Triaxial compression behavior of 3D printed and natural sands

Abstract Different particle properties, such as shape, size, surface roughness, and constituent material stiffness, affect the mechanical behavior of coarse-grained soils. Systematic investigation individual effects these properties requires careful control over other which is a pervasive challenge in investigations with natural The rapid advance 3D printing technology provides ability to produce analog particles independent size shape. This study examines triaxial compression specimens printed sand compares it that specimens. Drained undrained isotropically-consolidated tests were performed on composed angular rounded sands. test results indicate sands exhibit stress-dilatancy follows well-established flow rules, mobilizes greater critical state friction angle than sand, analogous drained stress paths can be followed by similar initial void ratios if cell pressure scaled. suggest some fundamental behaviors soils captured soils, interpretation their response soil mechanics framework. However, important differences arise from process smaller stiffness polymeric material. Graphic abstract Artificial analogs X-ray CT scans sub-rounded sub-angular Triaxial characterize strength dilatancy well staste parameters compare exhibited