Comparison of the models predicting sound insulation values of multilayered building elements

Calculation of sound transmission losses through multilayered structures that are used both in industry and in buildings, has been dealt with extensively and several models have been developed so far. The three models introduced in this paper are Insul SW based on the Sharp model with some modifications, Acousys SW using the transfer matrix and the windowing technique and FMulay SW based on the improved impedance model. Aiming to investigate the differences between these models in this study, the calculations were performed for numbers of sample building elements composed of various materials and constructions. Statistical analysis of the results in both R-w (C; C-tr) and 1/3 octave bands, indicate that the last two models are better correlated with each other and the differences at high frequencies are larger for all the models. When the calculated data was also compared with the earlier experimental data published before, the Insul model yields in slightly better compatibility with the experimental results, however the correlation coefficients are rather high for all the models. In this study, a confirmation of FMulay developed by the author, has been fulfilled because of the agreeable relationships with the other models and especially with the measured data. This study has evidenced that the model can be successfully implemented for further parametric studies as planned for optimum insulation design. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.