• Van Den Heede, Philip
• Alderete, Natalia
• Van Tittelboom, Kim
• Belie, Nele De
• Shields, Yasmina
• Villagrán-Zaccardi, Yury Andrés
• Trtik, Pavel

Abstract

Concrete with self-healing systems, such as vascular networks, results in promoted sustainability and reduced maintenance costs for a structure compared to traditional concrete. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, allows for complex network topologies to be fabricated, however, the challenge lies in a lack of standards in both self-healing and additive manufacturing. The influence of printed networks on the durability of cementitious materials is still unknown, and an improved understanding of their effects is necessary to further optimize a vascular network topology. Linear vascular configurations were 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) filament and embedded in small-scale mortar specimens. A series of uncracked and cracked specimens were subjected to an in-situ neutron imaging water absorption test to visualize the water uptake. Results showed that an embedded network promotes transport through the interfacial zone it generates and increases the water absorption rate throughout the duration of the test compared to samples without an embedded network. This highlights the need for network designs or materials that prevent an additional ingress of harmful substances, thereby reducing the impact on the durability of the cementitious material.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• durability
• interfacial
• additive manufacturing