TRADE-OFFS IN EMBODIED CARBON AND ACOUSTIC INSULATION FOR MASS TIMBER FLOOR ASSEMBLIES

Samantha J. Leonard, Mohamad B. Eddin, Morgan K. Prichard, Jonathan M. Broyles, Nathan C. Brown, Sylvain Ménard

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mass timber structural systems are increasingly used in the design of low and mid-rise buildings. One of the primary motivators for using mass timber structures is their low embodied carbon emissions (EC), which reduces a building’s carbon footprint. Despite this advantage, a criticism of mass timber structures in multi-story buildings is often poor air-borne and impact sound insulation. In response, this paper studies common mass timber floor assemblies for their EC and sound insulation performance. EC data is used along with previous experimental acoustic data to evaluate how acoustic insulation affects the sustainability of mass timber floors. This study found that there is no clear relationship between EC and acoustic insulation; while high-EC assemblies exist, there are many low-EC assemblies at all levels of acoustic insulation. Trade-offs instead occur in the types of assemblies that can achieve performance goals and their depth or visible finish. While other factors such as cost or structural requirements may control assembly selection, designers seeking to reduce EC should consider room design needs and select acoustic insulation strategies with favorable EC-to-acoustic insulation ratios.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication13th World Conference on Timber Engineering, WCTE 2023
EditorsAnders Q. Nyrud, Kjell Arne Malo, Kristine Nore, Knut Werner Lindeberg Alsen, Saule Tulebekova, Efthymia Ratsou Staehr, Gabrielle Bergh, Wendy Wuyts
PublisherWorld Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE)
Pages858-867
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781713873297
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Event13th World Conference on Timber Engineering: Timber for a Livable Future, WCTE 2023 - Oslo, Norway
Duration: Jun 19 2023Jun 22 2023

Publication series

Name13th World Conference on Timber Engineering, WCTE 2023
Volume2

Conference

Conference13th World Conference on Timber Engineering: Timber for a Livable Future, WCTE 2023
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityOslo
Period6/19/236/22/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Plant Science
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture
  • Forestry

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