Mechanical and microstructural evolution of 3D printed concrete with polyethylene fiber and recycled sand at elevated temperatures

Abstract

3D printed concrete (3DPC) has become increasingly popular in the last decade. However, the mechanical and microstructural evolution of the 3DPC under extremely high-temperature environments has not been fully understood. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the influence of recycled sand and polyethylene (PE) fiber on the mechanical properties and pore structure of the 3DPC under high temperatures. A series of compressive, flexural, and CT scanning tests were conducted for 3DPC specimens under 20 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively. It shows that there is a similar degradation trend of the compressive and flexural strengths of 3D printed and mold-caste..