Influence of Printing Parameters on Early-age Shrinkage in 3D Printed Mortar

As 3D printing has become more prevalent in the construction industry, it is crucial to understand the impact of printing parameters on concrete behavior to ensure the structural integrity and durability of printed elements. The absence of formwork in 3D printing introduces unique factors that can influence the shrinkage behavior of printed concrete at an early age. Accurate characterization of these phenomena is essential for enhancing the structural integrity and dimensional stability of the printed elements. In this study, the early age shrinkage behavior of 3D-printed mortar was evaluated using digital image correlation (DIC), considering two crucial printing parameters: printing speed and printing height. Various combinations of printing speeds and heights were studied to assess their impact on induced deformations. DIC analysis provides insights into how variations in printing parameters affect the shrinkage behavior of mortar. The results showed that higher printing speeds and printing heights lead to increased shrinkage deformation. These findings enable a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between printing parameters and shrinkage behavior, paving the way for more informed design and construction strategies for 3D printing applications.