Abstract
Noise complaints in New Zealand suggest that multi-family domestic buildings are not providing for the sound insulation needs associated with modern ways of living. We argue that verification measurements should be more widely encouraged. The research described is aimed at developing screening techniques which are convenient and easy to carry out. The approach is to reduce measurement effort by minimising the amount and weight of equipment needed. It is demonstrated that airborne measurements are possible without using a loudspeaker source – for example using a tapping machine on a “radiation” box. Also it is shown that impact insulation can, in principle, be predicted from airborne insulation measurements alone i.e. without the use of a tapping machine. This requires a library of ‘corrections' factors. Values for some typical floor constructions and coverings are presented. Finally we demonstrate that a lightweight, single hammer, tapping machine can satisfactorily measure standardised impact sound pressure levels.
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