Sound consists of vibrations that travel as pressure waves through air or another medium and are perceived by the human ear as a tone or noise.
In construction, sound is important for living comfort. Think of sound insulation between homes, impact noise from floors, and the acoustics of a room.
How sound works
Sound is created when a source vibrates and sets the surrounding particles in motion. Two quantities are important here:
- Frequency: the number of vibrations per second, expressed in hertz (Hz). Low tones have a low frequency, high tones a high one.
- Sound level: the strength of the sound, expressed in decibels (dB).
Sound travels faster through solids than through air. In construction we distinguish:
| Type of sound | Example |
|---|---|
| Airborne sound | Voices, music, traffic |
| Impact sound | Footsteps, slamming doors |
| Service noise | Pipes, ventilation |
Application
To limit noise nuisance, the following are used:
- Solid, heavy structures that block sound
- Decoupled floors and walls against impact sound
- Absorbent materials to reduce reverberation
Good sound insulation combines mass, resilience and airtightness. Gaps and joints greatly weaken the insulation, so careful detailing is essential for a quiet living environment.
Related terms
- Insulation
- Cavity wall
- Facade
- Ventilation
- Concrete
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