Structural analysis of 3D-printed concrete walls under quasi-static cyclic loading using composite micro-model

Accurate numerical predictions of three-dimensional concrete-printed (3DCP) wall responses to in-plane seismic behavior are crucial for lateral strength and stability of structures. This paper introduces an efficient composite interface micro-model by combining plasticity-based constitutive models and cohesive zone modeling to simulate the three-dimensional non-linear behavior of 3DCP walls under in-plane cyclic loads. The intrinsic model incorporates surface-based cohesive behavior for elastic, plastic response of the layer interface and Concrete Damage Plasticity model for simulating cracking and crushing under compression and cyclic loading. It is noteworthy that, for the first time, the proposed micro-model predicted structural response of the 3DCP walls by considering interlayer effect in 3D printing and localized effects. As a result, our analysis indicates greater accuracy of the micro-model in capturing hysteretic behavior, secant stiffness, and energy dissipation properties in comparison with macro-modeling approaches. The model capabilities in dynamic behavior and mechanisms of failure under in-plane loads are corroborated with reported experimental data. Results of parametric studies suggest that seismic performance of the 3DCP wall can be considerably enhanced by reducing height–width ratio, inclusion of solid edge columns and continuous reinforcement bar throughout the wall.