Master's Thesis

3D printed surfaces in daylighting design of buildings

Final Thesis 4.39 MB Appendix 4.29 MB

Author of thesis: Ing. Sovanmanech Norng

Acad. year: 2025/2026

Supervisor: doc. Ing. František Vajkay, Ph.D.

Reviewer: Ing. Vojtěch Vaněk

Abstract:

This thesis examines the optical behavior of 3D-printed concrete surfaces and their potential influence on daylighting design in buildings. The study aims to identify how surface geometry affects light reflection, luminance, and illuminance within interior environments, specifically to understand the directional reflection of light. A comprehensive literature review explores the evolution of 3D printing in construction, highlighting its architectural application. The theoretical framework focuses on photometric principles and the impact of surface reflectance on daylight performance. Experimental measurements were conducted on 3D-printed samples using a reflectometer, luminance camera (Canon EOS RP with LMK software), and illuminance sensors to evaluate reflection coefficients and brightness levels under controlled daylight conditions. The results contribute to understanding the relationship between surface morphology and light distribution, guiding the integration of 3D-printed materials into energy-efficient architectural design.

Keywords:

3D printing, optic properties of 3D printed surfaces, luminance, illuminance, light flux, reflection, directional reflection, glare.

Date of defence

03.02.2026

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

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Grading

C

Process of defence

The student presented his work 3D PRINTED SURFACES IN DAYLIGHTING DESIGN OF BUILDINGS, using a PowerPoint presentation. During the defence of the thesis, he stated: - Overview, - Backgrounf - Objective - Theoretical Framework, - Photometric quantities - The relationship between Illuminance (E) and Luminance (L): - Methodology, - Calculation procedure - Measurement instruments and software - Calibration instruments, 3D concrete printing samples - Discussion - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE - FLAT SURFACE, - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE - FLAT VS. BASIC REAL - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE - BASIC REAL VS. IDEAL - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE -FLAT VS. TANGLED REAL - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE -FLAT VS. TANGLED IDEALGE - FLAT VS. BASIC REAL - LMK LABSOFT IMAGE -TANGLED REAL VS. IDEAL - Result - Conlcusion, The student further clarified and answered the questions and comments of the supervisor and the opponent of the thesis: Opponent questions: 1.Why is the study of the optical properties of 3D-printed concrete specifically important for daylighting design in buildings? 2.The thesis states that textured surfaces exhibit anisotropic behavior. What does this mean in the context of light reflection, and where should these surfaces be positioned within a room? 3.When the angle of illumination was changed for the TANGLED REAL and TANGLED IDEAL samples, the light reflection factor changed. Can you explain what caused this and how this factor would fluctuate throughout the course of a day? 4.Samples BASIC REAL and BASIC IDEAL in Figure 6.9 exhibit different behaviors. Could you describe how the luminance differed between these two samples? 5.What are the primary recommendations for future research to build upon the findings of this thesis? The student, who demonstrated a very good overview of the subject, provided expert opinions on all of the opponent's comments and responded very well to all questions posed by the committee members regarding the defended thesis.

Language of thesis

English

Faculty

Fakulta stavební

Department

Institute of Building Structures

Study programme

Civil Engineering (NPA-SIS)

Composition of Committee

doc. Ing. David Bečkovský, Ph.D. (místopředseda)
doc. Ing. František Vajkay, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Jan Müller, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Lubor Kalousek, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Petr Šimůnek, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Martin Mohapl, Ph.D. (člen)
doc. Ing. Roman Fojtík, Ph.D. (předseda)

Supervisor’s report
doc. Ing. František Vajkay, Ph.D.

Grade proposed by supervisor: A

File inserted by supervisor Size
Posudek vedoucího [.pdf] 72,60 kB

Reviewer’s report
Ing. Vojtěch Vaněk

Topics for thesis defence:
  1. Why is the study of the optical properties of 3D-printed concrete specifically important for daylighting design in buildings?
  2. The thesis states that textured surfaces exhibit anisotropic behavior. What does this mean in the context of light reflection, and where should these surfaces be positioned within a room?
  3. When the angle of illumination was changed for the TANGLED REAL and TANGLED IDEAL samples, the light reflection factor changed. Can you explain what caused this and how this factor would fluctuate throughout the course of a day?
  4. Samples BASIC REAL and BASIC IDEAL in Figure 6.9 exhibit different behaviors. Could you describe how the luminance differed between these two samples?
  5. What are the primary recommendations for future research to build upon the findings of this thesis?

Grade proposed by reviewer: B

File inserted by the reviewer Size
OPDP_EN_Norng_Sovanmanech.pdf 83,73 kB

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová