Geomaterials with different grain size distribution, particle shape, and other micro-structural features exhibit various mechanical properties due to those features. In addition, even if soil specimens are sampled from the same geological stratum or prepared in a similar manner, the test result may vary depending on their micro-structural differences. Therefore, evaluating the effects of such micro-structural features will lead to advances in methods for evaluating the mechanical properties of the ground. In the conventional geotechnical investigation method, undisturbed samples (i.e., cores) are taken from the original ground, after which various types of laboratory tests must be performed to measure their properties, etc. depending on the purpose. On the other hand, if it were possible to use an X-ray CT scanner to acquire images of the micro-structural features of the ground, perform CT image and numerical analyses, and conduct simulated soil tests using 3D printing technology, it would enable the evaluation of the various mechanical properties of the core samples, which would be highly useful in practice.
 
We performed uniaxial and triaxial compression tests on simulated specimens created using 3D printing representing the particles and their sedimentary structures, and confirmed that they exhibited a granular ground behavior resembling a ground.
 
We applied the original data (shape and location data of each particle) on the simulated specimens as a numerical analysis model and attempted to reproduce the compressing movement.