Saimaa University of Applied Sciences

Technology, Lappeenranta
Double Degree Programme in Civil and Construction Engineering

Olga Burmistrova

METHODS FOR MEASURING THE SOUND INSULATION

OF FACADES

Bachelor’s Thesis 2012

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 6

2 DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT FIELD MEASUREMENTS ....................... 7

2.1 Field measurements of airborne sound insulation of facade elements

and facades ..................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Definitions .............................................................................................. 9

2.3 Measurement with loudspeaker noise.................................................. 12

2.3.1 Principle ........................................................................................ 12

2.3.2 Generation of sound field .............................................................. 13

2.3.3 Position of the loudspeaker ........................................................... 14

2.3.4 Measurements in the receiving room ............................................ 14

2.3.5 Element loudspeaker method ........................................................ 16

2.3.6 Global loudspeaker method........................................................... 18

2.3.7 Calculation of measurement results .............................................. 19

2.4 Measurements with road traffic ............................................................ 19

2.4.1 Test requirements ......................................................................... 20

2.4.2 Element road traffic method .......................................................... 20

2.4.3 Global road traffic method ............................................................. 22

2.5 Equipment ............................................................................................ 23

2.5.1 Loudspeaker.................................................................................. 23

3 MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT ................................................................. 24

3.1 Real time sound analyzer Nor118 ........................................................ 24

2
 3.1.1 The functions available.................................................................. 25

3.1.2 Level vs. time ................................................................................ 26

3.1.3 Frequency analysis ....................................................................... 26

3.1.4 Reverberation time ........................................................................ 26

3.1.5 Sound power ................................................................................. 26

3.2 Real time sound analyzer Nor140 ........................................................ 27

3.3 Dodecahedron Loudspeaker Nor276 ................................................... 28

3.3.1 Features of Nor276 ....................................................................... 28

3.3.2 Sound power level vs. frequency................................................... 29

3.3.3 Sound power ................................................................................. 29

3.3.4 Maximum and minimum directivity indices .................................... 30

3.4 Sound calibrator ................................................................................... 32

4 FIELD MEASUREMENTS ......................................................................... 33

4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 33

4.2 Aim....................................................................................................... 33

4.3 Measurement process ......................................................................... 33

4.4 Field measurements in concrete laboratory ......................................... 34

4.4.1 Description of the house................................................................ 34

4.5 Results ................................................................................................. 39

4.6 Field measurements in the test building............................................... 43

4.6.1 Description of the house................................................................ 43

4.7 Results ................................................................................................. 48

3
5 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................ 52

FIGURES .......................................................................................................... 54

TABLES ............................................................................................................ 56

REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 56

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 TABLES WITH MEASUREMENT RESULTS FROM CONCRETE

LABORATORY

APPENDIX 2 TEST REPORT FROM “NORBUILD” COMPUTER PROGRAMM

(CONCRETE LABORATORY)

APPENDIX 3 TABLES WITH MEASUREMENT RESULTS FROM TESTING

BUILDING (CASE 2)

APPENDIX 4 TEST REPORT FROM “NORBUILD” COMPUTER PROGRAMM

(TESTING BUILDING, CASE 2)

4
ABSTRACT
Olga Burmistrova
Methods for measuring the sound insulation of facades
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta
Degree Programme in Civil and Construction Engineering
Bachelor‘s Thesis 2012
Instructors: Mr. Timo Lehtoviita, Mr. Lauri Pellinen

The main goals of this study were to describe different methods for measuring
airborne sound insulation of facades, to practice some of these methods and
make field measurements and to analyze the results of measurements
according to standard requirements.

The first part of this thesis is about methods which are described in the
European standard EN ISO 140-5: “Field measurements of airborne sound
insulation of facade elements and facades”. This standard shows various
methods for measuring sound insulation of a whole facade (global methods)
and facade elements, such as a window (element methods).
The second part is about measuring equipment which was used during field
measurements: a loudspeaker, real-time sound analyzers and a calibrator.
Features and possibilities of this equipment are described.
The third part describes field measurements. These measurements are
practical applying of the Global loudspeaker method. Measurements have been
done in two different places. The first place is the concrete laboratory of Saimaa
University of Applied Sciences and the second place is testing building.

On the basis of these measurement results test reports were made. In these
reports the results are presented graphically and as standardized level
difference D1s,2m,n,w. This value for the concrete laboratory facade is 22 dB
and for the testing building facade in the second case is 29 dB.

Keywords: sound insulation, measurement equipment, field measurements

5
1 INTRODUCTION

Facades serve as the outer skin of buildings and so have to fulfill the demand of
static strength and insulation. However, if facades are planned in a suitable
way, they can also act as a barrier for incident sound fields. Due to the fact that
nowadays noise exposure in daily life is considered as one of the main
environmental pollutions, low sound emissions into buildings have gained
increasing importance over the past years. For the construction of large public
buildings such as hotels, hospitals or conference centers, which are often
situated near airports, major roads, and railway lines, the acoustic shielding of
ambient noise is very important and in many cases difficult to handle with
classic passive methods (Forum Acusticum 2005, Noise Insulation applying
Active Elements onto Facades, p.869).

On the one hand, facade elements should be constructed to be as light as

possible. This helps to reduce the overall weight and reduces the cost. On the
other hand, heavy and stiff elements can provide better acoustic shielding
(Forum Acusticum 2005, Noise Insulation applying Active Elements onto
Facades, p.869).

This thesis work focuses on description how to evaluate sound insulation of

facades and how to apply these methods in practice, not on sound insulation
facade requirements. However, action plans according to the Environmental
Noise Directive will be implemented during the coming years, implying that
traffic noise intruding from the outside could be considerably reduced. The
primary goal is to reduce outdoor noise levels by reducing emissions from
vehicles and to increase facade sound insulation, where necessary, to obtain
satisfactory indoor conditions. The activities are described in several
publications such as “Research for a Quieter Europe in 2020”. This is a strategy
paper about a research for a quieter Europe (related to environmental noise
only). A new WHO guideline “Night noise guidelines for Europe” reviews the
health effects of sleep disturbance and presents limit values of night noise
exposure (Improving the Quality of Suburban Building Stock, p.4)

6
2 DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT FIELD MEASUREMENTS

The standard which was used is ISO 140-5:1998 Acoustics. Measurement of

sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Part 5: Field
measurements of airborne sound insulation of facade elements and facades.

2.1 Field measurements of airborne sound insulation of facade

elements and facades

For the measurement of the airborne sound insulation of facade elements and
the whole facade there are two series of methods: element methods and global
methods. The element methods aim to estimate the sound reduction index of a
facade element, for example a window. The most accurate element method
uses a loudspeaker as an artificial sound source. Other, less accurate, element
methods use available traffic noise. The global methods, on the other hand, aim
to estimate the outdoor/indoor sound level difference under actual traffic
conditions. The most accurate global methods use the actual traffic as sound
source. In addition, a loudspeaker may be used as an artificial sound source
(ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 1: Scope).

The element road traffic method will serve the same purposes as the element
loudspeaker method. It is particularly useful when, for different practical
reasons, the element loudspeaker method cannot be used. These two methods
will often yield slightly different results. The road traffic method tends to result in
lower values of the sound reduction index than the loudspeaker method.

The global road traffic method yields the real reduction of a facade in a given
place relative to a position 2 m in front of the facade. This method is the
preferred method when the aim of the measurement is to evaluate the
performance of a whole facade, including all flanking paths, in a specified
position relative to nearly roads. The result cannot be compared with that of
laboratory measurements.

7
The global loudspeaker method yields the sound reduction of a facade relative
to a position 2 m in front of the facade. This method is particularly useful for
different practical reasons when the real noise source cannot be used. The
result cannot be compared with that of laboratory measurements (ISO 140-
5:1998, chapter 1: Scope).

An overview of the methods is given in table 1

Table 1. Overview of the different measurement methods

No Method Result Field of application

Element
Preferred method to estimate the
1 Element loudspeaker R’45 apparent sound reduction index of
façade element
Alternative to method No.1 when
2 Element road traffic R’tr,s road traffic noise of sufficient level
is available
Alternative to method No.1 when
Element
3 R’tr,s railway traffic noise of sufficient
railway traffic
level is available
Alternative to method No.1 when
4 Element air traffic R’at,s air traffic noise of sufficient level is
available
Global
D1s,2m,nT Alternative to method Nos. 6, 7
5 Global loudspeaker
D1s,2m,n and 8
Preferred method to estimate
Dtr,2m,nT
6 Global road traffic sound insulation of a façade
Dtr,2m,n
exposed to road traffic noise

Preferred method to estimate

Drt,2m,nT
7 Global railway traffic sound insulation of a façade
Drt,2m,n
exposed to railway traffic noise
Preferred method to estimate
Dat,2m,nT
8 Global air traffic sound insulation of a façade
Dat,2m,n
exposed to air traffic noise

(ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 1: Scope).

8
2.2 Definitions

The average sound pressure level on a test surface, L1,s: Ten times the
logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the surface and time average of the
sound pressure squared to the square of the reference sound pressure, the
surface average being taken over the entire test surface including reflecting
effects from the test specimen and facade; dB (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 3:
Definitions):

⁄ ⁄ ⁄
, = 10 lg(10 + 10 + ⋯ + 10 ) − 10 lg( ) (1)

Where L1, L2, …, Ln are the sound pressure levels in positions 1, 2, …, n.

The average sound pressure level in a room, L2: Ten times the logarithm to the
base 10 of the ratio of the surface and time average of the sound pressure
squared to the square of the reference sound pressure, the space average
being taken over the entire room with the exception of those parts where the
direct radiation of a sound source or the near field of the boundaries (wall,
window, etc.) is of significance; dB:

⁄ ⁄ ⁄
= 10 lg(10 , + 10 , + ⋯ + 10 , ) − 10 lg( ) (2)

Where L2,1, L2,2, …, L2,n are the sound pressure levels in positions 1, 2, …, n.

Equivalent continuous sound pressure level, Leq: Value of the sound pressure
level of a continuous steady sound that, within the measurement time interval,
has the same mean square sound pressure as the sound under consideration,
the level of which varies with time; dB (ISO 140-5:1998,chapter 3: Definitions).

Sound reduction index, R: Ten times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of
the sound power W 1 incident on the test specimen to the sound power W 2
transmitted through the specimen:

9
 R = 10 lg ∙ (3)

Apparent sound reduction index, R’: Ten times the logarithm to the base 10 of
the ratio of the sound power W 1 which is incident on the test specimen to the
total sound power transmitted into the receiving room, if, in addition to the
sound power W 2 radiated by the specimen, sound power W 3 radiated by
flanking elements or by other components is significant:

R′ = 10 lg ∙ (4)

Apparent sound reduction index, R’45: Measure of the airborne sound insulation
of a building element when the sound source is a loudspeaker and when the
angle of sound incidence is 45. The angle of sound incidence is the angle
between the loudspeaker axis directed toward the center of the specimen and
the normal to the surface of the facade. The apparent sound reduction index is
then calculated from equation:

