Optimization of Mechanical Strength Using Response Surface Methodology and Regulation of Workability in 3D-Printed Concrete with Recycled Brick Aggregate

Chenyang Liu

doi:10.62051/ijmsts.v5n2.01

Authors

Chenyang Liu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmsts.v5n2.01

Keywords:

3D-printed concrete, Recycled brick powder/aggregate, Rheological properties, Compressive strength, Response surface methodology

Abstract

Construction-waste recycling offers a viable pathway toward sustainable concrete production. In this study, waste bricks were processed into recycled brick powder (RBP), recycled brick sand (RBS), and recycled brick coarse aggregate (RBCA) for use in single- and multi-blend 3D-printable recycled concrete, aiming to reduce natural aggregate and cement consumption. The effects of RBP, RBS, and RBCA on rheology, printability, and mechanical performance were systematically evaluated, and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and optimise compressive strength. Results showed that RBP had the strongest influence on rheology, increasing static and dynamic yield stresses by 50.99% and 101.61% at 30% replacement. Yield stress first increased and then decreased with increasing RBCA, reaching a peak at 20%. Rheological behaviour governed printability: higher static yield stress improved build height, whereas higher dynamic yield stress reduced extrusion width. Compressive strength showed a non-linear response, increasing by 1.26% at 10% RBP but decreasing by 24.87% and 15.33% under full RBS and RBCA replacement. RSM identified an optimal blend of 12.4% RBP, 25.1% RBS, and 51.8% RBCA, balancing sustainability and mechanical performance for 3D concrete printing.

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