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Optimization of elastomer layer in CLT panels for vibration reduction

Arvidsson, Nils LU (2026) In TVSM-5000 VSMM01 20251
Structural Mechanics
Department of Construction Sciences
Abstract
In this thesis, optimization of cross-laminated timber panels is performed. A cross laminated timber panel consists of a set of wooden layers, which are bonded together. In this work, a layer of elastomer is included among the wooden layers. As the elastomer is a favourable material to improve the vibrational and acoustic properties, this thesis investigates how this material can be optimally distributed.

The optimization of the panels specifically targets the elastomer layer, by distributing material to regions where it efficiently reduces the vibrational response. The response of the panels is analyzed by loading the panels with a harmonically varying force, where the forcing frequency is varied so that the vibrational response is... (More)
In this thesis, optimization of cross-laminated timber panels is performed. A cross laminated timber panel consists of a set of wooden layers, which are bonded together. In this work, a layer of elastomer is included among the wooden layers. As the elastomer is a favourable material to improve the vibrational and acoustic properties, this thesis investigates how this material can be optimally distributed.

The optimization of the panels specifically targets the elastomer layer, by distributing material to regions where it efficiently reduces the vibrational response. The response of the panels is analyzed by loading the panels with a harmonically varying force, where the forcing frequency is varied so that the vibrational response is evaluated over a range of frequencies. The vibrational response is then used as an objective function in an optimization problem with the constraint functions consisting of a volume constraint of the elastomer and the deflection of the panels due to static loading. As the configuration of the elastomer layer is of interest, topology optimization is employed to find a distribution of elastomer which ultimately yields a lower vibrational response than a uniform layer. The end result of the elastomer layer shows an interesting
pattern where the mode shapes of the panel are reflected in the design, and the response is reduced in the range of 10-20%. The potential drawback may be that the eigenvalues appear at a slightly lower frequency. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Reducing vibration and sound in buildings is important for creating a healthy and comfortable living environment for residents. Vibrations from footsteps, music and other activities can travel through floor structures and lead to unwanted noise and disturbances inside a building. Controlling these effects is, therefore, an important aspect of building design. This thesis investigates how an elastomer layer within cross-laminated timber floors can be designed to reduce vibrations across a range of frequencies using numerical methods.
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Arvidsson, Nils LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Optimering av elastomerlager för vibrationsreduktion i CLT-paneler
course
VSMM01 20251
year
type
H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
subject
publication/series
TVSM-5000
report number
TVSM--5286
ISSN
0281-6679
language
English
id
9225523
alternative location
https://www.byggmek.lth.se/english/publications/tvsm-5000-present-2014/
date added to LUP
2026-04-21 08:54:17
date last changed
2026-04-21 08:54:17
@misc{9225523,
  abstract     = {{In this thesis, optimization of cross-laminated timber panels is performed. A cross laminated timber panel consists of a set of wooden layers, which are bonded together. In this work, a layer of elastomer is included among the wooden layers. As the elastomer is a favourable material to improve the vibrational and acoustic properties, this thesis investigates how this material can be optimally distributed.

The optimization of the panels specifically targets the elastomer layer, by distributing material to regions where it efficiently reduces the vibrational response. The response of the panels is analyzed by loading the panels with a harmonically varying force, where the forcing frequency is varied so that the vibrational response is evaluated over a range of frequencies. The vibrational response is then used as an objective function in an optimization problem with the constraint functions consisting of a volume constraint of the elastomer and the deflection of the panels due to static loading. As the configuration of the elastomer layer is of interest, topology optimization is employed to find a distribution of elastomer which ultimately yields a lower vibrational response than a uniform layer. The end result of the elastomer layer shows an interesting
pattern where the mode shapes of the panel are reflected in the design, and the response is reduced in the range of 10-20%. The potential drawback may be that the eigenvalues appear at a slightly lower frequency.}},
  author       = {{Arvidsson, Nils}},
  issn         = {{0281-6679}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{TVSM-5000}},
  title        = {{Optimization of elastomer layer in CLT panels for vibration reduction}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}