R′ =L , − L + 10 lg ∙ dB − 1,5 dB (5)

Where

L1,S is the average sound pressure level on the surface of the test specimen

L2 is the average sound pressure level in the receiving room

S is the area of the test specimen

A is the equivalent sound absorption area in the receiving room

Apparent sound reduction index, R’tr,s: Measure of the airborne sound insulation
of a building element when the sound source is traffic noise and the outside
microphone position is on the test surface. The apparent sound reduction index
is then calculated from equation:

10
 R′ , =L , , − L , + 10 lg ∙ dB − 3 dB (6)

Where

Leq,1,s is the average value of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level
on the surface of the test specimen including reflecting effects from the
test specimen and facade

Leq,2 is the average value of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level
in the receiving room

S is the area of the test specimen

A is the equivalent sound absorption area in the receiving room

Level difference, D2m: Difference, in decibels, between the outdoor sound

pressure level 2 m in front of the façade, L1,2m, and the space and time
averaged sound pressure level, L2, in the receiving room:

D =L , − L (7)

Standardized level difference, D2m,nT: Level difference, in decibels,

corresponding to a reference value of the reverberation time in the receiving
room:

D , =D + 10 lg ∙ dB (8)

Where T0 = 0.5 s.

Normalized level difference, D2m,n: Level difference, in decibels, corresponding

to the reference absorption area in the receiving room:

D , =D + 10 lg ∙ dB (9)

11
Where A0 = 10 m2 (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 3: Definitions).

2.3 Measurement with loudspeaker noise

Two methods, the element and the global loudspeaker method, are described.

The element loudspeaker method will yield an estimate of the apparent sound
reduction index which, under specified circumstances, can be compared with
the sound reduction index for the corresponding facade elements obtained in
laboratories.

The global loudspeaker method will quantify the airborne sound insulation of a
whole facade or even a whole building in a specified situation. This result
cannot be compared with laboratory measurements (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter
5, 5.1: General)

2.3.1 Principle

The loudspeaker is placed in one or more positions outside the building at a

distance d from the facade, with the angle of sound incidence equal to (45±5)°
(see figure 2.1).

12
1. Normal to the facade
2. Vertical plane
3. Horizontal plane
4. Loudspeaker

Figure 2.1. Geometry of the loudspeaker method

The average sound pressure level is determined either directly on the test
specimen (the element method) or 2 m in front of the facade (the global
method), as well as in the receiving room. The apparent sound reduction index
° or the level difference , is calculated (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.2:
Principle).

2.3.2 Generation of sound field

The sound field generated shall be steady and have a continuous spectrum in
the frequency range considered. If the measurements are made in one-third-
octave bands, frequency bands with center frequencies from at least 100 Hz to
3150 Hz, preferably from 50 Hz to 5000 Hz, shall be used. If the measurements
are made in octave bands, frequency bands with center frequencies from at
least 125 Hz to 2000 Hz, preferably from 63 Hz to 4000 Hz, shall be used. In
13
addition, the differences between the sound power levels in the one-third-octave
bands belonging to an octave band shall not be greater than 6 dB in the 125 Hz
octave band, 5 dB in the 250 Hz band, and 4 dB in bands of the higher center
frequencies (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.3: generation of sound field).

2.3.3 Position of the loudspeaker

Choose the position of the loudspeaker and the distance d to the façade so that
the variation of the sound pressure level on the test specimen is minimized.
This implies that the sound source is preferably placed on the ground.
Alternatively, place the sound source as high above the ground as is possible in
practice.

The distance r from the sound source to the center of the test specimen shall be
at least 5 m (d > 3,5 m) for the element loudspeaker method, and at least 7 m
(d > 5 m) for the global loudspeaker method. The angle of the sound incidence
shall be (45±5)° (see figure 1).

2.3.4 Measurements in the receiving room

Obtain the average sound pressure level in the receiving room by using a single
microphone moved from position to position, or by an array of fixed microphone
positions shall be averaged on an energy basis for all sound source positions.
In addition, determine the background noise level Lb.

2.3.4.1 Microphone positions

As a minimum, five microphone positions shall be used in each room to obtain

the average sound pressure level of each sound field. These positions shall be
distributed within the maximum permitted space throughout each room, spaced
uniformly.

The following separating distances are the minimum values and should be
exceeded where possible:

14
 0,7 m between microphone positions;
 0,5 m between any microphone position and room boundaries or objects
in the room;
 1,0 m between any microphone position and the sound source.

When using a moving microphone, the sweep radius shall be at least 0,7 m.
The plane of the traverse shall be inclined in order to cover a large portion of
the permitted room space and shall not lie in any plane within 10° of a room
surface. The duration of a traverse period shall be not less than 15 s (ISO 140-
5:1998, chapter 5, 5.5.3: Microphone position).

2.3.4.2 Corrections for background noise

Measure background noise levels to ensure that the observations in the

receiving room are not affected by extraneous sound, such as noise from the
outside the test room, electrical noise in the receiving system, or electrical
cross-talk between the source and receiving systems.

The background level should be at least 6 dB (and preferably more than 10 dB)
below the level of the signal and background noise combined. If the difference
in levels is smaller than 10 dB but greater than 6 dB, calculate corrections to the
signal level according to equation:

⁄ ⁄
= 10 lg(10 − 10 ) (10)

Where

L is the adjusted signal level, in decibels;

Lsb is the level of signal and background noise combined, in decibels;

Lb is the background noise level, in decibels.

(ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.5.3: Corrections for background noise)

15
2.3.4.3 Measurement of reverberation time and evaluation of the
equivalent sound absorption area

The correction term in equation D , =D + 10 lg ∙ dB containing the

equivalent sound absorption area is evaluated from the reverberation time

measured in accordance with ISO 354 and determined using Sabine's formula:

,
= (11)

Where

A is the equivalent absorption area, in square metres;

V is the receiving room volume, in cubic metres;

T is the reverberation time in the receiving room, in seconds.

Begin the evaluation of the reverberation time from the decay curve about 0,1 s
after the sound source has been switched off, or from a sound pressure level a
few decibels lower than that at the beginning of the decay. Use a range neither
less than 20 dB nor so large that the observed decay cannot be approximated
by a straight line. The bottom of this range shall be at least 10 dB above the
background noise level.

The minimum number of decay measurements required for each frequency

band is six. At least one loudspeaker position and three microphone positions

with two readings in each case shall be used (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5,

5.5.4).

2.3.5 Element loudspeaker method

If the purpose of the measurement is to obtain results as comparable as

possible to those of laboratory measurements, carry out the following steps:

16
a. verify that the facade element under test is in accordance with the
specified construction and is properly mounted according to the
manufacturer's instructions;
b. estimate the sound reduction index of the facade to ensure that the
sound transmission through the wall surrounding the test specimen does
not contribute significantly to the sound pressure level in the receiving
room.

2.3.5.1 Measurements on the outer surface of the facade element

Determine the average sound pressure level L1,S on the test surface. Carry out
the measurements either with the microphone fastened directly on the actual
test specimen with its axis parallel to the plane of the façade and directed
upwards or downwards, or with its axis pointing in the direction normal to the
test specimen. The distance from the test specimen to the center of the
microphone membrane shall be 10 mm or shorter, depending on the diameter
of the microphone, if the axis of the microphone is parallel to the test surface,
and 3 mm or shorter if the axis is normal to the test surface. If fastened, the
microphone shall be fastened to the test specimen with a strong, adhesive tape.
Equip the microphone with a hemispherical windscreen (see figure 2.2).

(ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.6.2)

Figure 2.2. Flush-mounted microphone

17
Choose between three and ten measurement positions depending on the
difference in the sound pressure levels between the positions. Distribute the
measurement positions evenly but asymmetrically on the measurement surface.
It is recommended to begin with three measurement positions (n-3). If the
difference in the sound pressure level between two positions in one frequency is
more than n, increase the number of measurement positions up to ten. If the
test specimen is mounted in a recess of the facade, always choose ten
measurement positions. If the difference in the sound pressure levels between
the measurement positions is more than 10 dB, this shall be stated in the
measurement report.

As an alternative to several fixed positions, a scanning microphone is allowed

provided that the distance to the facade element can be kept constant and
provided that the background noise is kept at least 10 dB below the signal level
(ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.6.2).

Average the n positions as given by equation (1):

⁄ ⁄ ⁄
, = 10 lg(10 + 10 + ⋯ + 10 ) − 10 lg( )

Where L1, L2, …, Ln are the sound pressure levels in positions 1, 2, …, n.

2.3.6 Global loudspeaker method

If measurements are done in front of the facade, place the microphone on the
outside of the facade, in the middle. The distance shall be:

a. (2,0 ± 0,2) m from the plane of the facade, or

b. 1,0 m from a balustrade or other similar protrusion.

The height of the microphone shall be 1,5 m above the floor of the receiving
room.

18
If a building has large rooms or facades comprising more than one outside wall,
it is normally not possible to measure with one source position only. In those
cases, use several source positions. The number of positions is given by the
directional characteristics of the loudspeaker and the area of the facade (ISO
140-5:1998, chapter 5, 5.7.3).

2.3.7 Calculation of measurement results

If several source positions have been used, calculate the level difference for
each position and average them according to equation:

∑ 10 ⁄
, = −10 (13)

Where

n is the number of source positions;

Di is the level difference for each source-receiver combination

2.4 Measurements with road traffic

Two methods, the element and the global road traffic method, are described.
The element road traffic method will yield an estimate of the apparent sound
reduction index which, under specified circumstances, can be compared with
the corresponding sound reduction index obtained in laboratories. The global
road traffic method will quantify the airborne sound insulation of a whole façade
or even a whole building in a specified situation. This result cannot be
compared with the sound reduction index obtained in a laboratory.

The work principle of these methods is, if the sound is incident on the test
specimen from different directions and with varying intensity (e.g. traffic noise in
busy streets), the sound reduction index or the level difference is obtained from

19
the equivalent sound pressure levels measured as a function of frequency on
both sides of the test specimen (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 6).

2.4.1 Test requirements

During the measurements the background noise in the receiving room shall be
at least 10 dB below the measured equivalent sound pressure level. Use the
existing traffic noise incident on the test specimen for sound generation. The
measurement time shall include at least 50 passing vehicles.

On account of possible fluctuations in traffic noise, measure the equivalent

sound pressure levels simultaneously on opposite sides of the specimen. Avoid
quiet periods, i.e. periods when the traffic noise does not exceed the
background noise by more than 10 dB.

2.4.2 Element road traffic method

If the purpose of the measurement is to compare the results with laboratory

measurements or to obtain results which are representative of a facade
element, follow, if possible, the procedure of element loudspeaker method. If,
for practical reasons, that procedure is not applicable, the element road traffic
method is an alternative. However, in all cases, the test requirements given in
element loudspeaker method shall be complied with.

2.4.2.1 Generation of the sound field

The measurement situation shall fulfill the following requirements.

a) The traffic shall flow approximately along a straight line within an angle of
sight within ±60° from the facade; within this angle, deviations from a
straight line are allowed within ±15° with the tangent to the traffic line at
the intersection of the traffic line and the normal from the facade on the
traffic line (see figure 2.3).

