The bone test: finding the limits of our material through destructive testing
Our latest experiment continues to explore how moisture affects cracking in 3D printed concrete. To study where and how cracks form, we designed a dedicated test geometry, nicknamed the "bone test" by our friends at Sika.
How the bone test works
The test piece has two anchor points, one on either side, and a deliberate discontinuity in the middle. That discontinuity creates a controlled weak point where cracks are most likely to occur.
We have used the bone test to compare shrinkage behavior across many different materials and suppliers, as part of the material work we also do with partners such as Sika.
Testing in a humid environment
The video shows the same conditions we described in our previous fog experiment. We generated a water vapor environment around the print, which raises the humidity and keeps the surface moist to prevent shrinkage cracks.
The fog-like effect looks striking, but its real purpose is practical: it helps us optimize printing conditions for stronger, more durable 3D concrete prints. Watch the video to see the test result.
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