Experimental Study on the Thermal Performance of 3D-Printed Earthen Wall Segment with Optimized Infill Pattern (2025-06)¶

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a prominent contemporary methodology within the construction industry, particularly through three-dimensional printing of earth reinforced with fiber. This innovative approach, when integrated with modular building systems, offers sustainable solutions to construction challenges. Despite significant progress in digital manufacturing technologies, robotics (AM) with earth-based materials continues to present significant challenges, particularly in the construction of cantilevered structures concerning stability, flowability, and buildability. This research aims to optimize the thermal performance of earth-based composite wall segments by refining infill pattern designs to minimize material use while enhancing thermal insulation. The study focuses on determining the thermal resistance (R-value) and thermal transmittance (U-value) based on infill thickness. Thermal performance is measured using the hot box method, yielding an R-value of 1.194 m²K/W, indicating the materials’ effectiveness in maintaining comfortable indoor environments. These results emphasize the potential of 3D-printed earth-based materials in construction, supported by an optimized infill design informed by thermal feedback.