5 ms·

Fibre reinforced concrete is not really "news", we were using the one or the other forms more than 30 years ago, exactly to prevent cracks, the issue in real li

by jaclaz 6y ago

Fibre reinforced concrete is not really "news", we were using the one or the other forms more than 30 years ago, exactly to prevent cracks, the issue in real life applications is to distribute the fibres (be them metallic or plastic). But this, see the actual picture of the lattice on the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026412752030719X https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026412752... look more like traditional reinforced or mesh reinforced concrete. ABS is not such a great material for construction due to its sensibility to UV rays, surely there are "better" plastics for this use even if maybe not suited to 3D printing.

0xffff2 6y ago
Why is UV sensitivity a problem for something that's going to be embedded inside the concrete?
- jaclaz 6y ago
  >Why is UV sensitivity a problem for something that's going to be embedded inside the concrete? IF it will ever become an actual mass product, the lattice will be manufactured in "bulk" (not 3D printed on spot) and it will become a "building material" like rebar or steel mesh, etc. Normally building materials are stored in the open for months either at the factory, at the store or on site before being actually put in the concrete formwork. You simply don't want something that needs to be stored in a dark, cool place. Very early versions of polyethilene pipes (think of 30+ years ago) were not UV resistant/stabilized and of course they were put in digged trenches and covered, but it came out that after a few years they started leaking, you don't want to have something structural that may loose its properties in a few years.