Evaluating the role of additive manufacturing in adobe brick enhancement: A comparative study

Abstract

The rapid integration of additive manufacturing in construction, alongside a focus on sustainability, has revived interest in earth materials within modern building practices. Adobe brick, noted for its structural and thermal properties, is among the most studied earth-construction techniques for contemporary use. However, the potential of 3D-printed adobe bricks in construction remains underexplored, particularly in optimizing their structural performance. This study examines the impact of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) infill geometries on the compressive strength of locally sourced, air-dried 3D-printed adobe bricks. Specimens were designed as single-cell surfaces enclosed within 6 cm cubes and tested against traditional solid samples. Results revealed a significant strength increase in 3D-printed bricks using PW-hybrid infills, with compressive strengths reaching 3.10 MPa for a 2.5 mm layer height—nearly double the 1.65 MPa of molded samples. These findings highlight the potential of combining sustainable materials with advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance construction practices.