CEE Ph.D. Defense Announcement: Ultra-High-Ductility and High-Strength Cementitious Materials for Advanced Manufacturing of Structures
Wei Geng, Ph.D. Candidate
UC Irvine, 2025
Professor Mo Li
Abstract: This dissertation investigates the development and behavior of cementitious materials with ultra-high ductility, exceptional strength and tailored rheology for advanced manufacturing of structures. Two different advanced manufacturing approaches are explored: Modular construction for accelerated bridge construction (ABC), and additively manufacturing (3D printing) for automated construction of ultra-tall wind turbine towers. This research establishes critical links between material properties, manufacturing processes and structural performance. Large- and full-scale experiments validate the proposed approaches and provide insights into material behavior within structures. This work advances material innovation and manufacturing technology, enabling future structural designs with improved manufacturing efficiency, mechanical performance and durability.