Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have conducted a ground-breaking study on how concrete 3D printed lattice walls can significantly enhance a building’s thermal performance. The research, led by Dr. Biranchi Panda, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, demonstrates that these innovative wall designs can naturally regulate internal temperatures while reducing construction waste and time.
The findings, published in the international journal Progress in Additive Manufacturing, suggest these walls could revolutionise sustainable and affordable housing development, particularly in India’s varied climate zones. The study was co-authored by Dr. Panda along with his research scholar Dhrutiman Dey, and collaborators Dr. Yash Shukla and Dr. Rajan Rawal from CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
3D Printed Lattice Walls for Thermal Efficiency
The IIT Guwahati team conducted detailed experimental and numerical analyses of various 3D printed concrete lattice wall designs. Unlike traditional solid walls, these lattice structures feature repeating patterns of voids that can enhance airflow and reduce heat transfer, making them ideal for climate-smart building design.
“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.”
– Dr. Biranchi Panda, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati
The research involved both laboratory testing to measure thermal properties and computer-based simulations to predict the performance of various wall configurations. Results showed that 3D printed concrete lattice walls can regulate indoor temperatures more effectively than traditional solid walls, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning or heating and saving energy in the long term according to findings from the study.
Advantages Beyond Thermal Performance
The benefits of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology extend beyond improved thermal performance. This emerging construction method uses automated machines to build structures layer by layer directly from digital designs, offering several advantages over conventional building techniques.
The lattice-patterned walls require less material than solid walls, significantly reducing construction waste. They also enable faster build times and provide greater design flexibility, making them suitable for a wide range of architectural applications.
These advantages position the technology as particularly valuable for affordable housing development and climate-smart urban growth across India’s diverse regions. The ability to optimize designs for specific climate conditions could lead to buildings that naturally maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal energy consumption.
Future Applications and Development
Dr. Panda’s team is now working toward developing multifunctional resilient concrete structures that consider India’s diverse climate zones. This ongoing research aims to further refine the technology and expand its applications across the construction industry.
The findings support the wider adoption of 3D printing technologies in construction, pointing to a path for more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings. By demonstrating how 3D printed concrete lattice walls can enhance natural temperature regulation, the study offers practical solutions for reducing building energy consumption.
This research represents a significant contribution to sustainable construction practices in India, where efficient building designs are increasingly important due to growing urbanization and climate concerns. The technology’s potential to reduce both construction costs and long-term energy expenses makes it particularly relevant for addressing housing needs across the country.
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