Flanking Sound Transmission Issues – Lightweight Structures

Preventing Flanking Sound Transmission through lightweight constructions.

In the sketch below, we’re exploring the issue of blocking the sound path within the inner wall of the facade. Think of it as installing a Block for unwanted noise. By ‘fortifying’ the junction, it is possible to further minimize flanking transmission.

The idea is to avoid weak structural sound paths. A good Way is to Think of the total mass of the shortest Sound path, this May indicate the weakest link of the structure.

Near junctions at facades or inner walls even, flanking sound transmission can be a showstopper when it comes to sound insulation. By blocking off the ‘weakest link’, it is possible to maximize the sound insulation of the junction.

Flanking Sound Transmission through roof constructions

Unwanted flanking Sound transmission in roof construction can be a problem especially for lightweight structures. The issue usually stems from the open roof cavity, which In many Ways, Can function as a ‘duct’ for Sound.

It can be important to strenghten the weakest structural sound paths. A way to do this for the sketched roof construction is to continue the wall segment into the roof cavity in order to close it off.

Of course this is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution.

By closing off the roof cavity, it can be an effective way to minimize flanking sound transmission in lightweight constructions.