Research on the Influence of Concrete Strength Discreteness on Structural Reliability by 3D Printing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202605_12(5).0008Keywords:
3D Printed Concrete; Multi-source Genesis; Discreteness; Reliability.Abstract
3D-printed concrete is revolutionizing the construction industry through its mold-free manufacturing and high design flexibility. However, its performance variability-caused by factors like manufacturing processes, material properties, and environmental conditions-often leads to structural weaknesses, anisotropic behavior, and unconventional failure modes. While existing research employs discrete medium simulations, quantifying the impact of multi-source variability on structural reliability remains a critical challenge. To address this, this study establishes an analytical framework of "multi-source etiology-reliability impact," aiming to uncover underlying mechanisms. The findings will provide theoretical foundations for developing probabilistic design and code systems for 3D-printed concrete structures.
Downloads
References
[1] Harris, M., Potgieter, J., Archer, R. & Arif, K. M. (2019). Effect of Material and Process Specific Factors on the Strength of Printed Parts in Fused Filament Fabrication: A Review of Recent Developments. Materials, 12: 1664-1684.
[2] Zhang, L.Q., Guo, M.Z., Li, H.Y., H, B.G. (2024). Review on Rheological Properties of 3D Printed Concrete and Their Influencing Factors. Journal of Composite Materials, 41(11):5754–5782.
[3] Tang, Z.Z., Jia, L.T., Lin, Y.Q., Wu, J., Zhang, Y.M. (2024). Effects of tungsten tailings powder on rheology, hydration, and mechanical properties of cement-based 3D-printed concrete. Materials Herald, 38(21):173–178.
[4] Yang, L.H., Wen, Y.X., Chen, S.S., Guo, C., Xu, W.P, Yang, Y., Li, Y.F.(2025). Study on the Basic Properties of 3D Printed Concrete Influenced by Tailings Mixing Ratio. Nonferrous Metals (Chinese and English), 15(04):690–700.
[5] Zhang, X.Y., Wang, L., Feng, D., Ma, G.W. (2021). Prediction method for instability in 3D-printed concrete structures. Concrete, (07):38–42.
[6] Wu, X.K., Shi, Q.X., Zhao, Y. (2025). Research Progress on Rheology and Printability of 3D Printed Concrete. Journal of Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology (Natural Science Edition), 57(05):671–681.
[7] Chen, Q.L., Mou, G.F., Zhu, H.F., Mao, M.G., Yang, Q.N.(2026). Design of 3D printing polymer mixture ratio and response surface optimization model. Journal of Building Materials, 1–16.
[8] Zhu, C., Li, X., Liu, C., Liu, H.W, Wang, Z.H. (2025). Porosity defect configuration and stress characteristics of 3D-printed recycled concrete. Journal of Building Materials, 28(08):725–732.
[9] .Cui, H.Z., Cao, L.L., Cao, X.P., Wu, S.L. (2025). In-situ coated steel bar reinforcement for 3D printed concrete grip strength. Journal of Building Materials, 28(03):210–216
[10] Cai, J.G., Lin, Z.Y., Du, C.X., Huang, Z.R., Feng, J. (2022). Study on the relationship between strength and height of 3D-printed concrete wall materials. Journal of Changsha University of Science and Technology (Natural Science Edition), 19(04):75–84.
[11] Shi, Q.X., Huo, J., Wu, X.K., Tao, Y. (2023). Research Progress on 3D Printing Natural Earth Building Technology. Industrial Architecture, 53(04):190–198.
[12] Sun, X.Y., Le, K.D., Wang, H.L, Zhang, Z.C., Chen, L. (2020). Effect of extrusion shape/size on mechanical properties of 3D-printed concrete. Journal of Building Materials, 23(06):1313–1320.
[13] Xu, H., Sun, X.Y., Wang, H.L, Lin, X.Q. (2022). Study on Printing Process Effects on Interlayer Adhesion Properties of 3D Printed Concrete. Journal of Hydropower Engineering, 41(01):42–49
[14] Peng, Z., Yu-Ching, W., Qianfan, Y., Xiangrui, K., & Jianzhuang, X. (2022). Effect of spiral blade geometry on 3D-printed concrete rheological properties and extrudability using discrete event modeling. Automation in Construction, 137.
