Development of Additive for Concrete 3D Printer by Using Local Materials

This paper aims to delineate the best economical, multi-functional, and eco-friendly local materials to be used as an additive and explore its potential to revolutionize the construction industry using 3D concrete. The authors investigate different additive materials used in preparing four mixes using Ordinary Portland Cement, white cement, reservoir sediments, dune sand, commercial sand, fine marble waste and bentonite. The two mixes showed the best compressive strength and durability results, containing fine marble waste and reservoir sediments. The mix WSS (30% white cement, 50% sand, 20% sediment) has resulted in a compressive strength ranging from 18 to 21 MPa after 28 days of curing. The mix WSM (30% white cement, 50% sand & 20% fine marble waste) recorded a compressive strength range from 15 to 17 MPa after 28 days of curing. The durability of the two mixes was tested under wet & dry cycles. The mixes have achieved the best durability results with a minor reduction in durability after several cycles of wetting and drying. Both mixes successfully work as an additive for crafting in a newly developed concrete 3D printer.