – Production steps, processes, and their underlying physics: A review10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106037 ↗
6. Rheological and harden properties of the high-thixotropy 3D printing concrete10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.12.061 ↗
7. Evaluation and control of printability and rheological properties of 3D-printed
8. Impact of double hooked steel fibers and nano-kaolin clay on fresh properties of 3D-Printable
9. Unraveling pore structure alternations in 3D-printed geopolymer concrete and corresponding impacts on macro-properties
10. Layer-interface properties in 3D printed concrete: Dual hierarchical structure and micromechanical characterization10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106220 ↗
11. Improving printability of limestone-calcined clay-based cementitious materials by using viscosity-modifying admixture10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106040 ↗
12. Evaluating the effects of porosity on the mechanical properties of extrusion-based 3D printed concrete10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106695 ↗
13. Influence of pore defects on the hardened properties of 3D printed concrete with coarse aggregate
14. Advancements in 3D printing of cementitious materials: a review of mineral additives, properties, and systematic developments10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136254 ↗
15. An analysis of factors influencing the building material performance on 3D printing
16. Printability region for 3D concrete printing using slump and slump flow test10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.106968 ↗
17. Printability and advantages of 3D printing mortar with 100% recycled sand10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121699 ↗
18. Research on Buildability of 3D Printing Cementitious
19. Printable properties of cementitious material containing copper tailings for extrusion based 3D printing10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.051 ↗
20. Preparation and microstructural characterization of a novel 3D printable building material composed of copper tailings and iron tailings10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118779 ↗
21. Effect of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Ether on Properties of 3D Printing Mortar
22. Research Progress of 3 D Printed Concrete Materials and Its Performance
23. Influence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and silica fume on stability, rheological properties, and printability of 3D printing foam concrete10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104158 ↗
24. Study on preparation method of 3D printing concrete materiaI
25. Design of 3D printable concrete based on the relationship between flowability of cement paste and optimum aggregate content10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103406 ↗
26. Mix proportion optimization of 3D printing concrete for underwater intelligent construction
27. Effect of time interval on the interlayer adhesion of 3D printed concrete with recycled sand: Multi-factor influencing mechanisms and superabsorbent polymer enhancement
28. Review on performance requirements and related admixtures of 3D printed concrete
29. Research progress and application of 3D printing concrete
30. BIM-based multi-objective optimization of clash resolution: a NSGA-II
31. Suitability evaluation method for preventive maintenance of asphalt pavement based on interval-entropy weight-TOPSIS10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.134098 ↗
32. Sustainability assessment of flooring systems in the city of Tehran: An AHP-based life cycle analysis10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.11.041 ↗
33. Y. Shi, L. Jia, Z. Jia, L. Ma, Z. Zhang, K. Xia, Y. Chen, Y. ZhangEarly-age inhomogeneous deformation of 3D printed concrete: Characteristics and influences of superplasticizer and water-binder ratio, J. Build. Eng. 86 (2024) 108956, 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.1089562024.10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108956 ↗
34. Test methods for printability of 3D printing fresh concrete, in: T/CBMF 184—2022/T/CCPA 34—2022, 2022, p.
35. Rheology of foamed cement10.1016/j.cemconres.2008.12.004 ↗
36. 3D extrusion free forming of geopolymer composites: materials modification and processing optimization10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120986 ↗
37. based on extrusion-curing 3D printing technology
38. Printability and mechanical properties of 3D printing ultra-high performance concrete incorporating limestone powder10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136195 ↗
39. Buildability modeling of 3D-printed concrete including printing deviation: a stochastic analysis10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133076 ↗
40. Microstructure model of fresh cement paste with superplasticizer incorporated
41. C. Liu, S. Yue, C. Zhou, H. Sun, S. Deng, F. Gao, Y. Tan, 2021, Anisotropic mechanical properties of extrusion-based 3D printed layered concrete, J. Mater. Sci. 5610.1007/s10853-021-06416-w ↗
42. (30) (2021) 16851-16864, 10.1007/s10853-021-06416-w.
43. Multiscale X-ray tomography of cementitious materials: a review10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.105824 ↗
44. Relationship between pore structure and mechanical properties of ordinary concrete under bending fatigue10.1016/S0008-8846(98)00037-4 ↗
45. Interlayer bonding investigation of 3D printing cementitious materials with fluidity-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer and high-dispersion polycarboxylate superplasticizer10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127151 ↗
46. Influence of polycarboxylic acid water reducer and clay content on rheological properties of cement paste
47. The influence of bleeding of cement suspensions on their rheological properties10.3390/ma13071609 ↗
48. Rheology and pumpability of mix suitable for extrusion-based concrete 3D printing – A review10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132962 ↗
49. Kristombu Baduge · 2021 · 29 · 1597
50. Rheological requirements for printable concretes10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.04.005 ↗
51. An artificial neural network model for predicting compression strength of heat treated woods and comparison with a multiple linear regression model10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.03.041 ↗
52. M. Ohishi, H. Yanagihara, Y. Fujikoshi, 2020, A fast algorithm for optimizing ridge parameters in a generalized ridge regression by minimizing a model selection criterion, J. Stat. Plan. Infer. 204 (2020) 187-205, 10.1016/j.jspi.2019.04.010.10.1016/j.jspi.2019.04.010 ↗
53. Statistical tests, P values, confidence intervals, and power: a guide to misinterpretations10.1007/s10654-016-0149-3 ↗
54. Rheology, bubble-particle interaction and air bubble system: a study of the influence of inorganic salts on air entrainment by bubble rising measurement10.1016/j.cemconres.2023.107265 ↗
55. Effect of aggregate gradation and mortar rheology on static segregation of self-compacting concrete10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119816 ↗
56. An investigation into the porosity of extrusion-based 3D printed concrete
57. Mechanical anisotropy of aligned fiber reinforced composite for extrusion-based 3D printing10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.01.008 ↗
58. A model based on Gauss distribution for predicting window behavior in building10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.12.008 ↗
59. Distribution of geothermal resources in Eryuan County based on entropy weight TOPSIS and AHP-TOPSIS methods10.1016/j.ngib.2024.03.002 ↗
60. Multi-objective optimization of mix proportion of hybrid fiber recycled aggregate concrete based on NSGA-Ⅱ and entropy weight TOPSIS method