Hygrothermal Behavior of 3D Concrete Printed Wall Assemblies (2024-05)¶

The rapid development of 3D concrete printing technology has brought significant advancements to the construction industry. However, the hygrothermal behavior of 3D concrete printed walls remains an understudied area despite its critical implications for building durability and performance. This study explores the hygrothermal performance of 3D concrete printed wall assemblies, focusing on moisture accumulation, frost damage, mold growth, and corrosion risks. Employing the WUFI 2D simulation tool, we compare various insulation materials, concrete types, and wall designs to identify the most effective wall assemblies for 3D concrete printing. The findings indicate that cellulose insulation, due to its higher moisture content, is less suitable for 3D concrete printed walls, posing a higher risk of frost damage. Conversely, insulation materials with higher density and vapor resistance demonstrate better hygrothermal performance. The wall assembly with a layer of concrete bead connecting the interior and the exterior concrete layers leads to higher water content. Moreover, varying levels of vapor resistance in different concrete types affect the overall drying capability. Despite high relative humidity levels, no visible mold growth is predicted in the simulated assemblies, suggesting adequate mold resistance in the wall assemblies.