Theses and Dissertations Collection

The construction industry is poised to increase productivity and lower the cost of housing by using additive manufacturing (3D-printing). This study characterizes the thermal properties of a recycled wood-based 3D printable composite. The work includes developing a low-cost guarded hot plate apparatus, and comparing it to other thermal testing methods. The thermal properties are then used to predict the resultant life cycle energy performance for a wall made of this material. Analysis includes comparing the 3D composite wall against traditional building materials such as structurally insulated panels and standard wood-framed walls. The results include designs for a cost-effective apparatus to measure thermal conductivity and thermal characterization of the 3D printed wood composite. The energy performance analysis found the 3D composite wall to be one of the lowest energy consuming wall types available.