Building acoustics is the branch of building physics that deals with sound transmission and sound insulation in and between buildings. It covers both the isolation of unwanted noise (sound insulation) and the control of sound within a space (room acoustics).
Two Branches of Building Acoustics
Building acoustics has two main areas:
- Sound insulation — preventing sound from passing between rooms or from outside to inside. This includes airborne sound (voices, music) and impact sound (footsteps, dropped objects)
- Room acoustics — controlling the behaviour of sound within a space. A concert hall needs reverberation; an office needs clarity
Application
Building acoustics plays a role in virtually every building type:
- Residential — sound insulation between apartments must meet building regulations (e.g. minimum 45 dB airborne sound insulation in the UK)
- Schools — classrooms need good room acoustics so pupils can hear the teacher
- Offices — open-plan offices require acoustic ceilings and screens
- Theatres and concert halls — reverberation time is precisely tuned to the intended use
Sound Insulation Measures
- Mass — heavy materials provide better airborne sound insulation
- Decoupling — separate constructions prevent impact sound transfer
- Absorption — soft materials such as mineral wool absorb sound
- Airtightness — every gap is a potential sound leak
Related Terms
- Building physics
- Sound insulation
- Insulation
- Mineral wool
- Building regulations
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