UTILISATION OF PLASTIC IN 3D PRINTED CONCRETE

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing consciousness of the need to protect the environment. With climate change and dwindling natural resources, there is a global call for increased sustainability efforts and environmental awareness. In light of the copious amount of plastic waste polluting the environment, various researchers have explored the possibility of plastic as a replacement for aggregates in concrete. Along with the modernization of the construction industry, it is proposed that the technology of 3D printing can be leveraged on to print plastic concrete. This paper reviews the material properties of extrusion-based 3D printed plastic concrete. Buildability and four main mechanical properties are investigated: compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength and flexural strength. The main objective of this paper is to investigate if the material properties of 3D printed plastic concrete are improved at varying amounts of PET plastic. Based on the results, it is concluded that substituting 10% of sand with PET powder in a mortar mix improves the flexural strength and buildability of 3D printed concrete. However, other material properties such as its compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength are not improved.