Silent Timber Build - Development of low frequency vibroacoustic prediction tools for lightweight wooden constructions

The goal of the Silent Timber Build project is to develop new prediction tools for timber structures. As a matter of fact, impact sound insulation in the low frequency range is a crucial point concerning satisfaction of lightweight wooden-based building residents. Floor systems are rather complex: multi-layered, multi-cavity, stiffened, with floor covering and ceiling (either rigidly connected, suspended, or completely independent), etc. Finite element (FE) simulations have proved to be useful in the design phase for the low frequency range (below 200 Hz). To address mid and high frequency range, other methods have to be implemented such as Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA). This paper concentrates on impact sound insulation prediction in the low frequency range by means of FE simulations and presents first validation steps for a wooden floor identified as representative in Europe. The main difficulties in impact sound insulation prediction are identified and discussed