Journal Published Online: 13 May 2019
Volume 43, Issue 3

Assessment of Three-Dimensional Printing of Granular Media for Geotechnical Applications

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

The rapid evolution of three-dimensional (3-D) printing has sparked interest for possible applications in geotechnical research. This article investigates the use of 3-D printing to create an artificial granular medium that reproduces the morphological characteristics of a natural sand. Initially, individual particle geometries are captured from the reference sand using microcomputed tomography (μCT) scanning. Subsequently, their capacity to represent the morphology of the original medium is assessed. An evaluation of 3-D-printing options ensues, leading to the selection of PolyJet as the currently preferential technology. Postprinting, μCT scanning reveals that only particles with a diameter of 2 mm or larger can be reliably reproduced using PolyJet. Finally, 3-D-printed media are assessed for their performance in possible geotechnical applications by examining their hydraulic conductivity using a constant head permeameter and their shear response using drained triaxial compression tests.

Author Information

Adamidis, O.
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Institute for Geotechnical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Alber, S.
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Institute for Geotechnical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Anastasopoulos, I.
Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Institute for Geotechnical Engineering, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Pages: 19
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20180259
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20180259