Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-16-2025

Abstract

Mitigating unwanted vibrations is essential in the design of structural and mechanical systems to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance. This dissertation advances the Acoustic Black Hole (ABH) concept, passive vibration control strategy, by replacing geometric tapering with controlled material properties. Using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, elastic modulus variation in polymer concrete (PC) enabled wave velocity reduction without compromising fatigue resistance. The high strength, excellent damping, and rheological properties of PC makes it ideal for 3D-printed ABH structures. This work examined bond performance between normal concrete properties, developed PC mixes with tailored rheological and mechanical properties, and evaluated their 3D-printability. A full-scale, multi-material ABH-PC structure was developed and tested, showing significant wave velocity reduction and enhanced attenuation. The study establishes a scalable pathway for integrating load-bearing, 3D-printed PC into advanced vibration-sensitive systems, demonstrating the potential for material-driven ABH design to improve long-term performance and reliability in construction and engineering applications.

Keywords

Acoustic Black Holes, 3D-printing, Polymer Concrete, Vibration management, Material Characterization, Structural Dynamics

Sponsors

Sandia National Laboratories, NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallics

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Mahmoud Reda Taha

Second Committee Member

Maryam Hojati

Third Committee Member

Yu-Lin Shen

Fourth Committee Member

Fernando Moreu

Fifth Committee Member

Benjamin Treweek

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