MS038 - Simulation and Modeling Approaches in 3D Concrete Printing
Keywords: cementitious materials, Numerical approaches, Optimisation
3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is an additive manufacturing technique that involves the layer-by-layer deposition of cementitious materials to create complex structures, eliminating the need for traditional formwork. In addition to 3DCP, other techniques such as material jetting and shotcrete-based 3D printing have also recently emerged, further expanding the range of applications for cement-based materials. These advanced additive manufacturing approaches enhance automation, reduce construction time, and enable the creation of customized, optimized designs. However, despite their significant potential, the lack of standardized regulations and the continued reliance on trial-and-error practices often lead to resource waste and inefficiencies. Reliable analytical and numerical models are thus needed to understand, control, and optimize the printing process during all its phases. Accurately modelling 3DCP comes with significant challenges, due to the interaction between printing parameters and material properties. Furthermore, achieving accurate and stable designs requires numerical tools capable of capturing phenomena across multiple spatial and temporal scales, enabling the prediction and prevention of buckling failure, plastic collapse, and cold-joint formation.
This minisymposium aims to bring together researchers from different backgrounds to exchange ideas and provide a platform for presenting and discussing innovative modelling and simulation approaches for additive manufacturing of cementitious materials. Particular focus is given to addressing key challenges, including—but not limited to—process simulation, cementitious material characterization, and constitutive modelling at the early ages, real-time monitoring strategies, data-driven and AI-informed methods, structural analysis, design, and optimization approaches for 3D-printed structures.
