Effects of 3D Concrete Printing Phases on the Mechanical Performance of Printable Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear authors, thank you for the opportunity to review this article.
First of all, I must state that the topic is suitable for a journal and also suitable for current research activities.
In general, it must be said that the article is quite short, which is usual nowadays and depends on the content. The format of the article is according to the journals, the graphics are average - for most of the graphs I would recommend a larger photo- enlarge the images.
The article presents a very interesting premise.
I recommend further studies in this context:
10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01320
10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122574
Individual sections:
The abbreviation should not appear in the title - it is appropriate for the text and abstract.
The abstract is fairly clear and technically written.
The introductory chapter goes straight to the topic at hand without much and deeper anchoring into the context. I would recommend some basic justification for the research, e.g. consideration of sustainability etc., see e.g:
10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130791
10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105041
The description of the material and experimental program is described in great detail and is easy to understand. There is nothing to fault here.
The technical description of the results is understandable - it is not possible to quickly verify the test results - it is not possible to simply repeat the tests with respect to the method of preparation and testing. Thus, I cannot state the correctness of the results, but with regard to the scientific approach I take them as suitable for publication.
In the conclusion itself, you point out the need for research into the structure and kamacity of deformation. Why did you not carry out these tests and trials straight away?
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Please see the attachment to view our response to your recommendations.
Kind regards,
Anne Linde van Overmeir
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The submitted manuscript is to establish the influence of printing phases on the mechanical properties. The submitted research seems interesting and can be considered for publication but some points have remained vague and must be discussed. I kindly ask authors to prepare a point-by-point rebuttal response letter and must be subjected to the manuscript as well, considering the following comments:
1) It would be interesting to talk briefly about most prominent nanophases, which are produced during hydration of cement and their properties such as their C/S ratios, elastic constants (mechanical properties) and so on. The following literatures (as suggestions) can help you to report it. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1551-2916.2009.02963.x, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c03893,https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092248.
2) What are the key factors that contribute to the observed discrepancy in mechanical properties between cast and printed 3DP-SHCC specimens?
3) Howw does the mechanical behavior of 3DP-SHCC differ from traditional cementitious materials, and what implications does this have for construction and other applications?
4) Can you explain the concept of "strain hardening" in strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCC), and how does it relate to their self-reinforcing properties?
5) What might be the practical challenges associated with optimizing the pumping phase in the 3DP-SHCC printing process to achieve consistent mechanical properties?
6) In what specific ways does the pumping phase influence the mechanical properties of 3DP-SHCC, and why is it considered the primary phase affecting these properties?
7) How might the observed differences in flexural and tensile strength between cast and printed 3DP-SHCC specimens impact the structural design and performance of 3D-printed elements?
8) What are some potential real-world applications that could benefit from the use of three-dimensional printable SHCC (3DP-SHCC), considering its mechanical properties?
9) Could you elaborate on the methods used to collect and analyze the 3DP-SHCC material at different stages of the printing process, and why is this approach crucial for the research?
10) How does the curing process after printing affect the mechanical properties of 3DP-SHCC, and what steps might be taken to optimize the curing for desired performance?
11) Can you explain the significance of studying the deflection and strain associated with flexural and tensile strength in the context of 3DP-SHCC mechanical properties, and how might this knowledge be applied in practical a.pplications?
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
Please see the attachment to view our response to your recommendations.
Kind regards,
Anne Linde van Overmeir
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
It's okay.
Reviewer 2 Report
Can be accepted for publication in present form!
