Non-destructive stress wave amplitude testing for interface bonding strength of 3D printable concrete

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of interface bonding properties of 3D printable concrete (3DPC) on non-destructive testing. By fabricating concrete specimens with varying numbers of layers and employing ultrasonic devices for non-destructive testing, it was observed that the presence of interface layers results in 3DPC exhibiting smaller wave amplitudes compared to conventionally cast concrete. Moreover, with an increase in printing layers, there is a trend of initial growth followed by a decline in interface bonding strength, accompanied by changes in amplitude attenuation. Through the use of non-destructive testing methods and by observing the pattern of amplitude decay, the interface bonding properties of 3DPC were investigated. The results indicate that, compared to conventionally cast concrete, 3DPC prepared using additive manufacturing techniques significantly affects the propagation of stress waves due to interface layers, and there exists a linear relationship between interface bonding strength and wave amplitude loss. This may also be a fundamental factor contributing to differences in non-destructive testing outcomes.

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