Electric Field Control for Concrete Setting Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling concrete setting time in 3D printing are limited, as they require fixed proportions of additives which hinder fluidity and flexibility in adjusting setting times before and during the forming process, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for dynamic control of setting times during the forming process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of an electric field to the concrete mixture during extrusion, which accelerates hydration and allows for real-time adjustment of setting times by altering the voltage, enabling better control over the setting process and maintaining fluidity for agitation and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed proportion of cementitious material and additives are used in concrete, then setting time can be predicted, but the setting time cannot be easily changed and flexibility in adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control of setting time by introducing an electric field that can be adjusted in real-time during the forming process. The electric field strength and duration are variable parameters that dynamically control the hydration rate, allowing setting time to be adjusted from minutes to hours based on construction needs, transforming a static chemical process into a dynamically controllable one
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of electric field application to control the chemical hydration process. By varying electric field strength, pulse duration, and frequency, the setting time can be precisely controlled without changing the chemical composition of the concrete, enabling the same concrete mixture to adapt to different construction schedules
2Duration of action of stationary object
If early strength agents, quick-setting agents or retarders are added to adjust setting time, then setting time can be controlled, but concrete fluidity and early strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical additives with an electric field application to control setting time. Instead of using chemical agents that alter the concrete composition and compromise fluidity or strength, an external electric field is applied to accelerate or retard hydration, leaving the concrete's chemical and physical properties unchanged
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field acts as an intermediary that temporarily influences the hydration process without becoming part of the concrete mixture. This external energy field enables setting time control while the concrete maintains its inherent fluidity and strength characteristics, as the electric field merely modulates the reaction rate without altering the material composition
3Productivity
If fixed setting time is used for concrete, then construction schedule can be planned, but construction efficiency cannot be improved and construction quality cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the actual setting progress is monitored and the electric field application is adjusted accordingly. This allows real-time optimization of the forming process, ensuring that each layer is properly set before the next is applied, thereby improving construction quality and efficiency through adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field can be applied in advance to accelerate setting when construction speed is needed, or reduced/removed to extend setting time when complex forming operations are required. This preliminary and adjustable action allows construction schedules to be optimized without compromising quality, as the setting process can be pre-conditioned based on anticipated construction needs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise control of concrete setting times, improving construction efficiency by enabling quick adjustments and maintaining fluidity, while enhancing early strength and adaptability in concrete formation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the application of an electric field to the concrete mixture during extrusion, which accelerates hydration
Implementation Method 2
accelerates hydration and allows for real-time adjustment of setting times by altering the voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Present invention involves a setting time controlled concrete construction method and its dedicated equipment, it provides construction method and dedicated equipment for 3D printing concrete forming and normal concrete forming. Construction technology includes mixing, pumping, extruding, forming, coagulating and hardening steps, between pumping and extruding, there is an electric treatment step to concrete by applied electric field, mixture processed by applied electric field will be extruded immediately through extrusion port; Dedicated equipment comprises a delivery pump, a delivery pipeline, an extrusion device; The extrusion device comprises an electric treatment device and an extrusion port. The construction technology and equipment adopting this technical solution may achieve the effect of quick adjusting concrete setting time, rationally improve early strength of concrete, capable of adjusting and controlling setting time of concrete before forming, also it keeps good fluidity of prepared concrete before forming, to satisfy demand for agitation and delivery.