EXPERIMENTAL TESTS OF SEMICIRCULAR REINFORCED CONCRETE ARCHES WITH TIGHTENING, MANUFACTURED BY 3D PRINTING METHOD

Abstract

3D printing; reinforced concrete arch; semicircular arch; tightening;

reinforced concrete; deformations; deflections.

The paper presents the results of experimental testing of semicircular tied reinforced concrete arches manufactured using construction-scale 3D printing technology and reinforced along the entire length. Two experimental specimens (A-1.1.1 and A-1.1.2) were tested under short-term stepwise loading applied at two points located at the third-span positions, which ensured the formation of a characteristic combination of axial forces and bending typical for semicircular tied arches. The research programme included recording longitudinal strains in concrete and reinforcement at characteristic cross-section levels (upper and middle zones), as well as measuring vertical mid-span deflections. The obtained results are presented in the form of load–strain and load–deflection relationships.The experimental curves demonstrate stable structural behaviour over a significant portion of the loading range. At the initial and intermediate stages, a gradual and nearly linear increase in strains was observed without abrupt changes in curve inclination, indicating the absence of premature separation of the concrete layers formed during the 3D printing process. The arches maintained stiffness and integrity up to approximately 85–90% of the ultimate load, confirming adequate interlayer bonding and efficient composite action of the arch ring and tie system. Readings from indicators installed at symmetric points remained close, indicating the absence of significant unintended eccentricities during testing. Failure of both specimens was localized and occurred along a normal crack in the load application zone near the movable hinge, where the combined effect of axial force and bending moment reached critical values while the overall arch action remained preserved. After unloading, the structures tended to return to their initial design position, confirming predominantly elastic behaviour at service-level loading.The obtained experimental results confirm the feasibility of using high 3D-printed tied arches as load-bearing systems and may be applied for numerical modelling and for developing recommendations for automated construction technologies.

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