Acoustic behaviour of CLT structures: influence of decoupling bearing stripes, floor assembly and connectors under storey-like loads

Abstract

Timber buildings do not have a high acoustic performance regarding vibration transmission through the structure. Sophisticated acoustic design methods are usually not applied and noise control design for wooden buildings is often merely based on the experience of engineers. To find out the peculiarity of timber transmission, an acoustic lab test with CLT was set up. Several measurement configurations were built and airborne sound measurements according to EN ISO 16283-1 and impact sound measurements according to EN ISO 16283-2 were carried out. The test results were set in relation to reference measurements on the bare CLT slab and on a floor assembly, with and without decoupling bearing stripes and with and without connectors. In addition to the standard sound measurements, the sound transmissions through the ceiling element and through the flank components (walls) were also measured with accelerometers. The results showed in an experimental evaluation method a reduction in sound transmission and standard impact sound level. All tests were carried out with the same load of 17 kN/m on the decoupling bearing stripes and the ceiling element. The load was applied by means of threaded rods and secured by strain gauges. The influence of decoupling bearings stripes, types of fastening systems and floor structures on sound transmission through the flanking components on a real scale mock-up could therefore be investigated.