Investigação do desempenho solo-geogrelha com elementos de ABS fabricados por manufatura aditiva: um estudo para pavimento

Abstract

Brazil's road infrastructure faces chronic structural deficiencies, which demand innovative solutions to mitigate their economic and logistical impacts. Given the high costs associated with road reconstruction and maintenance, this study proposes an alternative geotechnical approach, exploring the use of 3D printing in the manufacturing of geogrids and addressing a gap in the literature regarding the application of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer in this context. In line with this focus, the mechanical behavior of soil reinforced with two models of ABS-printed geogrids (referred to as GB1 and GB2) was investigated through laboratory tests. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of soil-geogrid interaction for potential application in paving. To this end, geotechnical characterization of the soil was conducted, and its performance was compared in both natural and reinforced conditions. The applied tests included Unconfined Compression, Resilient Modulus, Indirect Tensile Strength (Brazilian Test), and Direct Shear. The results indicated an improvement in the soil's unconfined compression strength with the use of geogrid GB1, as well as an increase in shear strength, particularly with the application of geogrid GB2, which contributed to higher cohesion and friction angle. On the other hand, the presence of both geogrids did not significantly influence tensile strength, and the resilient modulus remained unchanged. These findings are essential to support decision-making in geotechnical design and highlight the importance of further research into the use of 3D-printed geogrids.