Application of 3D printing technology in geotechnical-physical modelling: Tentative experiment practice

摘要

For developing the physical modelling for rock mechanics, tentative experiment investigation of 3DP technology in producing models had been carried out in this paper. These tests of 3DP models, including specimens with small cracks and holes, tunnel body, supporting structures, had been printed with the GP material and PLA materials. Practical investigation indicated that the 3DP technology can produce the models with high consistency and less artificial errors in a time-saving. What's more, the loading tests indicated that not only the small specimens with cracks and holes but also large tunnel models had the similar deformation and failure patterns to the mechanical response of rock material and rock engineering in general. This investigation lets us firmly believe that further development of 3DP technology, integrating with other technologies, will eventually greatly promote the development of rock/rock mass mechanics research.