Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Waste-Based Cementitious Matrices for 3D-Printed Sustainable Housing

Authors

  • Mohit B. Mohit B. Bhakare * Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India.
  • Ganesh M. Asane Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India.
  • Akshay B. Aware Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India.
  • Mahesh M. Bhangude Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India..
  • Subhash V. Patankar Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4710-8866
  • Valmik M. Mahajan Department of Civil Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra (MH), India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5356-6898

https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.73

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and affordable housing solutions, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth, has highlighted the limitations of conventional construction methods, which are resource-intensive, environmentally harmful, and time-consuming. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology presents a viable alternative by minimizing material waste, reducing labour requirements, and accelerating construction timelines, but its success depends critically on the development of suitable cementitious-matrices with optimal printability, extrudability, and performance. This study investigates the feasibility of using industrial and agricultural waste materials such as Fly-Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS), and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as partial or complete replacements for cement in 3D-printable concrete, aiming to develop an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for mass housing. The study conducted the experimental evaluation of four primary mixes: Pure cement, Cement with 50% FA replacement, Cement with 50% GGBS replacement, A ternary blend of cement, FA, and GGBS (50% + 25% + 25%). All were prepared with a 1:3 cement-to-sand ratio and a water-cement ratio of 0.32. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was tested as an alkaline activator to enhance setting times, while compressive strength, setting behaviour and material properties were characterized according to IS standards. The results revealed that pure cement achieved the highest compressive strength (38.6 MPa at 28 days), whereas FA and GGBS replacements led to reductions of 42% and 31%, respectively, with the ternary blend exhibiting the lowest strength (20.4 MPa) due to delayed hydration. However, NaOH activation significantly accelerated setting times, reducing the initial setting of pure cement from 43 minutes to 12 minutes and the final setting from 520 minutes to 160 minutes, thereby improving early strength and printability. Mortar mixes followed a similar trend, with pure cement achieving 22.51 MPa, while FA and GGBS replacements resulted in strength reductions of 9.4% and 3.9%, respectively. The ternary mortar blend showed a 21.59% reduction in strength.     

Keywords:

Fly-ash, Ground granulated blast furnace slag, Alkaline solutions (NaOH), Setting time, Compressive strength

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Published

2026-06-24

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mohit B. Bhakare, M. B. ., Asane, G. M., Aware, A. B., Bhangude, M. M., Patankar, S. V., & Mahajan, V. M. (2026). Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Waste-Based Cementitious Matrices for 3D-Printed Sustainable Housing. Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering, 3(2), 127-142. https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.73

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