The Effect of Hollow Structure Parameter on the 3D-printed Wall Bearing Capacity. Experimental Model

We present the results of experimental studies and modelling of the evaluation of the bearing capacity of hollow 3D-printed walls with the printed shell performing bearing functions. The bearing capacity of hollow 3D-printed walls was experimentally assessed depending on the ratio of the void areas and casting layers in the wall structure. It was established that in case of central loading, a 3D-printed wall with bearing casting layers can serve as a bearing wall similar to traditional types of masonry construction without filling voids with structural concrete and reinforcement. We established the value of strength reduction of hollow 3D-printed walls, which amounted to ~0.1 – 0.25 MPa per 1 % of the increased area of voids. The limit value of the hollow structure parameter was determined, which must not exceed K = 0.75 in order to ensure the bearing capacity of self-bearing and non-bearing 3D-printed walls. We obtained an experimental model of the relationship between the hollow structure parameter and the bearing capacity, which allowed predicting the bearing capacity of a 3D-printed wall under central loading. It was suggested to take into account the hollow structure parameter K when calculating the elements of unreinforced 3D-printed walls under central compression according to the first group of limit states.