20
 Figure 2.3. Conditions at long straight traffic lines

1- receiving point

2- traffic line

S┴ - is the distance between the receiving point and the traffic line

S┴,0 – is the horizontal distance between the receiving point and the traffic line

H - is the height difference between the receiving point and the traffic line

b) The angle of elevation, observed from the point of least distance between
the facade and the line of traffic, shall be less than 40°;

c) Free view of the whole facade shall be possible from the whole width of the
traffic flow;

d) The minimum horizontal distance between the traffic line and the facade
shall be at least three times the width of the facade to be tested, or 25 m,

whichever is the largest (ISO 140-5:1998, chapter 6, 6.5.2).

21
2.4.2.2 Measurement of the equivalent sound pressure levels

Place the microphone on the outside of the test specimen as given in figure 2. If
the facade is flat without large recesses or balconies, use three microphone
positions asymmetrically distributed over the measurement surface. If the
facade has large recesses or balconies, use five microphone positions. Denote
the measured sound pressure level L1,eq,s.

Carry out the measurements in the receiving room as given in 2.4. If discrete
microphone positions are used, it is permitted to use one position for each
microphone position on the outside.

2.4.3 Global road traffic method

In this method there are no special requirements or restrictions other than given
in 3.1 and 3.2.1.

2.4.3.1 Measurement of the equivalent continuous sound pressure levels

Place the microphone on the outside of the facade, in the middle. The distance
shall be:

a) (2,0 ± 0,2) m from the plane of the facade or

b) 1,0 m from a balustrade or other similar protrusion.

The height of the microphone shall be 1,5 m above the floor of the receiving
room. If the main part of the facade is an oblique construction such as a roof,
choose the position not nearer to the roof than the projected part of the vertical
part of the facade. If the room considered has more than one outside wall,
position the microphone in front of each of the facades. Denote the measured
sound pressure level L1,eq,2m.

22
2.4.3.2 Reverberation time

Proceed as given in 2.4.3.

2.4.3.3 Calculation of measurement result

If several microphone positions on the source side have been used, calculate
the level difference for each position and average according to equation:

⁄
, = −10 lg ∑ 10 (14)

Where

n is the number of microphone positions on the source side;

Di is the level difference for each source-receiver combination.

2.5 Equipment

The microphone shall have a maximum diameter of 13 mm.

The sound pressure level measurement equipment shall meet the requirements
of a class 0 or 1 instrument according to IEC 60651 or IEC 60804. The
measurement chain shall be calibrated by using a class 1 or better acoustical
calibrator according to IEC 60942.

The one-third-octave band filters and, if relevant, the octave band filters shall
meet the requirements of IEC 61260.

The reverberation time measurement equipment shall meet the requirements of

ISO 354.

2.5.1 Loudspeaker

The directivity of the loudspeaker in a free field shall be such that the local
differences in the sound pressure level in each frequency band of interest are
23
less than 5 dB, measured on an imaginary surface of the same size and
orientation as the test specimen.

3 MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT

Measurement equipment has to determine the average noise level directly or

indirectly. It should meet the requirements of standard SFS 2877/IEC 651,
preferably in precision class 1, but at least class 2. An integrating sound level
meter should meet the requirements of standard IEC 804.

3.1 Real time sound analyzer Nor118

A sound level meter is an instrument designed to respond to sound in

approximately the same way as the human ear and to give objective,
reproducible measurements of sound pressure level. There are many different
sound measuring systems available. Although different in detail, each system
consists of a microphone, a processing section and a read-out unit. The
microphone converts the sound signal to an equivalent electrical signal. The
most suitable type of microphone for sound level meters is the condenser
microphone, which combines precision with stability and reliability. The
electrical signal produced by the microphone is quite small and so it is amplified
by a preamplifier before being processed. Several different types of processing
may be performed on the signal. It is relatively simple to build an electronic
circuit whose sensitivity varies with frequency in the same way as the human
ear, thus simulating the equal loudness contours (“Measuring sound”, Bruel &
Kjer brochure, p.10).

The real time sound analyzer Nor 118 (figure 3.1.) is a sound level meter with
built-in real time analyzer capabilities. Parallel octave filters are standard, but
the impressive list of optional extensions include sound power calculations, third
octave filters and statistics in every frequency band, multispectrum and
reverberation time measurements.

24
 Figure 3.1. Real time sound analyzer Nor118
(Instruction manual Nor118, Chapter 1)

3.1.1 The functions available

The functions available with Nor118 include the following

 SPL The Instantaneous Sound Pressure Level. It is the deviation from

the local ambient pressure caused by a sound wave at a given location
and given instant in time.
 Lmax The Maximum Sound Pressure Level
 Lmin The Minimum Sound Pressure Level
 Leq The Integrated Equivalent SPL. It is the constant noise level that
would result in the same total sound energy being produced over a given
period.
 LE The sound Exposure Level. It is a Leq normalized to 1 second. It
can be used to compare the energy of noise events which have different
time durations.

25
 Lpeak The Sound Maximum Peak Level. It is the maximum value
reached by the sound pressure
( Instruction manual Nor118, Chapter 1, p.3)

3.1.2 Level vs. time

The electronic level recorder concept is available in two versions – basic and
enhanced. While the basic version logs the equivalent level, the maximum level
and the peak level, the enhanced version is capable of logging any combination
of functions available with the Norsonic. In addition it allows source coding.

