Accurate and efficient prediction of sound insulation in multilayer structures: a robust method validated with floating floors

Engineering offices and manufacturers of acoustic building systems or materials often rely on measurement data to determine the adequacy of solutions for specific situations. This typically involves numerous costly and time-consuming laboratory measurements, making it difficult to efficiently explore and optimize various design configurations. In this paper, a prediction method is presented to accurately and efficiently predict the sound insulation of multilayer structures. Accuracy ensures reliability, while efficiency is crucial for optimization, where numerous simulations are needed, for example to identify the ideal layering or material properties of a(n) (inter)layer. The prediction method accounts for arbitrary layering, finite dimensions, boundary conditions and resulting modal behavior, as well as frequency- and temperature-dependent material properties. Extensive validation has been conducted using numerous examples with a specific focus on floating floors, demonstrating the model's robustness and reliability. An accuracy of 3 dB in the single number ration is generally achieved using predefined values from a material database. The method achieves higher accuracy when material properties are determined from testing.