Low frequency vibroacoustic investigation of wooden T-junctions

• Predictive tools for wooden buildings are needed, e.g. FE simulations.
• Junctions are complicated to model accurately using the FE method.
• The influence of adhesives in wood junctions was investigated via measurements.
• Calibration of FE models using measurement data as input was done.
• Guidelines to accurately model T-junctions using the FE method were developed.

In this paper, an experimental investigation on the influence of glue on the low frequency vibroacoustic performance (up to 200 Hz) of wooden T-junctions is presented along with a discussion of modelling issues related to the junctions. The mock-ups studied represent cut-outs of full size timber floor assemblies typically used in Sweden. Their dynamic performance was first studied experimentally by means of modal analysis. Moreover, finite element (FE) simulations of the T-junctions were carried out to establish reliable prediction tools, using the measurement data as calibration input. Modelling issues were addressed to investigate the influence of different features that must be taken into account when simulating the connections as part of larger structures. Guidelines for modelling these type of connections, when developing low frequency FE predictive tools, are presented here.