Title:
Sound Transmission Loss in Light Steel Framing Walls With Vermiculite and Recycled-pet Fiber

Authors:
Janaina C. Resende, Max D. C. Magalhaes, Edgar V. M. Carrasco, Brazil

Abstract:

Due to the demand for multifamily constructions, there is an increasing need for buildings with enhanced acoustic comfort. This study evaluated the acoustic performance of facade walls in the Light Steel Framing (LSF) construction system, using recycled-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fiber and vermiculite board according to ISO 10140:2021 (Acoustics – Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements). Experimental tests on sound transmission loss (STL) were conducted on LSF walls, comprised of two plates (a fiber cement board and an OSB (Oriented Strand Board) separated by an air gap. Four different internal cavity configurations were considered herein: a prototype without any material inside the wall; the second configuration with only recycled-PET fiber inside; the third configuration with solely vermiculite board inside; and the last model with both recycled-PET fiber and vermiculite board inside the wall. The ‘composite’LSF wall with two sound absorbing materials inside, achieved the value of STL equal to 37 dB. It complies with the minimum requirements of the Brazilian Standard NBR 15575-4 (ABNT, 2021) for facades. Furthermore, this study introduces a new approach for LSF walls which considers the introduction of vermiculite boardin between the external boards.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2024.9507