The environmental benefits of wood buildings are well documented, but as an increasing number of taller and larger structures are being constructed, consideration must also be given to the comfort of occupants.

That’s the focus of University of Northern British Columbia Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Jianhui Zhou's research into sound insulation and floor vibration in mass timber buildings. With the support of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant worth $127,500, Zhou will research effective floor vibration design methods and efficient acoustic treatment solutions as part of the systematic design of mass timber floor systems.

The project titled, Vibration Serviceability and Vibroacoustic Performance of Mass Timber Floor Systems, will investigate how floors vibrate due to human walking and what can be done to control the vibrations. It also examines the noise generated by the vibrations and how the noise can be effectively controlled. 

“Serviceability performance including floor vibration and sound insulation significantly affects occupants’ comfort and proper operation of facilities and equipment, and can ultimately affect the market acceptance of wood as a construction material,” Zhou says. “Therefore, there is a need for more supports for such research to promote wood for broader acceptance.”

The Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design program at UNBC has been growing its reputation in both education and research and development since its inception. 

“This research will integrate with other ongoing wood engineering research to provide a systematic solution to the emerging mass timber construction industry in British Columbia and Canada,” Zhou says. “Wood Engineering research will be an important feature for UNBC’s Civil Engineering program.”