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This paper concerns the development and validation of Finite Element Methods (FEM) to simulate the dynamic response of a dowelled-joist timber floor. This is a solid floor comprised of timber joists connected using timber dowels with individual assemblies connected using inclined metal screws. The focus is on the structural dynamics in the low-frequency range up to 200 Hz which is the relevant range for impact sound insulation and vibration serviceability. Dowel connections between the joists that formed each assembly were modelled using either rigid or spring connectors in the FEM models. The validation against experimental modal analysis showed that both approaches were valid in terms of the eigenfrequencies, Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) and the spatial-average velocity with point excitation. Whilst the FEM model with spring connectors had a higher number of correlated modes in the MAC analysis, this required removal of many spurious modes before predicting the response. The validated models were used to demonstrate the potential in predicting assessment parameters for vibration serviceability that are contained in EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5). This predictive approach to the evaluation of vibration serviceability has the advantage in that it can be used for non-standard timber floors with non-standard boundary conditions or floor plans.

In order to set up guidelines for the design of light-weighted ceilings for timber constructions to be used by engineers in practice, investigations based on both measurements and numerical models have been carried out within the cooperative research project “VibWood”. In this contribution the setup and the calibration of the numerical model of the structure as well as the prediction of radiated sound are discussed, where a special focus is set on a dimensionless description in order to deduce information for a wide range of system’s specifications. The structure, consisting of a timber slab, a floating floor and a suspended ceiling, is built up in a Finite Element model, where the material properties of wood and the characteristics of the system (e.g.support conditions, contact phenomena dynamic properties of individual parts) are considered. The model is parameterized in order to enable computations with varying geometry and material parameters. After calibrating the FE-model with the help of measurements using model updating techniques dimensionless parameters are defined based on the Buckingham-π- Theorem and computations are carried out in order to specify guidelines for various systems. The radiation of sound is computed in a post processing using Integral Transform Methods.

It is common for timber ceiling constructions to include a suspended ceilings made of plasterboard. In order to minimize the radiation from impact excitation, especially in the low frequency range below 100 Hz, a detailed analysis of the vibration behaviour was necessary. An experimental modal analysis was carried out and the radiated sound power from the suspended ceiling was measured using a sweep sine excitation by a shaker connected to the top layer of the timber floor construction. Since the experimental modal analysis was conducted using a high frequency resolution and with a non-stationary sound field, it was necessary to check the validity of the intensity measurements by comparing it with 1/3-octave band measurements. The results show very good agreement. By this means the radiation efficiency can be measured simultaneously with an experimental modal analysis of a structure.

Die mithilfe der Abklingmethode ermittelten Verlustfaktoren sind bei mehreren Eigenfrequenzen pro Frequenzband zuverlässig. Die Ergebnisse der Resonanzbreitenmethode beziehen sich dagegen auf die Eigenfrequenzen und sind nur bei einer geringen Modenüberlappung zuverlässig. Beide Methoden sind gleichwertig, wenn mehrere Eigenschwingungen im Frequenzband vorhanden sind und die Modenüberlappung gleichzeitig gering ist. Für einseitig überlagerte Resonanzkurven wurde eine einfache Alternative der Resonanzbreitenmethode vorgeschlagen. Die Ergebnisse wurden im Rahmen des gemeinsam von der TU München, der HS Rosenheim und dem ift Rosenheim durchgef¨uhrten DFG-AiF Forschungsvorhabens ”Vibroakustik im Planungsprozess für Holzbauten” erarbeitet. Das IGF-Vorhaben 17328N/1 der Forschungsvereinigung HS Rosenheim wurde über die AiF im Rahmen des Programms zur Förderung der Industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert.