Numerical and experimental studies on scale models of lightweight building structures

Lightweight buildings are sensitive to low-frequency vibrations, making it difficult to construct them in such a way that noise and disturbing vibrations are kept at an acceptable level. In the design of vibration reduction measures, it is desirable to have computational models for predicting the effects of structural modifications. Validations of the models to experimental data have to be performed to ensure reliable predictions. The experimental studies are simplified if full-scale models can be scaled down in size. In the paper, methods for designing scaled experimental models of building structures are discussed. An example, the scaling of a wooden building structure, is presented.