Prediction Method Adapted to Wood Frame Lightweight Constructions

Abstract

When wood frame lightweight constructions are considered, both the standardized methods, EN 12354-1 and -2, for predicting building performances from the performances of building elements and the related standardized laboratory measurement methods for characterizing building elements and their junctions have to be reconsidered. In this paper, a prediction method based on Statistical Energy Analysis and adapted to lightweight constructions, is presented. It was applied to a two-storey four-room building where an analysis of the different transmission paths was required in order to understand and improve the acoustic performances of the building. Comparisons between results, expressed in terms of airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms, either directly measured or calculated using the prediction method, are given in the three cases of vertical, horizontal and diagonal transmission. A satisfactory agreement between calculated and measured results is obtained.