3.1.3 Frequency analysis

When fitted with the frequency analysis extensions Norsonic can do real time
frequency analysis:

 in octaves (8 Hz to 16 kHz)
 in third-octaves (6.3 Hz to 20 kHz)

3.1.4 Reverberation time

A typical Norsonic application has the ability to calculate the reverberation time
in octaves and third-octaves. Units without filters will calculate the broadband
values (a- and c- or z-weighted values).

The reverberation time algorithm is based on the integrated impulse response

method, hence, impulses are required as excitation signals.

3.1.5 Sound power

Sound power levels may be calculated from sound pressure level

measurements using almost any sound level meter. However, the methods
described in ISO 3746 involve a tedious calculation procedure before it was
ended up with the single figure is needed to be able characterize measurement
object. Just specify the measurement surface type (hemisphere or

26
parallelepiped), its dimensions and the location of the measurement object (on
the floor, against a hard reflecting wall or in a corner) apply the correction
factors and start the measurement. The sound power will then be calculated
and displayed in tabulated form (Instruction manual Nor118, Chapter 1, p.4).

3.2 Real time sound analyzer Nor140

The principle of working this analyzer is the same as Nor118. This analyzer is
shown in figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2. Real time sound analyzer Nor140

(Instruction manual Nor140, Chapter 1)

27
3.3 Dodecahedron Loudspeaker Nor276

Nor276 is a high power loudspeaker with omnidirectional characteristics.

Nor276 is shown in figure 3.3.

Figure 3.3. Dodecahedron Loudspeaker Nor276

A multitude of applications within the field of building acoustics requires the use
of isotropic sound fields.

3.3.1 Features of Nor276

This loudspeaker has the following features:

 Conforms to ISO 140-3 Annex C standard for airborne laboratory

insulation
 Conforms to ISO 3382-2 Annex A 3.1 standard for
reverberation time
 Conforms to DIN 52210
 Powerful - 120 dB Lw
28
3.3.2 Sound power level vs. frequency

Typical sound power level vs. frequency of the Dodecahedron Loudspeaker

Nor276 when used with the pink noise source and equalizer is shown in the
figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4. Typical sound power level vs. frequency

3.3.3 Sound power

Sound power in different directions for Nor276 is shown in figure 3.5. The
measurement is done in a horizontal plane through the center of the
loudspeaker. The graph shows the response for a sinusoidal signal at 100 Hz,
315 Hz, 1 kHz and 3,15 kHz.
(“Noise Excitation Equipment for building Acoustics Measurements
www.norsonic.com/uploads/kundefiler/Downloads/pdnoiseexcited5rev2eng0510
_web.pdf)

29
 Figure 3.5. Sound power in different directions for Nor276

3.3.4 Maximum and minimum directivity indices

A multitude of applications within the field of building acoustics requires the use
of isotropic sound fields. The loudspeaker Nor276 has been designed to comply
with these requirements and satisfies:

 ISO 140-3 Annex C (Laboratory measurements);

 ISO 140-4 Annex A (Field measurements);
 ISO 3382-2 Annex A (Reverberation Time measurements).

(“Noise Excitation Equipment for building Acoustics Measurements

www.norsonic.com/uploads/kundefiler/Downloads/pdnoiseexcited5
rev2eng0510_web.pdf)

30
Figure 3.6. Maximum and minimum directivity indices in different directions
according to the requirements in ISO 140-3 and ISO140-4
compared to the tolerance limits.

Figure 3.7. Maximum and minimum directivity indices in different directions

according to the requirements in ISO 3382-1 compared
to the tolerance limits.

31
3.4 Sound calibrator

Sound level meters should be calibrated in order to provide precise and

accurate results. This is best done by placing a portable acoustic calibrator,
such as a sound level calibrator or a pistonphone, directly over the microphone.
These calibrators provide a precisely defined sound pressure level to which the
sound level meter can be adjusted. It is good measurement practice to calibrate
sound level meters immediately before and after each measurement session. If
recordings are to be made of noise measurements, then the calibration signal
should also be recorded to provide a reference level on playback
(“Measuring sound”, Bruel & Kjer brochure, p.13).

To calibrate a sound measuring instrument a sound calibrator was used which

was produced by “Norsonic”. A sound calibrator is designed to produce a known
sound pressure level when used correctly together with the measuring
microphone of the sound measuring instrument.

Sound Calibrator Nor-1251 (see figure 3.8) is a small, battery operated sound
source for the calibration of microphones and sound measuring instruments.

Figure 3.8. Sound Calibrator Nor-1251 (Nor 1251 manual)

32
The microphone is placed in an acoustic coupler where the calibrator produces
a regulated sinusoidal sound pressure signal. The calibrator is supplied with an
output of 114dB SPL @ 1000Hz.

Due to the principle of operation, the calibration level is virtually independent of

ambient conditions like temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity within
the specified range of operation. The calibrator complies with IEC60942 Class1
and has been designed to serve one-inch and smaller microphones and sound
level meters equipped with such microphones (Nor 1251 manual, p.8).

4 FIELD MEASUREMENTS

4.1 Introduction

The present report gives a discussion of a suitable measurement method to be

used for the determination of the airborne sound insulation of building facades
in the frequency range 50-5000 Hz and presents the measurement result.

4.2 Aim

The aim is to specify a method for measurements of airborne sound insulation

of building facades and investigate the sound insulation at frequency range from
50 Hz to 5000 Hz.

It has been chosen to express the sound insulation as the outdoor/indoor sound
level difference of the whole building facade instead of using the weighted
sound reduction index of facade elements, for example windows.

4.3 Measurement process

The international standard EN ISO 140-5:1998 [1] for field measurements of

airborne sound insulation of facade elements and facades is intended for use in
the frequency range from 50 to 5000 Hz. The standard deals with different

33
measurement methods which are using loudspeaker noise or traffic noise as
sound source.

