Exploring the Impact of the Pumping Process on the Structural Build-up in the Context of 3D Concrete Printing

Characterizing the accurate structural build-up of concrete is vital for determining safe vertical construction rates and optimizing design flexibility in 3D concrete printing construction. Printing concrete undergoes the pumping process; however, the pumpings influence on the structural build-up of printing concrete is less explored in the current literature. This study addresses this gap by comparing the structural build-up of non-pumped (unprocessed) with the pumped and extruded (processed) concrete. This study utilized two penetrometer tests and vane shear test to assess the structural build-up on both forms of concrete. Experimental findings highlight a significant disparity in structural build-up rates between pumped and non-pumped concrete, with pumped concrete exhibiting a notably higher structural build-up rate.