A review of acoustic metamaterials applied to noise control in civil engineering

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, the research of acoustic metamaterials has branched out in many directions, presenting numerous potentially applicable geometries for the composition of noise control structures, such as structural resonators, acoustic resonators, and membranes. Therefore, keeping track of these multiple applications can be considered a rather difficult task. Moreover, the application of this novel concept in civil engineering has a high potential. In this context, an article review is proposed, identifying the most important acoustic metamaterial concepts that were applied or could be applied in civil engineering. The study performs a qualitative survey of articles in this segment, classifying the leading literature proposals, according to physical principles of cells working and to the facility of application in civil engineering, considering the production factors and construction implementation. It was found that the number of works with this focus is incipient when compared to the strictly theoretical works. A great number of articles contain dimensions and geometric propositions that feature difficulties of precise and large-scale manufacturing in the current civil construction scenario, which is traditionally less industrialized and technological. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the physical principles and acoustic structures were compared to point out ways that allow the development and popularization of acoustic metamaterials in civil engineering.