Structure-borne transmission in lightweight buildings

Abstract

The move away from mass as a means of reducing sound transmission in buildings has led to the development of lightweight buildings. High levels of sound insulation are achieved by introducing discontinuities while retaining structural integrity. This paper will examine structure-borne sound transmission in lightweight framed buildings. For sound transmission through a wall or floor it is the coupling between the frame and the lightweight panels which must be considered. The coupling can be classified as either a line connection or a point connection. Each of these cases will be examined and the theories for sound transmission compared with experimental results. Flanking transmission must also be considered and models for the coupling between the structural elements will also be examined. These models are different from traditional buildings as many of the elements behave as beams rather than as plates. The structure is therefore a collection of beams and plates rather than just plates. Some of the transmission paths for transmission between adjacent rooms will be examined both for the case where all walls and floors are lightweight constructions and for the case where there is a mixed construction with traditional walls but lightweight floors.