Power balance methods to estimate junction attenuation in lightweight constructions

A power balance method to estimate junction attenuation in a lightweight-framed construction was investigated. Velocity level difference (VLD) was measured and variance in these measurements was related to the attenuation. Additional attenuation in the surface, which is a complex function of damping and size and spacing of joists, increased the measured VLD which made the measurements very sensitive to accelerometer location. Work is still in progress to determine a suitable in-situ test method for lightweight framed construction.