The adaptation of the façade sound insulation requirements in the Belgian standard

Abstract

In a previous paper, a draft of the new Belgian requirements for the sound insulation in dwellings in the prNBN S01-400-1 was presented. During the public enquiry, there was protest of the architectural associations against the façade sound requirements and this part of the draft had to be revised. Architects complained that it would become almost impossible to build even smaller projects without the help of acoustical engineers, what would increase building costs. The building market for dwellings is mainly a liberal market of an individual architect working for a single family, and only the intervention of a structural engineer is usual. The façade requirements are expressed as a function of the outdoor noise and concern the finished building. Architects found the relation of these requirements with the performance of the façade elements as can be calculated by EN 12 354-3:2000 too complicated. A simplified approach was developed and got the approval of the building sector and will be detailed in the presentation. Due to federal law on "the obligatory use of good craftsmanship in building", requirements in standards in Belgium are obligatory. The new standard will be of application from the 15th of February 2008.