Evaluation of the mechanical behavior of high-performance concrete (HPC) reinforced with 3D-Printed trusses

The present study aims to explore the feasibility of employing 3D printing technology in reinforcing High Performance Concrete (HPC). To this end, the mechanical characteristics of HPC reinforced with four types of 3D-printed trusses (Pratt, Howe, Warren and Warren with vertical members) made from Polylactic Acid (PLA) have been evaluated. The 3D-printed truss reinforcements were plotted with the aid of 3D Max software. Then, they were produced using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique and were placed into the molds. After that, the HPC mixture was poured into the molds and the specimens were cured for 28 days. Finally, the four-point bending tests were conducted on the specimens. The results showed that the employment of different 3D-printed trusses reduced the weight of the control samples between 0.5 and 2.5 kg. In addition, the application of 3D-printed Warren truss had the best performance among other types of trusses in terms of the flexural strength so that it increased the flexural strength of the control sample from 24.4 to 27.9 kN. Finally, all types of 3D-printed trusses increased the energy absorption capacity and were able to alter the fracture mechanism of HPC from brittle to ductile.