Abstract
Lightweight double- and triple-leaf walls are increasingly favored in conventional and modern building construction for their reduced weight yet they often fall short in delivering robust sound insulation for high-performance applications. Existing analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches to predict sound reduction (R) face challenges, including limited accuracy, computational inefficiency, or high costs. This study introduces an innovative Hybrid FEM-Analytical prediction model that integrates the efficiency of analytical methods for air cavity and room acoustics with finite element analysis for panels and studs, enhanced by Bloch-Floquet boundary conditions to maintain computational efficiency. Validated against extensive experimental datasets and established analytical models, the proposed model accurately predicts STL for double-, separated double-, and triple-leaf walls, achieving a weighted sound reduction index (
R
w
) within ±3 dB of experimental results. This balance of precision and efficiency makes the model a valuable tool for optimizing acoustic performance in lightweight wall systems, supporting sustainable and cost-effective construction solutions.