Study on mechanical properties of 3D printed rock mass samples with photosensitive resin material

Abstract

3D printing technology can provide an effective method for specimen preparation of rock mass, but the mechanical properties of 3D printed rock mass still need to be further studied. In this paper, uniaxial compression tests are carried out on the intact and jointed rock mass models which are printed by laser rapid prototyping printer with photosensitive resin materials, stress-strain curve and fracture propagation are obtained, and the mechanical properties of 3D printed rock mass are studied. The results show that the intact model of the photosensitive resin material has greater plasticity and stress hardening after the peak strength, while the jointed models have obvious brittle mechanical characteristics, but in general, plastic deformation occurs before brittle failure; that the joint dip angle has an important influence on the physical parameters such as the peak strength of the model, strain at brittle fracture, elastic modulus, and the crack propagation; and that photosensitive resin material can simulate rock fracture, but it is not as good as natural rock or rock-like material. The research results can be used for reference in the study of mechanical properties of photosensitive resin and its application in 3D printing for rock mass.