[15] Chen, B. X., Yang, L., & Jiang, S. (2025). Stochastic analysis of 3D concrete printing process with curvature and inclination by explainable data-driven modelling. Materials and Structures, 58(8): 254.
[16] Ma, Z.F., Wan, W.P., Song, L., Liu, C., Liu, H.W., Wu, Y.W. (2024). Optimization algorithm for concrete 3D printing paths using Euler loops. Mechanical Science and Technology, 43(11):1954–1960.
[17] Shi, Q.X., Wan, S.M., Wang, Q.W., Tao, Y., Huo, J. (2023). Experimental study on the effects of nozzle travel speed and height on mechanical properties of 3D-printed concrete. Journal of Composite Materials, 40(04):2273–2284.
[18] Cui, Z.H., Bai, G., Wang, L. (2024). Research Status of Long-term and Durability Performance of 3D-printed Concrete Materials. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 41(04):114–120.
[19] Liu, Q.L., Yang, Q.R. (2020). Effects of chemical admixtures on rheological properties of 3D-printed building mortar. New Building Materials, 47(04):39–42.
[20] Ma, Y.P., Zhai, W.H., Zhang, D.S.G, Zhu. T., Yang, Q.N, Mao, M.J. (2025). Synergistic Mechanism and Porosity Structure of Composite Admixture on 3D Printing Mortar's Rheology and Construction Properties. Materials Herald, 39(17):35–42.
[21] Han ,Y.X., Ma, Z.F., He, J., Song, L., Liu, C., Cui, H. (2025). Design of stable control strategy for 3D-printed concrete flowability. Journal of Engineering Design, 32(03):308–315.
[22] Chen, Z.H., Ge, R.W.D, Wang, P.F., Zhang, X.Y., Zhang, Z.G., Liao, M.M. (2024). Numerical analysis of 3D-printed concrete interface mechanical behavior and its influence on material elastic constants. Portland Cement Bulletin, 43(05):1713–1722.
[23] Rui, A.Y., Wang, L., Ma, G.W. (2023). Effect of interlayer water film on the performance of 3D-printed concrete interfaces. Journal of Silicate, 42(07):2281–2289.
[24] Luo, R., Sun, B., Fei, X. P., & Du, H. J. (2025). Interlayer strength loss in 3D printed concrete due to time-gap-induced macroporosity. Construction and Building Materials, 497: 143924.
[25] Ge, J., Bai, J., Yang, Y., Tian, W. (2019). Experimental study on bias stress performance of 3D-printed structural columns. Journal of Building Materials, 22(03):424–430.
[26] Zhang, J., Zou, D.Q., Wang, H.L., Sun, S.Y. (2021). Tensile properties and constitutive model of 3D-printed concrete interlayer interfaces. Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Edition), 55(11):2178–2185,2214.
[27] Wang, H.L., Tao, A., Sun, X.Y. (2024). Effect of strain rate on compressive properties of 3D-printed concrete. Journal of Silicate Science, 52(05):1499–1507.
[28] Wang, H.L., Hou, J.H., Sun, X.Y., Lin, X.Q., Lu, L. (2024). Anisotropic properties and their causes of 3D-printed concrete against carbonation. Portland Cement Bulletin, 43(05):1704–1712.
[29] Qi, C., Wu, Y.Q., Zhu, P., Zhi, P. (2026). Ultrasonic characterization and analysis of 3D-printed concrete interface properties. Journal of Tongji University (Natural Sciences Edition), 54(02):223–230.
[30] Liu, C., Wang, Y.Q., Liu, H.W., Zhang, R.F. (2023). Experimental study on mechanical properties of 3D-printed concrete based on printing parameter effects. Materials Guide, 37(01):84–90
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Core Journal of Engineering

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.




