Effects of Periodic Materials on Distance Attenuation in Wall–Slab Structures: An Experiment

This research examines the application of periodic materials in wall–slab structures to mitigate impact noise and vibration propagation, a prevalent issue in multifamily housing. Traditional methods, such as floating floors, have proven insufficient in addressing low-frequency impact noises and in facilitating the identification of noise origins, leading to increased resident annoyance. Periodic materials, known for their effectiveness in controlling plane waves in civil engineering, were applied to the intermediate slab of a wall–slab experimental setup. The research involved assessing the attenuation of noise and vibration over distance before and after the application of periodic materials by measuring indoor sound pressure levels and the natural vibration amplitude of the structure’s members upon impact. The results showed that periodic materials not only facilitated distance attenuation but also significantly diminished noise and vibration throughout the structure, without the side effects of vibration amplification seen in prior civil engineering applications. This indicates a practical advancement in using these materials, offering a novel approach to sound insulation and enabling more precise impact source localization. Ultimately, this study contributes to improving urban living by suggesting a method to enhance acoustic comfort in multifamily housing, underlining the importance of further exploration in architectural applications of periodic materials.