Finite Element Approach for Flanking Transmission in Building Acoustics

Abstract

It is a well known fact that the acoustical properties of a building are seldom the main focus of the design. Constructive constraints and aesthetic aspects take centre stage in the early stage of design. As a consequence, the acoustic properties of the building may be insufficient and have to be improved by a costly reconstruction. One possibility to circumvent this problem is to use numerical tools that are able to predict the acoustical behaviour of a building at the early design stage. Here, a numerical tool, based upon the Finite Element Method (FEM), is presented. This tool is used to simulate building acoustic problems. A fully coupled formulation allows consideration of the complex interactions of materials and components. Air-borne sound, structure-borne sound, and sound insulation can be modelled. Example calculations show how numerical simulations can influence the design of a building. Further, numerical simulations can complement measurements and reduce the number of costly experiments, and also indicate improvements in sound insulation.

Keywords

acoustics damping joints finite elements

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