Effect of using 3D-printed shell structure for reinforcement of ultra-high-performance concrete

This study aims to investigate the effect of 3D-printed polymer shell reinforcemen ton ultra-high-performance concrete. The mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance polymer reinforced concrete have been investigated. At first, the 3D-printed shell reinforcements were designed using 3D Max and Rhino 6 software. Then, each was fabricated through the fused deposition modeling method and positioned into the cubic, cylindrical, and prismatic molds. In the next step, the prepared Ultra-High-Performance Concrete mixture was poured into the molds, and the samples were cured for 28 days. Finally, the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength tests were carried out on the samples. The results indicated that the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of reinforced samples were lower than that of the unreinforced ones, respectively. Although including 3D-printed reinforcement decreased the mechanical properties of the Ultra-High-Performance Concrete samples, it changed the fracture mechanism of concrete from brittle to ductile.