Assessing the solar radiation performance of self-shaded 3D-printed clay-based façades

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.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D Printing; clay-based; facades
• solar radiation
• earthen architecture
• self-shading

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Professor Mostafa Shazly, director of the Center of Advanced Material (CAM), the Mechanical Engineering Department at the British University in Egypt for providing the assistance needed. A great thanks to the mechanical engineers: Omar Mohsen, Youssef Mohamed, and Ahmed Khaled who assisted during the machine adaptation. Special thanks to Eng. Mohamed Hussein Kamal from Fab Lab Egypt for his help in the technical part of the machine and for assisting us during the printing process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research project was supported and funded by the British University in Egypt [Grant number YIRG-20-09, 2021] (Young Investigator Research Grant), Principal Investigator (PI) Deena El-Mahdy.