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. "This book deserves a place on the book shelves of any acoustical consultant, acoustical academic or acoustical researcher who works on sound insulation." -- John Davy, RMIT University, Australia "Mr. Rindel is a very renowned person in the field of Building Acoustics, with an extremely rich life time of experience, which allows the readers and users - be them technicians, engineers or practitioners - an overall set of scientific and technical information that certainly will contribute for the development of better professionals and acoustic quality of buildings." -- Jorge Parício, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Portugal "The author has an extensive background in the subject of building acoustics