Effects of Nozzle Design on 3D-Printed UHP-SHCC: Mechanical Performance and Microstructural Insights
The design of extrusion nozzles in 3D concrete printing plays a crucial role in determining the printability and mechanical properties of cementitious composites. Recent industrial and scientific advancements have focused on optimizing nozzle geometry to enhance filament deposition, reduce clogging, and improve overall structural performance. This study investigates rectangular nozzles ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm in thickness and examines their influence on the mechanical behavior of Ultra-High Performance Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites (UHP-SHCC). Understanding the relationship between nozzle design, fiber alignment, and mechanical performance is critical for advancing 3D concrete printing technology. Extrudability and Filament Formation Extrudability is a primary factor in 3D printing performance, and nozzle thickness directly impacts the ease with which UHP-SHCC filaments are deposited. As nozzle thickness decreases, the risk of clogging increases, particularly when fiber c...