The Global loudspeaker method was used to evaluate the airborne sound
insulation of facade. The loudspeaker methods define a loudspeaker position
outside the building with the angle of sound incidence equal to 45° ± 5°. The
outdoor sound pressure level is determined at the distance 2 m in front of the
façade. The indoor level is measured at five positions distributed throughout the
room and spaced uniformly. The minimum separating distance between any
microphone position and room boundaries is 1,0 m.

4.4 Field measurements in concrete laboratory

4.4.1 Description of the house

The first field measurements have been done in the concrete laboratory of the
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences.

Figure 4.1. Concrete laboratory facade

34
Location: Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta

Type of house: Public building

Facade: Brick

Doors: Wood

Room dimensions: Approx. volume is 200 m3

4.4.1.1 Outside measurements

This measurement determined the outdoor sound pressure level.

The loudspeaker is placed outside the building with the angle of sound
incidence equal to 45° ± 5° and such that the real traffic noise impact is
simulated the best possible way. Exact position of loudspeaker is shown in
figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2. Loudspeaker position

35
In this case only one loudspeaker position was used and the outdoor sound
pressure level has been measured at 2 m in front of the facade plane.

Figure 4.3. Distance between the plane of facade and microphone position

The hight of microphone position is 1.5 m.

Figure 4.4. Microphone position above the ground

36
4.4.1.2 Inside measurements

This measurement determined:

 average sound pressure level

 background noise
 reverberation time

In the receiving room five microphone positions were used to obtain the
average sound pressure level. The minimum separating distance between any
microphone position and room boundaries is 1.0 m.

Figure 4.5. Microphone positions in the receiving room during sound pressure
level measurements

In each microphone position sound pressure level was determined. The

duration of each measurement is 30 seconds.

Background noise was measured in two points by using two microphones at the
same time. The duration of each measurement is 30 seconds.

37
Figure 4.6. Microphone positions in the receiving room during background noise
measurements

Reverberation time was measured in two positions of the microphone. The

duration of each measurement is 40 seconds.

Figure 4.7. Microphone positions in the receiving room during reverberation

time measurements

38
4.5 Results

All results were analyze using the computer program “NorBuild”. According to
the standard, the standardized level difference D1s,2m,nT was calculated which
evaluates the airborne sound insulation of the facade.

Tables with sound pressure level, background noise and reverberation time
measured values are shown in figures 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10.

Figure 4.8. Table with sound level measurement results in position 1

39
The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.

Figure 4.9. Table with background noise level measurement results in position 1

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.

40
 Figure 4.10. Table with reverberation time measurement results in position 1

Toggles between T30 and T20 as the main parameter (primary) for the decay
curve.
The numeric table shows the T20 and T30 of all activated channels.

41
The test report from “NorBuild” computer program is shown in figure 4.11.

Figure 4.11. The test report from “NorBuild” computer program

42
The result is D1s,2m,n,w (C;Ctr) = 22(-2;-3)

Where

C and Ctr are the spectrum adaptation terms. The spectrum adaptation terms C
and Ctr correct the single-number ratings with respect to two different sound
pressure level spectra, referring to an indoor (term C) and a traffic noise
spectrum (term Ctr).
The spectrum adaption terms for enlarged frequency range C100-5000, Ctr,100-5000,
C50-5000, Ctr,50-5000, C50-3150, Ctr,50-3150. (Handbook of noise and vibration control,
Chapter 107, p. 1283, 1285)

4.6 Field measurements in test building (case 2)

4.6.1 Description of the house

The second field measurements have been done in a test building. This building
is a garage which was built by using new wall and roof structures technology.

Figure 4.12. Testing building

43
Type of house: Garage

Facade: Wood

Windows: Windows with one layer insulating glass units

Room dimensions: Approx. volume is 196 m3

4.6.1.1 Outside measurements

This measurement determined the outdoor sound pressure level.

The method which was used is the same as in the first measurements. The
loudspeaker is placed (figure 4.13.) outside the building on the ground with the
angle of sound incidence equal to 45° ± 5°.

Figure 4.13. Loudspeaker position

In this case also only one loudspeaker position was used and the outdoor
sound pressure level has been measured at 2 m in front of the facade plane.
44
The height of the microphone position is 1.5 m.

Figure 4.14. Microphone position

4.6.1.2 Inside measurements

This measurement determined:

 average sound pressure level

 background noise
 reverberation time

Because of a difficult situation inside the building other arrangement of

microphones was applied. The scheme was not like in the first measurements in
the concrete laboratory.

Sound pressure level was determined in five positions of the microphone.

These positions are shown in the figure 4.16.

45
The duration of each measurement is 30 seconds.

Figure 4.15. Situation inside the test building

Figure 4.16. Microphone positions in the receiving room during sound pressure
level measurements

Background noise was measured in two points by using two microphones at the
same time. The duration of each measurement is 30 seconds.
46
 Figure 4.17. Microphone positions in the receiving room during background
noise measurements

Reverberation time was measured in two positions of the microphone. The

duration of each measurement is 40 seconds.

Figure 4.18. Microphone positions in the receiving room during reverberation

time measurements

47
4.7 Results

All results were analyzed using the computer program “NorBuilt”. According to
the standard, the standardized level difference Dls,2m,nT was calculated which
evaluates the airborne sound insulation of the facade.

Tables with sound pressure level, background noise and reverberation time
measured values are shown in figures 4.19, 4.20 and 4.21.

Figure 4.19. Table with sound level measurement results in position 1

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.

