Posted on 01/27/2021 5:12:03 PM PST by nickcarraway
Inspired by the natural, twisting patterns of a lobster shell, Australian researchers say they have found a way, using 3D printing technology, to improve the strength of concrete for use in complex architecture.
Reinforced with steel fibres, the concrete becomes more durable when set in a pattern that copies a lobster shell, according to a new study from Melbourne’s RMIT University.
Rather than use a mould, the process involves depositing layers of concrete one on top of the other, directed from a computer program using 3D printing technology.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Who’s brilliant idea was this, SpongeBob SquarePants?
What makes concrete stronger is the amount of rebar you put in it.
rock lobster...
Actually it’s the ratio of Portland cement, water and aggregate. With some additional additives such as Fibermesh strands.
I have been a supervisor at two different concrete batch plants for over 25 years, thank you.
Oh and yes rebar is fundamentally required in many cases, but the Romans didn’t have it.
Cold Joints. Not good.
Bkmk
Actually, what does not kill you will make you stronger.
The rebar doesn’t make cement stronger. It just keeps it in one piece after it cracks.
*Tell the 3D printing guys that sugar makes the concrete flow better...s/
Interesting. I recall seeing a documentary many years ago that suggested the beehive honeycomb design would also be very structurally sound, requiring the use of less materials. Just use steel and concrete in a honeycomb formation and fill in the gaps with insulation.
They were musical geniuses...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4QSYx4wVQg
So I should build my love shack out of rock lobster?
Keep it wet while it’s curing.
That will make a big difference, too.
Everything you need to know about concrete!
It’s white
It’s hard and
It cracks.
Concrete is strong in the compression mode and weak in the tension mode. Steel is strong in the tension mode. By adding steel in the areas that are in tension it makes to composite product stronger.
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