IIT Guwahati researchers study effect of 3D printed concrete walls on building's thermal performance

New Delhi, April 24: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have studied the effect of lattice-patterned 3d-printed concrete walls on a building's thermal performance. The study, led by Dr Biranchi Panda, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, examines whether these specially designed walls can help regulate internal temperatures and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

"The findings of this research have been published in the international journal Progress in Additive Manufacturing, in a paper co-authored by Dr Panda and his research scholar Dhrutiman Dey, and Dr Yash Shukla along with Dr Rajan Rawal from CEPT University, Ahmedabad," as per a IIT Guwahati release.

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is an emerging construction technology that uses automated machines to build structures layer by layer directly from digital designs.

"Among the various techniques used in 3D concrete printing, extrusion-based printing is one of the most widely applied methods. In this process, a concrete mixture is pushed through a nozzle and deposited in successive layers to form walls and other structural elements," the release read.

Compared to traditional methods of concrete construction, 3DCP offers several advantages. It eliminates the need for temporary moulds (formwork), which are normally used to shape poured concrete. This results in a reduction of construction waste by up to 60 per cent a decrease in construction time by 70 per cent, and a lowering of labour costs by 80 per cent. Furthermore, 3DCP allows for greater flexibility in wall design.

Unlike conventional concrete walls, which are typically solid and flat, 3D printed walls can incorporate complex geometries, including lattice structures with controlled voids or openings.

"In recent years, several studies have explored how these new wall designs affect the thermal behaviour of buildings. Wall geometry plays an important role in heat transfer, influencing the energy required for heating or cooling indoor spaces. However, there has been limited research on the thermal performance of 3D printed concrete lattice walls, particularly in the Indian context," the release read.

Sharing insights on this study, Dr Biranchi Panda, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, "We conducted a detailed experimental and numerical analysis of different 3D printed concrete lattice wall designs. The objective was to understand how the size, shape, and arrangement of voids in lattice walls affect heat flow and temperature regulation in buildings. The study involved laboratory testing to measure thermal properties, as well as computer-based simulations to predict the thermal performance of various wall configurations."

The research provides valuable data on the thermal behaviour of 3D printed concrete lattice walls and highlights their potential application in designing energy-efficient buildings.

"The study also contributes to ongoing research efforts aimed at improving sustainable construction practices using advanced digital manufacturing technologies," the release read.

The research findings are expected to support the future development of building designs better suited to diverse climatic conditions, while also promoting the wider adoption of 3D printing technologies in the construction industry. By demonstrating how 3D printed concrete lattice walls can enhance natural temperature regulation, the study points to a path for more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings. With reduced construction waste, faster build times, and design flexibility, this technology holds promise for affordable housing and climate-smart urban development across India.

The team is now working towards development of multifunctional resilient concrete structures considering diverse climate zones in India.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.

This is such exciting research! 3D printed buildings could revolutionize construction in India, especially with our extreme weather conditions. The energy efficiency aspect is particularly promising 🌱

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Rahul S.

While the technology sounds impressive, I wonder about the long-term durability of these lattice walls. Concrete structures need to last decades - hope they're testing for seismic safety too given our earthquake-prone regions.

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Ananya P.

️The reduction in construction waste is music to my ears! Our country generates so much construction debris. If this can cut it by 60%, that's a game changer. Kudos to IIT Guwahati for this research 👏

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Vikram J.

Interesting study, but I wish they'd included more details about the actual thermal performance numbers. How much temperature difference are we talking about compared to traditional walls?

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Sanjana M.

As an architecture student, this makes me so excited! The design possibilities with 3D printing are endless. Can't wait to see how this technology evolves in the coming years ✨

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Karan D.

The labor cost reduction could be a double-edged sword - great for builders but concerning for construction workers. Hope the government plans for job transitions if this tech becomes mainstream.

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