Additive manufacturing brings together a set of innovative manufacturing processes allowing the production of complex parts with different classes of materials. Indeed, it is possible to make components in polymer, metallic, ceramic, composite and cementitious materials. As a result, we find more and more firms seeking to direct these technologies to the construction sector for reasons of speed of execution, architectural complexity as well as for the environmental and ecological aspect.

Currently, on an industrial scale, we are seeing 3D printing solutions - mortar and concrete - emerge around the world, the most widespread corresponding to multi-axis printing robots and gantry machines. In addition, on a laboratory scale, small and medium-sized printers similar to FDM (Fused Deposit Modeling) processes are mounted in order to direct research towards topics such as the characterization of new material formulations, the study standard or complex geometry, the study of the mechanical properties of the parts produced, etc.

Current research trends are investigating the possibility of using local materials in the manufacturing of materials dedicated to 3D printing. The latter must ensure a certain level of performance following a limit state sizing approach. That said, in order to justify the limit states corresponding to the material studied, it is obligatory to link the analysis of the performance of the material to the synthesis and manufacturing parameters

The objective of this thesis subject is to propose a new formulation of a material for future use in 3D printing dedicated to construction. In connection with the optimal process parameters, this new formulation must ensure the “Printability” function, which is itself a composition of the two sub-functions “extrudability” and “buildability”.

At first glance, it is useful to present some materials used in the bibliography for 3D printing for construction . Table 1 presents a list of materials based on the references cited in the right column of the table .

Table 1 – List of materials

This project proposes to use local, biodegradable and ecological materials; cost will be taken into consideration as an important factor in the analysis of the formulation and raw materials used. Note also that the exploitation of other products derived from Moroccan industry will be taken into account (metallurgical, cement, mining industry, household waste). Therefore, we offer a non-restrictive list of candidate materials:

• Marl from the Fez-Taza region;
• Coal ash (fly ash);
• Blast furnace or foundry slag
• Silica fume (Silicate fume)
• Cellulose
• Pozzolan
• Natural fibers