Space averaging of vibration level differences measured in lightweight building structures

This paper examines space averaging methods applied to structural level differences measured in lightweight building structures (two beam junction and single plate and beam junction). The methods studied include the averaging assuming a constant input force, the averaging based on a constant vibration level across the source element, and the arithmetic averaging of level differences. Tests indicate that a fairly steady input force can be easily produced when using an impulsive source such as a hammer; the constant input force method is then appropriate and can be used to space average level differences (the two beam structure showing a standard deviation of 0.1 dB from the averaging based on levels normalised to the force). On the other hand, acceleration levels can exhibit significant variations with position due to the low mode count and modal overlap of some lightweight elements such as timber beams. Variations in the vibration level across the source element can then be responsible for large inaccuracies in the level difference calculated from the constant level assumption, the two beams’ results showing errors greater than 5 dB at several 1/3 octave band frequencies. The latter averaging method is then inappropriate and should not be used.