A comparison of brittle versus ductile vascular networks: why ductile networks are preferable for scaling up

Shield, Yasmina, De Nardi, Cristina, Cappellesso, Vanessa, Jefferson, Anthony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2050-2521, De Belie, Nele and Van Tittelbom, Kim 2022. A comparison of brittle versus ductile vascular networks: why ductile networks are preferable for scaling up. Presented at: Self-Healing Materials ICSHM 2022, Milan, Italy, 20-22 June 2022. ICSHM2022 – MILANO, 8th International Conference on Self-Healing Materials, BOOK OF ABSTRACTS. p. 178.

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Abstract

Most vascular networks studied in literature for self-healing concrete purposes have brittle properties, allowing them to break upon crack formation within concrete and thus be able to release a healing agent into the damaged matrix. However, brittle networks are difficult to fabricate and scale up for industrial use as they become too fragile for on-site handling. This study highlights the challenges with producing brittle networks via fused deposition modelling (FDM), a type of additive manufacturing (AM) technique, and introduces a novel vascular network methodology for selfhealing concrete that is ductile, rather than brittle, which relies on releasing a healing agent through pores without damaging the network itself. Both types of network release mechanisms were embedded in concrete prisms and subjected to multiple loading tests, with ductile channels outperforming brittle channels. Recommendations for printing layer heights, wall thicknesses, printing orientation, and healing agent supply methods are given, as well as considerations for scaling up for practical use.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 May 2025
Date of Acceptance:	12 May 2022
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2025 13:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178452

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