Computational Optimization of 3D-Printed Concrete Walls for Improved Building Thermal Performance

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing technologies are transforming various sectors with promising technological abilities and economic outcomes. For instance, 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) is revolutionizing the construction sector with a promise to cut projects’ costs and time. Therefore, 3DPC has been subjected to extensive research and development to optimize the mechanical and thermal performance of concrete walls produced by 3D printing. In this paper, we conduct a comparative investigation of the thermal performance of various infill structures of 3DPC walls. The targeted outcome is to produce an infill structure with optimized thermal performance to reduce building energy consumption without incurring additional material costs. Accordingly, a computational model is developed to simulate the thermal behavior of various infill structures that can be used for 3DPC walls. The concrete composition and the concrete-to-void fraction are maintained constant to focus on the impact of the infill structure (geometric variations). The thermal performance and energy-saving potential of the 3DPC walls are compared with conventional construction materials, including clay and concrete bricks. The results show that changing the infill structure of the 3DPC walls influences the walls’ thermal conductivity and, thereby, the building’s thermal performance. The thermal conductivity of the examined infill structures is found to vary between 0.122 to 0.17 W/m.K, while if these structures are successful in replacing conventional building materials, the minimum annual saving in energy cost will be about $1/m2. Therefore, selecting an infill structure can be essential for reducing building energy consumption.

Numerical Evaluation on Thermal Performance of 3D Printed Concrete Walls: The Effects of Lattice Type, Filament Width and Granular Filling Material

“…The stagnant air acts as an insulator, impeding heat transfer via convective and radiative means. Because air movement is restricted, conduction becomes the primary mechanism for heat movement inside this region of the walls [19].…”

Appraising the Feasibility of 3D Printing Construction in New Zealand Housing

“…In regard to 3DP concrete walls, it was observed that they exhibit superior thermal performance compared to conventional constructions. However, this performance is significantly influenced by factors such as the infill structure, concrete composition, and void fraction [67]. In a study by Briels et al [68], the use of internal cellular structure with encapsulated air-filled voids was investigated, revealing that lightweight concrete elements can achieve commendable thermal performance with lower resource consumption.…”

Building Energy-Saving Technology

“…They found that SIP thickness is the dominant factor that affects its thermal performance, and the reduction in the R-value of the SIP caused by the embedded camlock systems is less than 13.8%. AlZahrani et al [2] performed optimization on concrete walls using 3D-printed technology. They found that the infill structure of the walls affects their thermal conductivities and, thus, their thermal performance.…”