Evaluation of the dynamic response for scaled models of shaped concrete floor slabs

Abstract

The dynamic response of building structures is an essential design consideration in building acoustics. However, building design is increasingly driven by sustainability goals. Floors can be optimized to reduce material consumption and corresponding carbon emissions, yet geometric changes may cause sound insulation and vibration problems. Although the dynamic performance of traditional floors is well established, the performance of non-traditional shapes is less understood. Before trusting the results of building simulations encompassing optimized floors, the dynamic results should first be validated experimentally. This paper details a numerical finite element analysis method to ascertain the dynamic response of four shaped concrete slabs, with experimental modal analysis used to validate the numerical results. The material properties in the numerical model are updated to match the experimental results. The findings support a computational framework for determining the dynamic response of shaped structures that can then be implemented in future large-scale building models.

Evaluating Airborne Sound Insulation in Dwellings Constructed with Hollow Ceramic Blocks under Brazilian Housing Policies

“…The dynamic modulus of elasticity E dyn of mortar and/or concrete is an important input parameter in acoustic simulations, since it affects the stiffness of the structure, as the effective modulus of elasticity of the real structure, and, consequently, the sound transmission characteristics of the material. A very common strategy used to predict this parameter is to evaluate individually the volumetric fractions and the elastic properties of each composite phase, and then to apply classical homogenization models [34,35]. In fact, understanding E dyn is crucial for optimizing building design, reducing material consumption, and solving sound and vibration problems.…”