3D printing for the production of artificial reefs. Thermal mass registration

Abstract

This paper, corresponding to the doctoral thesis in progress, shows the elaboration of artificial reefs using a 3D Delta-type printer and the use of auxiliary structures, such as pallets, perimeter fences and filler sand, to achieve the printing of irregular shapes. Two types of cement mortar were used as printing material, one with limestone sand and the other with crushed glass sand. In these mortars, low clinker content cement was used, fly ash was incorporated as an addition and recycled aggregate was used, which provided the bikers with sustainability or low environmental impact. In the artificial reefs, internal and border temperatures were recorded to know their evolution during a period of about 5 days. These determinations were made in two pieces of the same shape and with different mortars, in addition a solid prismatic piece was evaluated. The results show that the methodology used for the elaboration of irregular pieces was adequate, since the digital model of the artificial reefs could bereproduced in a reliable way and no settlement of the mortar was registered during the process. Regarding the
recorded tempe ratures, an increase of more than 50º C was observed in the interior, and more than 40º C in the border. This behavior was very similar in both types of mortar and a little higher in the control piece.