Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Feasibility Investigation of 3D Printing Technology for Geotechnical Physical Models: Study of Tunnels

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The 3D printing (3DP) technology to produce accurate tunnel physical models is tested to overcome difficulties in the traditional preparation methods of geotechnical physical models. Four kinds of tunnel models are prepared by 3D printers, with gypsum powder and PLA (polylactic acid) material used as the printing materials. Uniaxial compression experiments of the 3DP tunnel specimens show that the deformation and failure characteristics of the general tunnel model and single-fault tunnel model are similar to those of the artificial model. A comparative study also shows that the printed rockbolt and lining support structures significantly improve the bearing capacity of the tunnel, while faults significantly reduce the stability of the tunnel. These experimental results are similar to those of the artificial models, tunnel engineering case studies and numerical simulation results, demonstrating that 3DP technology can be applied to the experimental study of physical models of tunnels. Moreover, the digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) is adopted to expose the evolution of the displacement fields and the crack propagation of printed models that contain faults during loading. These digital results also support that 3DP physical specimens can be used to analyze the general and local stability of complicated faulted tunnels. The presented studies show that 3DP technology will considerably progress the development of rock/rock mass mechanics research with the further development in its technology and materials.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • 3D print network (2016) Super Encyclopedia: the world’s most popular seven 3D printing technology detailed [Online]. http://3dprint.ofweek.com/2016-09/ART-132109-8500-30040401.html

  • 3D Systems Inc (2013) ProJet® x60 Series:Professional 3D Printers [Online]. https://www.3dsystems.com/sites/default/files/projet-x60-series-us_0.pdf

  • 3ddayin (2016) Change your world view of the five 3D printing industry “first” [Online]. http://www.3ddayin.net/news/shichangyanjiu/22171.html

  • Bachmann D, Bouissou S, Chemenda A (2004) Influence of weathering and pre-existing large scale fractures on gravitational slope failure: insights from 3-d physical modelling. Nat Hazards Earth Syst Sci 4(5/6):711–717

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton NR (1972) A model study of rock-joint deformation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 9(5):579–582

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi SO, Shin HS (2004) Stability analysis of a tunnel excavated in a weak rock mass and the optimal supporting system design. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41:876–881

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cook NGW (1965) The failure of rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 2(4):389–403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dyskin AV, Sahouryeh E, Jewell RJ, Joer H, Ustinov KB (2003) Influence of shape and locations of initial 3-D cracks on their growth in uniaxial compression. Eng Fract Mech 70(15):2115–2136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fairhurst CE, Hudson JA (1999) Draft ISRM suggested method for the complete stress-strain curve for intact rock in uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(3):279–289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fereshtenejad S, Song JJ (2016) Fundamental study on applicability of powder-based 3D printer for physical modeling in rock mechanics. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(6):2065–2074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godoi FC, Prakash S, Bhandari BR (2016) 3d printing technologies applied for food design: Status and prospects. J Food Eng 179:44–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grote DL, Park SW, Zhou M (2001) Dynamic behavior of concrete at high strain rates and pressures: I. Experimental characterization. Int J Impact Eng 25(9):869–886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He MC, Gong WL, Zhai HM, Zhang HP (2010) Physical modeling of deep ground excavation in geologically horizontal strata based on infrared thermography. Tunn Undergr Space Technol Inc Trenchless Technol Res 25(4):366–376

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Head D, Vanorio T (2016) Effects of changes in rock microstructures on permeability: 3-D printing investigation. Geophys Res Lett 43(14):7494–7502

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henke K, Treml S (2013) Wood based bulk material in 3D printing processes for applications in construction. Eur J Wood Wood Prod 71(1):139–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holloway J (2012) 3D printer creates objects from moon rocks [Online]. http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printing-moon-rock/25212/

  • Hong SB, Eliaz N, Sachs EM, Allen SM, Latanision RM (2001) Corrosion behavior of advanced titanium-based alloys made by three-dimensional printing (3DP TM) for biomedical applications. Corr Sci 43(9):1781–1791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang D, Huang RQ, Zhang YX (2009) Analysis on influence of fault location and strength on deformation and stress distribution of surrounding rocks of large underground openings. J Civ Archit Environ Eng 31(2):68–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang F, Zhu H, Xu Q, Cai Y, Zhuang X (2013) The effect of weak interlayer on the failure pattern of rock mass around tunnel–Scaled model tests and numerical analysis. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 35(4):207–218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishutov S, Hasiuk FJ, Harding C, Gray JN (2015) 3D printing sandstone porosity models. Interpretation 3(3):SX49–SX61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeon S, Kim J, Seo Y, Hong C (2004) Effect of a fault and weak plane on the stability of a tunnel in rock—a scaled model test and numerical analysis. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41:658–663

