El-Mahdy, D and Ali, M (2024) Assessing the solar radiation performance of self-shaded 3D-printed clay-based façades. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 20(2), pp. 249-268. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Earthen construction is known for its significant environmental benefits. It has been overshadowed by the growing popularity of industrial materials in the construction industry, leading to a detrimental impact on the environment. However, the emergence of 3D printing (3DP) techniques has received much consideration for using earth as a construction material. Despite its potential, the durability of the 3D-printed earthen structure remains a challenge that researchers are actively working to overcome. This research focuses on the feasibility of using 3D-printed clay-based façades in hot arid climates. The aim is to assess the solar radiation performance achieved by non-conventional 3D-printed walls, which are designed to provide maximum self-shading and minimize sun exposure. The methodology tackled several phases; material testing to assess extrudability and printability, exploring different geometries to optimize maximum self-shading, fabricating 3D-printed walls, and finally assessing their solar radiation performance. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in solar radiation ranging from 52 to 158 kWh/m2 for the self-shaded walls where the inclination of the bump is inversely proportional to the solar radiation. However, due to the behavior of clay during printing a limitation for maximum cantilever angle not exceeding 17 degrees without support need. Nevertheless, this technique has the potential to serve as a passive design strategy for enhancing indoor thermal comfort. Further research is needed to optimize self-shading facades on a large-scale implementation, which can unlock the full potential of these passive strategies and contribute to creating comfortable living spaces.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Architecture; 3D Printing; clay-based; facades; solar radiation; earthen architecture; self-shading; Construction industry; Clay; Construction materials; Environmental impact; Durability; Arid climates; Shading; Three dimensional printing; Extrudability; Thermal comfort; Radiation; Facades; Materials testing |
| Index terms: | geometry, sun, 3D printing, durability, solar radiation, strategy, passive design, methodology, construction material, thermal comfort, environmental impact, testing, construction industry, implementation, exposure, shading, materials testing, emergence |
| Subjects: | environmental impact, manufacturing, mathematical modelling, energy systems, contractual arrangements, professional practice, material degradation and durability, sustainability and energy, building materials, building design, management, public and environmental health, research methods, industry analysis, environmental engineering, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Sustainability, Procurement, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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