For a single batch material, time intervals and nozzle standoff distances between two subsequent layers are two critical printing parameters that influence the mechanical performance of the printed concrete. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to investigate the impacts of these printing parameters on the interlayer bond strength of the 3D printed limestone and calcined clay-based cementitious materials. All samples were manufactured by a lab-scale 3D printer equipped with a hybrid back- and down-flow nozzle (rectangular opening). The uniaxial tensile test was employed to quantify the interface adhesion of printed specimens. Moreover, the greyscale value image of microstructure, as well as the air void content and distribution of the printed specimens were acquired by X-ray computed tomography and characterized by image analysis. The experimental results showed that extending the time interval between construction of two layers could decrease the bond strength, whereas only increasing the nozzle standoff distance exhibited limited effects on that. The weak bond strength could be attributed to the high local porosity at the interface of the specimen. Additionally, numerical simulations of the uniaxial tensile test were conducted using a 2D lattice fracture model, which can predict the bond strength of printed specimens for different void content in the interface layer.

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In 3D concrete printing (3DCP), it is necessary to meet contradicting rheological requirements: high fluidity during pumping and extrusion, and high stability and viscosity at rest to build the layered structure. In this paper, the impact of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based viscosity-modifying admixture (VMA) on the 3D printability and mechanical performance of a limestone and calcined clay based cementitious material is investigated. A combination of VMA and superplasticizer was used for that purpose. In this case, controlling the competitive effects between VMA and superplasticizer becomes critical. The main strategy for 3D printing in this study was to add an optimal dosage of VMA in the solid suspension that was already mixed with water and superplasticizer. A lab-scale 3DCP setup was developed and demonstrated as well. A series of tests was performed to characterize the effects of VMA on flowability, extrudability, open time, buildability, green strength, hydration, compressive strength, and air void content and distribution. Experiments performed in this study showed that the mixture containing 0.24% (of the binder mass) of VMA exhibited satisfactory 3D printability and optimal mechanical performance. Finally, the results, limitations, and perspectives of the current research were discussed.@en