Sound

Robin Mackenzie Partnership/Edinburgh Napier University

KEY POINTS: x More detailed performance requirements available to the

designer x Performance criteria have been broadened and minimum stand-

ards raised x Regulatory control in many areas is now proved through com-

pletion testing placing more emphasis on good design

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Fundamentals of acoustics 3 Reducing sound transmission from external sources 4 Reducing sound transmission through layout and design 5 Reducing sound transmission through a structure 6 Permissible noise levels within a building 7 Sound insulation performance parameters 8 Sound insulation performance criteria 9 Specifying airborne and impact insulation from laboratory test

data 10 Reverberation criteria 11 General guidance on the acoustics of performance spaces 12 Bibliography

1 INTRODUCTION There are three main areas for consideration when designing buildings for good acoustics:

1 The control of sound break-in from external noise sources; most commonly from transportation, industrial and/or commercial (pubs, clubs, etc.) activities.