Improving the energy performance of a 3D-printed wall using recycled material

In this paper, we present the results of a preliminary experimental campaign conducted on
a 3D-printed wall 40 cm thick made of three concrete walls, connected by metal pins and concrete
curbs to form three types of cavity - one rectangular and two triangular. The tests were performed in
a climatic chamber at the Pietro Pisa Laboratory of the University of Brescia. The wall thermal
performance has been evaluated by examining four scenarios in which the cavities have been filled
with insulating material made of cellulose-based recycled flakes characterized by a declared thermal
conductivity of 0.038 W/mK. The wall thermal transmittance U is measured based on the
temperatures and heat fluxes measured through the structure. Based on the degree of filling, the wall
thermal transmittance ranges between 1.58 W/m2K for the wall without insulation, and 0.28 W/m2K
for the configuration with all cavities completely filled.