Effects of Using Silica Fume as a Viscosity Modifier on the Properties of 3D Printable Concrete

Cıza B., Kaya E., Yalçınkaya Ç.

3rd International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference (ICEARC'23), Trabzon, Türkiye, 12 - 14 Ekim 2023, ss.1-10

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Trabzon
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-10
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: The development of 3D printable concrete (3DPC) necessitates an intimate tailoring of various properties that are rather contradictory. Hence, many studies employed chemicals like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose that adversely affect the hardened properties of these mixtures. Thus, in this study, the feasibility of using silica fume (SF) as an alternative viscosity modifier has been studied.

Study design/methodology/approach: SF was used in various dosages such as 14%, and 18% by weight of cement. The effect of SF addition on fresh and hardened properties of 3DPC was investigated. Accordingly, fresh properties like workability and green strength of 3DPC mixtures were studied. Additionally, hardened properties such as compressive and flexural strengths at 7 and 28 days were performed on molded and standard cured samples.

Findings: As a result, it has been determined that while the utilization of SF enhanced the hardened properties of 3DPC mixtures, it significantly improved their fresh properties Additionally, its usage led to the decrease in setting times of developed mixtures in direct proportion to its dosage.

Originality/value: The utilization of SF in the development of 3DPC contributes to the knowledge of how to prevent deformation and structural issues during the early stages of printing, curing, and improving the overall integrity of printed structures. The benefits of SF on the compressive strength of 3DPC highlight the long-term viability of structures constructed using this technology.