3D printing of Portland cement-containing bodies

PURPOSE: Recent advances in 3D printing construction elements have focused on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete using polymeric binders; herein, this study aims to produce the same using pure water. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A binder jet printer prototype was used to fabricate specimens that are used to assess geometric and mechanical properties. Two distinct water-based binder formulations, compatible with OPC chemistry and piezoelectric jetting device, were used: pure water and water-polyvinyl alcohol (98:2 w/w) solution. FINDINGS: This study examines the effect of binder flow rate on dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, the changes in the mechanical properties over time with hydration have been investigated. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results indicate that the increase in mechanical strength of Portland cement concrete with pure water was consistent; however, it was delayed by the water: PVA (98:2 w/w) solution. Post-curing by water vapor hardened the structure with the removal of layering native to 3DP and decreased infilling porosity by diffusion mechanism. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper has used pure water jetting for BJT of Portland cement-containing bodies.