Evaluation of Thermal Insulation Performance of 3D Printed Concrete Walls

Chamatete K., Yalçınkaya Ç.

3rd International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference (ICEARC'23), Trabzon, Türkiye, 12 - 14 Ekim 2023, ss.1-10

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Trabzon
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-10
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: Because of its potential to accelerate the development of the construction industry, three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) has attracted ongoing research interest. This technology is currently evolving at a rapid pace among researchers, and the integration of modular building systems with this technology would provide a long-term solution to modern construction challenges. However, the construction industry and building sectors consume a significant share of the total energy consumed globally. In a collective effort to build a green and sustainable environment, building thermal efficiency has become one of the main driving forces within the industry. There are, however, limited studies on the energy performance and efficiency of 3DPC wall panels. Therefore, this work is an investigation into the energy performance of 3D wall panels.

Study design/methodology/approach: In this study, six different 3DPC wall models are developed and validated. These models are of three different infill structures (cavity shapes) with and without cavity insulation. The thermal transmittance values obtained from the parametric study were checked for conformity with climatic zone regulations.

Findings: So far, none of the wall panels reached the targeted U-value of 0.18 W/m2.K. This necessitates the need to study more infill structures in later stages of research, with the possibility of optimizing the thermal performance by altering the overall wall thickness and nozzle size. However, the EO2 wall panel had the lowest U-value, i.e., 0.198 W/m2.K, exhibiting the best thermal performance of all the wall panels. However great care must be taken in its adoption for use as a load-bearing wall in construction due to the lack of infill structure.

Originality/value: These results provide designers with insights to consider when planning buildings' energy needs. This study broadens understanding and gives better insight into the energy performance of building systems and cost-effective options during the adoption of additive manufacturing in the construction industry.