Sound insulation properties of building elements, considering the frequency range below 100 Hz

Abstract

The constantly increasing standard of comfort in general and the rising number of apartment buildings in lightweight mode of construction directed the focus of research to the sound insulation properties of timber frame and massive wood element buildings. The complaints of the residents of terraced houses and multiple dwellings in lightweight buildings mainly concern noise events characterised by dominant low frequency. This problem regards airborne sound insulation as well as impact sound insulation. Based on empirical data the comparison of the sound insulation properties of the building elements investigated shows the specific problem of each category of construction mode in the frequency range below 100 Hz. The typical sound insulation characteristics regarding the low frequency range are discussed in the light of the current applied sound insulation requirements as well as in relation to the problem to comply with the resident's apperception of sound insulation quality.