ENHANCING THERMAL INSULATION IN 3D PRINTED (3DP) STRUCTURES USING DATE PALM WASTE AND LOCAL SOIL

As global warming leads to increased temperature, the built environment faces challenges in maintaining indoor cooling sufficient for human comfort. Traditional construction materials, such as ordinary Portland cement (OPC), are widely used. Still, they are known to contribute to global warming due to their carbon emissions and poor thermal insulation properties, making built environment structures more reliant on expensive cooling systems in terms of energy and economy. This paper presents an innovative approach utilizing 3D printing (3DP) technology for constructing building structures using locally sourced materials, specifically local soil and date palm fibers. The study involves the fabrication of various porous 3DP four-walled cubical structures using local soil and agricultural waste. The thermal conductivity performance of these structures will be systematically analyzed to demonstrate that adding date palm fibers significantly enhances thermal insulation properties. This research aims to highlight the potential of these improved properties in creating energy-efficient structures, particularly in regions with hot climates such as Qatar. The reduced reliance on cooling technologies, like air conditioning, promotes sustainability by conserving energy and contributes to the principles of a circular economy by utilizing local resources. The study contributes to the evolving field of sustainable construction methods, emphasizing the importance of leveraging indigenous materials for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building practices.