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang C, Zhao GF (2015) A preliminary study of 3D printing on rock mechanics. Rock Mech Rock Eng 48(3):1041–1050

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Q, Feng XT, Hatzor YH, Hao XJ, Li SJ (2014) Mechanical anisotropy of columnar jointed basalts: an example from the Baihetan hydropower station, China. Eng Geol 175:35–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Q, Feng X, Song L, Gong Y, Zheng H, Cui J (2016a) Modeling rock specimens through 3D printing: tentative experiments and prospects. Acta Mech Sin 32(1):101–111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Q, Feng X, Gong Y, Song L, Ran S, Cui J (2016b) Reverse modelling of natural rock joints using 3D scanning and 3D printing. Comput Geotech 73:210–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang C, Zhao GF, Zhu J, Zhao YX, Shen L (2016c) Investigation of dynamic crack coalescence using a gypsum-like 3D printing material. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49(10):3983–3998

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joshi SC, Sheikh AA (2015) 3D printing in aerospace and its long-term sustainability. Virtual Phys Prototyp 10(4):175–185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ju Y, Xie H, Zheng Z, Lu J, Mao L, Gao F et al (2014) Visualization of the complex structure and stress field inside rock by means of 3d printing technology. Chin Sci Bull 59(36):5354–5365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ju Y, Wang L, Xie H, Ma G, Zheng Z, Mao L (2017) Visualization and transparentization of the structure and stress field of aggregated geomaterials through 3D printing and photoelastic techniques. Rock Mech Rock Eng 50(6):1383–1407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Zhang D, Fang Q, Yu Q, Xia L (2014) A physical and numerical investigation of the failure mechanism of weak rocks surrounding tunnels. Comput Geotech 61:292–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin P, Wong RH, Tang CA (2015) Experimental study of coalescence mechanisms and failure under uniaxial compression of granite containing multiple holes. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 77:313–327

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu P, Ju Y, Ranjith PG, Zheng Z, Wang L, Wanniarachchi A (2016) Visual representation and characterization of three-dimensional hydrofracturing cracks within heterogeneous rock through 3D printing and transparent models. Int J Coal Sci Technol 3(3):284–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma SP, Xu XH, Zhao YH (2004) The GEO-DSCM system and its application to the deformation measurement of rock materials. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41:292–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma WL, Tao FH, Jia CZ, Yang JC (2014) Applications of 3D printing technology in the mechanical manufacturing. Appl Mech Mater 644:4964–4966 (Trans Tech Publications)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meguid MA, Saada O, Nunes MA, Mattar J (2008). Physical modeling of tunnels in soft ground: a review. Tunn Undergr Space Technol Inc Trenchless Technol Res 23(2):185–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sachs EM, Haggerty JS, Cima MJ, Williams PA (1993). Three-dimensional printing techniques. US, US 5204055 A

  • Seki S, Kaise S, Morisaki Y, Azetaka S, Jiang Y (2008) Model experiments for examining heaving phenomenon in tunnels. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 23(2):128–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SOI (2012) World’s first 3D printed reef. Sustainable Oceans International (SOI) Pty Ltd

  • Sterpi D, Cividini A (2004) A physical and numerical investigation on the stability of shallow tunnels in strain softening media. Rock Mech Rock Eng 37(4):277–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong LNY, Einstein HH (2009) Systematic evaluation of cracking behavior in specimens containing single flaws under uniaxial compression. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 46(2):239–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang QY, Duan K, Jiao YY, Xiang W (2017) Physical model test and numerical simulation for the stability analysis of deep gas storage cavern group located in bedded rock salt formation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 94:43–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu WS, Li Y, Zhang L, Xin XL, Sun LF, Ma QS, Zhang L (2008) Geomechanical model test on stability of cavern group under high geostress. Chin J Rock Mechan Eng 27(7):1308–1314

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the State Key Research Development Program of China (Nos. 2016YFC0600707 and 2016YFC0801605), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51779251) and the Hubei Province outstanding youth fund (No. 2017CFA060).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Safe Mining of Deep Metal Mines, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China

    Leibo Song, Quan Jiang, Xia-Ting Feng & Yuanhui Li

  2. State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China

    Quan Jiang, Ying-En Shi, Xia-Ting Feng, Fangsheng Su & Chang Liu

  3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Ying-En Shi, Fangsheng Su & Chang Liu

Authors
  1. Leibo Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Quan Jiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ying-En Shi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xia-Ting Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yuanhui Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Fangsheng Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Chang Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Quan Jiang.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Song, L., Jiang, Q., Shi, YE. et al. Feasibility Investigation of 3D Printing Technology for Geotechnical Physical Models: Study of Tunnels. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51, 2617–2637 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-018-1504-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-018-1504-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation