Sound Insulation in Buildings

The book explains sound insulation in buildings at a level suitable for both graduate students and expert consultants.

Theoretical models are set out for sound transmission in buildings, with an emphasis on thick and heavy constructions. Thus, the description is not restrained by the common assumption of bending waves which is characteristic of thin plates, only. A general description is provided, with the modal density in the structures as a key parameter. At low frequencies statistical energy analysis is replaced by modal energy analysis. Sound transmission through windows and facades is represented by a model that allows any angle on incidence, including the special case of grazing incidence. One chapter is devoted to the subjective evaluation of sound insulation, particularly noise from neighbours, and how this can be applied in a sound classification scheme for dwellings. Measurement methods in building acoustics are presented with emphasis on modern methods using MLS signals or sine sweeps. The analysis and estimation of measurement uncertainty is discussed in detail. In a final chapter examples of experimental buildings with high sound insulation are explained.

Basic concepts in acoustics. Mechanical vibrations. The sound field in front of a wall. Introduction to room acoustics. Introduction to sound insulation. Sound radiation from plates. Statistical energy analysis. Airborne sound transmission through single constructions. Airborne sound transmission through Double constructions. Impact sound insulation. Flanking transmission. Measurement methods and single number rating. Measurement uncertainty. Building regulations on sound insulation. Subjective evaluation of sound insulation. Examples of building constructions with high sound insulation.

Jens Holger Rindel is currently senior consultant at Multiconsult in Norway and senior researcher at Odeon A/S in Denmark. Until 2007 he was Professor in acoustics at the Technical University of Denmark. He is also past President of the Nordic Acoustical Association, and past Chairman of the Technical Committee for Building and Room Acoustics of the European Association of Acoustical Societies. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics and of the Acoustical Society of America.