In this paper, the characterization of metallic studs used to mount lightweight double wall systems is studied both experimentally and numerically. The metallic studs are usually considered by introducing translational and rotational springs to couple the plasterboards composing the double wall. Therefore, the characterization involves determining these spring characteristics. The performance of this type of lightweight double wall in terms of sound transmission is presented in a companion paper. Different experimental setups have been investigated to determine the equivalent translational and rotational spring values. These experimental setups are described and involve the measurement of an input mobility. A finite element model of the laboratory tests has been developed. Shell and massive finite elements are employed in order to reproduce the experimental setups. A comparison of the measured and numerical results is shown. The FEM modelling is intended to help in developing new type of studs for double walls in order to obtain better sound transmission performance.

Peer Reviewed