PROJECT. COLLABORATION. INNOVATION.
SEED FUND 2023
Leveraging the Role of PP Fibres in Maximizing Adoption of 3D Concrete Printing Technology in the Irish Construction Industry
Printable concrete containing polypropylene (PP) fibres offers benefits such as crack control, structural integrity, and reduced shrinkage. PP fibre has been used for 3DCP with a limited dosage, however, there has been limited or no research to date on the utilization of high dosages and lengths of PP fibres. Through this project, the PP fibres in conventional 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) mix will be optimized with higher dosages and more considerable lengths. Tests will be performed to assess the performance of the 3DCP mix with the aim to provide improved crack resistance, structural integrity, reduced material slumping, and design flexibility. Subsequently, the prototypes will be evaluated using the optimized 3DCP mix with PP fibre. By addressing the challenges associated with material properties and performance, the project contributes to the advancement and adoption of 3DCP in construction in Ireland and globally.
Applicant’s name and RPO member:
Dr. Mehran Khan and Dr. Ciaran McNally – University College Dublin
Collaborators:
Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL)
Collaborators
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ciaran McNally
Associate Professor at University College Dublin
Dr Mehran Khan
University College Dublin
Dr. Mehran Khan is currently working at University College Dublin, Ireland, and iCRAG – SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences. His research focuses on 3D-printed concrete, including its mechanical performance, fracture characteristics, durability, fire resistance, cracking behavior, and compressive modeling of hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete. He serves as Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple academic and industry 3D-printed concrete projects. He holds various editorial roles, including Associate Editor, Guest Editor, and Editorial Board Member of several SCI journals. Additionally, he has participated in international conferences as a Speaker and Technical Committee Member.
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