Challenges for acoustic calculation models in "Silent Timber Build", Part 1- FEM

The project "Silent Timber Build" will develop new prediction tools for timber structures. There are s everal challenges that have to be overcome to provide a fu ll prediction tool. The differences in weight, stif fness and density for wooden structures compared to tradition al, heavy and more homogeneous structural material have repercussions on how the sound propagates throughout the structures, affecting the sound and vibration insulation performance and also theories to be used in prediction models. The project will use Finite element simulations (FEM) and Statistical Energy Analysis ( SEA) approaches to predict acoustical behavior of l ight weight timber constructions. This article, followin g another article Part 1, will focus on medium and high frequency range calculations. Statistical methods w ill be used in the medium and high frequency, where the acoustic performance of wooden building components (walls and floors) is generally limited by the pres ence of structural links and couplings. Statistical Ener gy Analysis (SEA) has proven to be an efficient app roach, providing robust vibroacoustic models in this frequ ency region. The extension of statistical methods t owards the low frequencies has to be evaluated, especially regarding time responses of impact noise on floor systems. For full-scale building, Virtual SEA method will be used as well as analytic SEA approach in frequenci es low enough in order to optimize the overlap to FEM.