Confinement mechanisms governed by stiffness contrast in auxetic cementitious composites

Abstract

This study systematically investigates the role of lattice–matrix stiffness contrast in governing confinement and mechanical performance of cementitious composites reinforced by 3D-printed auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) lattices. Through combined compression testing, numerical simulations, and representative volume element (RVE) analysis, the mechanistic link between stiffness ratio and macroscopic response is established. The results demonstrate that sufficient stiffness contrast is a prerequisite for activating auxetic-induced confinement, enabling the translation of lattice lateral contraction into effective confinement on the cementitious matrix. Auxetic cementitious composites with 3D-printed steel lattice achieved a compressive strength exceeding 80 MPa (nearly 300% higher than plain mortar and polymer lattice reinforced composites). The specific energy absorption was 90% greater than the theoretical sum of the steel lattice and matrix, owing to the strong confinement and synergy enabled by the stiffness contrast. In contrast, polymer lattice reinforced composites, despite possessing the same geometry and similar negative Poisson's ratios, exhibited limited confinement efficiency as the low stiffness suppressed the transfer of auxetic deformation to matrix. RVE analyses revealed that the stiffness contrast between the lattice and matrix governs the mesoscale confinement behavior, which in turn influences the macroscopic strength, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity of auxetic cementitious composites. These findings establish stiffness contrast as the governing design parameter for auxetic cementitious composites and provide a basis for tailoring architected cementitious composites.