New generation foam concrete using 3D printing and nano-engineering (2019-2021)
Abstract
Foam concrete, made of air-voids and thin concrete films, has good thermal insulation/fire resistance and energy adsorption capacity but very low strength. In this proposal, a next generation foam concrete is developed via (1) 3D printing to control air-void structures to achieve high strength and ductility and (2) nano-engineering to improve the performance and durability of thin concrete films. It is expected that this high-performance foam concrete can be used as load-bearing structural elements to reduce construction costs. The project provides unprecedented insight into chemical and physical mechanisms governing the resilience and sustainability of newly developed foam concrete with the support from internationally renowned experts.
