Effect of the printing process on thermal performance of 3D-printed structures

The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental impact, and the adoption of automation-oriented approaches can help mitigate this impact. 3D-printed concrete, characterised by its layered structure, exhibits different properties compared to traditional cast concrete. This study investi-gates the influence of the printing process on the thermal properties of 3D-printed concrete, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap in the thermal and energy performance of 3D-printed buildings. An experiment using a heat flow meter and infrared thermal camera test was conducted to evaluate the thermal conduc-tivity, identify potential thermal bridges, and assess the impact of printing pa-rameters on the thermal performance of 3D-printed concrete structures. The re-sults showed that the thermal conductivity of 3D-printed concrete printed with varying printing parameters ranges from 0.366 W/moC to 0.668 W/moC. The study revealed that printing parameters have a significant influence on the thermal properties of 3D-printed concrete. The study identified potential ther-mal bridges caused by the printing process. The interfaces between layers can create weak paths for heat transfer, resulting in localised areas of higher thermal conductivity. Optimising printing parameters is crucial to achieve the desired thermal performance and eliminate potential thermal bridges, paving the way for energy-efficient 3D-printed buildings. This study provides valuable insights into the design and construction of 3D-printed concrete structures, contributing to the development of sustainable building practices and additive manufacturing in construction.