Additive Manufacturing Using Lime Mortar - Research &

The research focuses on optimizing the lime concrete (traditional Portland cement mix) to suit the additive manufacturing method of construction. A systematic documentation of the lime concrete mixes with various proportions of the ingredients to suit the extruder shall be done to find the most optimized mix.

The use of additive manufacturing technique involves the use of robotic extruder, which speeds up the process of construction.

The use of digital tools is needed for three reasons.

1. To rethink the application method of optimized traditional lime concrete mixes in order to meet the changing demands.

2. To fasten the application process of lime concrete.

3. To explore the possibility of using traditional lime concrete mixes as a monolithic element.

Robotic Extrusion

Mix Optimization

The consistency of the lime mortar prepared with the traditional methods is not suitable for additive manufacturing process due to its value between 25%-35%

The ideal mix for printing needs to be in the paste form which should not break during continuous layering. Also, the printed model should be able to bear self-weight and should not collapse. The mix should also be able to gain the necessary strength after curing. The next phase of this study is to test the model for its compressive strength.

Mix 9 Day 4

Slaked quick lime 200

Power quick lime -

Jaggery paste 25

Jaggery water -

Fiber 20% of the mix volume