Influence of printing parameters on the thermal properties of 3D-printed construction structures

Meruyert Sovetova and John Kaiser Calautit

Energy, 2024, vol. 305, issue C

Abstract: 3D printing in the construction sector is a promising, sustainable approach with the potential to build energy-efficient buildings. However, there is a lack of studies on the thermal properties of 3D-printed structures, which are fundamental to their energy efficiency. This study investigates the impact of printing parameters on thermal conductivity and defect development in 3D-printed concrete structures. Heat flow meter, scanning electron microscope and infrared imaging techniques were employed to assess the thermal properties and microstructure of 3D-printed samples. The results demonstrate that printing parameters significantly influence the porosity, void formation, and microstructural characteristics of 3D-printed concrete, ultimately affecting thermal properties. An increase in extrusion rate leads to higher thermal conductivity, whereas an increase in speed and standoff distance reduces thermal conductivity. Excessive spacing between printed lines can induce voids and gaps, contributing to lower thermal conductivity, while minimal spacing can promote higher porosity and larger pores. Infrared imaging revealed nonuniform thermal distribution in 3D-printed structures caused by the layered structure and voids in interlayer gaps. This study provides valuable insights for designing and constructing energy-efficient 3D-printed buildings, contributing to the development of sustainable building practices and the advancement of additive manufacturing in construction.

Keywords: 3D printed concrete; Thermal properties; Printing parameters; Pore structure; Energy-efficient structure; Material extrusion; Heat flow meter; SEM; Infrared thermal imaging (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544224020395
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:305:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224020395

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.132265

Access Statistics for this article

Energy is currently edited by Henrik Lund and Mark J. Kaiser

More articles in Energy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().