Application and prospective of 3D printing in rock mechanics: A review

Abstract

This review aims to discuss the application and development of three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology in the field of rock mechanics and the mechanical behaviors of 3D-printed specimens on the basis of various available printing materials. This review begins with a brief description of the concepts and principles associated with 3DP, and then systematically elaborates the five major applications of 3DP technology in the field of rock mechanics, namely, the preparation of rock (including pre-flawed rock) specimens, preparation of joints, preparation of geophysical models, reconstruction of complex rock structures, and performance of bridging experimental testing and numerical simulation. Meanwhile, the mechanical performance of 3D-printed specimens created using six different printing materials, such as polymers, resin, gypsum, sand, ceramics, and rock-like geological materials, is reviewed in detail. Subsequently, some improvements that can make these 3Dprinted specimens close to natural rocks and some limitations of 3DP technology in the application of rock mechanics are discussed. Some prospects that are required to be investigated in the future are also proposed. Finally, a brief summary is presented. This review suggests that 3DP technology, especially when integrated with other advanced technologies, such as computed tomography scanning and 3D scanning, has great potential in rock mechanics field.

Keywords

three-dimensional printing (3DP) / rock mechanics / 3DP material / rock analogue / 3DP geotechnical model / numerical simulation

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