| Flexural analysis of a beam is the determination of the bending capacity of the beam when it is undergoing a load causing the beam to bend. 3D printed plastic beams have not been characterized and analyzed yet. However, this research characterizes 3D-printed PLA beams and provides projects for future researchers. The literature describes several fields that utilizes 3D-printing. In this research, we introduce an innovative approach to investigate the flexural properties of a 3D printed composite beam, made of PLA and locally available soil. The flexural testing will determine the behavior and mechanical properties of the 3D printed beams. The flexural properties of the beams were analyzed by following ASTM D790, Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic and Electrical Insulation Material. Then design enhancements were done to improve the beams' flexural capacity and overall strength. In this research, it was discovered that incorporating sand in the beam reduces the flexural capacity of the beams. Also, that the flexural behavior of the PLA beams is similar to non-reinforced timber beams. |
