Applicability of ISO 16283-3 for field measurement of sound insulation of partially open windows

Abstract

Façade sound insulation regulations are typically focused on closed windows. However, many people prefer open windows for ventilation purposes, or simply because of the psychological effect of having an open window. As such it is important to be able to correctly quantify the sound insulation, also with open windows. The international standard ISO 16283-3 describes a field method for test of façade sound insulation of facades or façade elements, e.g. a window, which is further explained in the scope: "The element methods aim to estimate the sound reduction index of a façade element, for example, a window. The most accurate element method uses a loudspeaker as an artificial sound source. Other less accurate element methods use available traffic noise". However, the standard is probably primarily meant for closed windows, and not for open windows. The applicability of ISO 16283-3 for open windows is therefore under investigation for such conditions which are included in an additional Danish environmental noise guideline. Generally, it can be concluded that the traffic noise method is applicable, but care should be taken by using the loudspeaker method for partially open windows, since the results depend highly on the window opening position compared to the loudspeaker position.