Investigation of Ultra-High Performance Concrete for 3D Construction Printing

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is an additive manufacturing process where the concrete is extruded via a nozzle and deposited layer-upon-layer to build structures. The progress of 3DCP is limited by the range of printable concretes and reinforcing methods. This dissertation investigates the feasibility and performance of ultra-high performance concrete for 3DCP applications. This composite has very high compressive strength (>150 MPa) and flexural strength (>30 MPa) along with ductility, which reduce the need for conventional reinforcements in 3DCP. Due to its high strength, slender sections with complex geometry can be 3D printed, resulting in unprecedented design efficiency.