A Review of Recent Research Progress of 3D-Printed Concrete in Australia

Abstract

Abstract: 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology to fabricate three-dimensional objects via layer-by-layer additive deposition process. Over the past few years, 3D printing has been attracting increasingly attention from the building and construction industry. Compared with the traditional concrete casting technique, the application of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) results in higher efficiency with freeform construction and less dependence on labor. Globally, the research work on 3DCP has experienced a substantial increase over the last few years thanks to the active research teams from different universities and institutions, including those in Australia. This review paper aims to provide information in the recent progress on the 3DCP research by two Australian universities, including RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology. The printing facilities and their printing characteristics in both universities were described at first, followed by the discussion on research area and recent publications. The research team from RMIT University focuses on the effects of fibres on the mechanical performance of 3D-printed concrete. On the other hand, the properties of 3D-printed geopolymer concrete have been widely investigated by the group from Swinburne University of Technology. It is anticipated that this paper can help develop a better understanding in the research progress in 3DCP contributed by Australian research teams.

Key words: concrete 3D printing, additive manufacturing, concrete printer, fibre reinforcement, geopolymer

CLC Number:

TU528

LIU Junli, REN Jie, TRAN Phuong Jonathan. A Review of Recent Research Progress of 3D-Printed Concrete in Australia[J]. BULLETIN OF THE CHINESE CERAMIC SOCIETY, 2021, 40(6): 1808-1813.

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