Global state of knowledge on human-induced sound and vibration events: defining future research directions for mass timber products

Abstract

Despite the rise in mass timber buildings globally, challenges remain with timber’s limitations in low-frequency sound and vibration. This is due to timber’s lower density compared to concrete and steel, leading to natural frequencies more susceptible to disturbances from footfall vibrations. This study identifies areas for further research in floor sound and vibration through a combined analysis of practitioner consultations and systematic review. A total of 112 discussions across 13 countries captured varying perspectives from producers of mass timber products through to designers of mass timber structures, as well as researchers of these different approaches. Of those consulted, 75% of producers noted increased mass timber product demand alongside a need for more design data, with 61% of designers and builders facing challenges related to sound and vibration. In addition, 17% of builders reported receiving tenant complaints over sound and vibration-related concerns, with 44% of practitioners noting concerns over sound and vibration performance. Several standards/design guides were analysed and ranked through the systematic review and practitioner consultation finding FprEN 1995-1-1, CCIP-016, and BS 6472-1 to be highly ranked from both analysis approaches. However, there were several cases, where standards ranked highly through the literature analysis approach were not highly ranked through the analysis of practitioner responses. Three under-researched areas were identified: (1) long-span floor systems, (2) the influence of mass timber product material properties, and (3) the undefined relationship between lab and in-situ performance. Furthermore, 71% of practitioners highlighted that the perception of comfort by occupants is under-represented in current research.