I see in the archives several threads related to loud banging/popping noises generally coming from newer houses or buildings.

I live on the second floor of a moderately aged 3 story apartment complex in Northern Virginia; it was built more than 10 years ago. My neighbor directly below insists that he hears very loud banging/popping noises almost every night around the same times (midnight, 2 am, 4 am) and he's sure the noise is coming from my apartment. He describes it as "someone throwing marbles against a piece of wood." I do not hear these noises as I am generally sound asleep by that time.

Does the standard explanation still apply in my case - can temperature changes and differentials between materials and/or moisture in the wood can cause these noises even after 10-15 years? Could there be some other construction-related explanation? Perhaps air conditioning ducts expanding/contracting or pipes making noise?

My neighbor is angry with me because he believes I'm making these noises purposely to wake him up and I have no easy way to convince him otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'd say it is probably pipes, maybe water hammer. Hard to tell exactly without hearing it. Let's hear what some other people here think.

I think I'm going in a different direction on this one. Water isn't likely to be used nearly every night at 2:00 AM. You are in a fairly warm climate but it does cool off a lot at night. I think the building is contracting as it cools, rafters,joists and beams can make fairly big pops. Tell your neighbor to call the landlord and say he is afraid of the structure, its probably safe but it gets the attention of the LL.

On that thought, do you have aluminum siding? Could be that contracting too.