The use of 3D-Printed PA6-GF components for the construction of structural specimens

The current study shows the application of 3D printing methods for structural testing. The primary goal of the experiments was to facilitate mechanical testing using polyamide 6 (Nylon) augmented with glass fibres, or PA6-GF. The assessment aims to demonstrate the efficacy of 3D printing techniques in preparing structural specimens and determining the material’s suitability for mechanical testing. This approach has the potential to optimize the process, save time, and reduce operational costs, including technician time and workload. the PA6-GF was tested to assess stress-strain curves and ultimate capacity before being employed as a construction material in the structural laboratory. Test results had shown a modulus of elasticity for the PA6-GF in the range of 992 MPa and 2040 MPa and a Poisson’s ratio in the range of 0.34–0.40. The application of 3D printing techniques and PA6-GF were successfully applied to overcome the limitation of commercially available stands to support steel meshes for the construction of a bridge deck to a reduced scale of 1–6. The use of PA6-GF material provided adequate mechanical properties and helped in reducing both construction time and cost on the order of 14 % and 7 %, respectively. These results indicates that this technology is a promising tool to enhance both construction processes and construction quality.