48
 Figure 4.20. Table with background noise level measurement results in
position 1

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.

49
 Figure 4.21. Table with reverberation time measurement results in position 1

Toggles between T30 and T20 as the main parameter (primary) for the decay
curve.
The numeric table shows the T20 and T30 of all activated channels.

The test report from “NorBuild” computer program is shown in figure 4.22.

50
Figure 4.22. Test report from “NorBuild” computer program

51
The result is D1s,2m,n,w (C;Ctr) = 29(-1;-5)

Where

C and Ctr are the spectrum adaptation terms. The spectrum adaptation terms C
and Ctr correct the single-number ratings with respect to two different sound
pressure level spectra, referring to an indoor (term C) and a traffic noise
spectrum (term Ctr).

The spectrum adaption terms for enlarged frequency range C100-5000, Ctr,100-5000,
C50-5000, Ctr,50-5000, C50-3150, Ctr,50-3150 (Handbook of noise and vibration control,
Chapter 107, p. 1283, 1285).

5 CONCLUSIONS

This thesis work was focused on measurements of airborne sound insulation of

the facade. Many different ways for this purpose was shown in Table 1 and
described in the beginning. In cases with the concrete laboratory facade and the
test building facade it was impossible to apply the global road traffic method
because the real noise source could not be used.

A measurement method for sound insulation of building facades in the

frequency range from 50 Hz to 5000 Hz with respect to noise from loudspeaker
which simulated road traffic noise has been specified.

The method is based on the ISO 140-5 method for the normal building
acoustics frequency range. The specified measurement method was used for
measurements of the outdoor/indoor level difference for the building facades in
different types of houses, representing possible buildings situated in areas near
roads.

Tables with measured values in Saimaa University case and the second test
case are attached. On the basis of these measurement results test reports were
made. In these reports the results are presented graphically and as

52
standardized level difference D1s,2m,n,w. This value for the concrete laboratory
facade is 22 dB and for the test building facade is 29 dB.

Unfortunately, descriptors applied limits related to traffic noise are not always
defined in ISO 717. The needed facade sound insulation depends on the
outdoor noise level and maximum indoor level. The outdoor noise levels are
calculated based on the traffic data and conditions. Often, the traffic noise levels
are available from authorities. The levels vary with positions. The housing
blocks behind facing the busy road are less exposed to traffic noise, and thus
requirements could be less strict.

53
FIGURES

Figure 2.1. Geometry of the loudspeaker method

Figure 2.2. Flush-mounted microphone

Figure 2.3. Conditions at long straight traffic lines

Figure 3.1. Real time sound analyzer Nor118

Figure 3.2. Real time sound analyzer Nor140

Figure 3.3. Dodecahedron Loudspeaker Nor276

Figure 3.4. Typical sound power level vs. frequency

Figure 3.5. Sound power in different directions for Nor276

Figure 3.6. Maximum and minimum directivity indices in different directions

according to the requirements in ISO 140-3 and ISO140-4 compared to the
tolerance limits.

Figure 3.7. Maximum and minimum directivity indices in different directions

according to the requirements in ISO 3382-1 compared to the tolerance limits.

Figure 3.8. Sound Calibrator Nor-1251

Figure 4.1. Concrete laboratory facade

Figure 4.2. Loudspeaker position

Figure 4.3. Distance between the plane of facade and microphone position

Figure 4.4. Microphone position above the ground

Figure 4.5. Microphone positions in the receiving room during sound pressure
level measurements

54
Figure 4.6. Microphone positions in the receiving room during background noise
measurements

Figure 4.7. Microphone positions in the receiving room during reverberation

time measurements

Figure 4.8. Table with sound level measurement results in position 1

Figure 4.9. Table with background noise level measurement results in position 1

Figure 4.10. Table with reverberation time measurement results in position 1

Figure 4.11. The test report from “NorBuild” computer program

Figure 4.12. Test building facade

Figure 4.13. Loudspeaker position

Figure 4.14. Microphone position

Figure 4.15. Situation inside the test building

Figure 4.16. Microphone positions in the receiving room during sound pressure
level measurements

Figure 4.17. Microphone positions in the receiving room during background

noise measurements

Figure 4.18. Microphone positions in the receiving room during reverberation

time measurements

Figure 4.19. Table with sound level measurement results in position 1

Figure 4.20. Table with background noise level measurement results in

position 1

Figure 4.21. Table with reverberation time measurement results in position 1

55
Figure 4.22. Test report from “NorBuild” computer program

TABLES

Table 1 Overview of the different measurement methods

REFERENCES

“Handbook of noise and vibration control”, Chapter 107, p. 1283, 1285

“Improving the Quality of Suburban Building Stock”, p.4

http://vbn.aau.dk/files/43741580/SoundClassesEuropeRenovatedHousing_TU0
701_UniversityMalta_May2010BiR.pdf
(Accessed on 30 May 2012)

Instruction manual Nor118

Instruction manual Nor-1251

ISO 140-5 : 1998 “Field measurements of airborne sound insulation of façade

elements and facades”

“Measuring sound”, Bruel & Kjer brochure, p.10

www2.tech.purdue.edu
(Accessed on 5 April 2012)

“Noise Excitation Equipment for building Acoustics Measurements”

www.norsonic.com/uploads/kundefiler/Downloads/pdnoiseexcited5rev2eng0510
_web.pdf (Accessed on 19 March 2012)

“Noise insulation applying Active elements onto facades”, Forum Acusticum

2005, p.869
webistem.com
(Accessed on 5 April 2012)

56
 APPENDIX 1
1(3)

TABLE WITH SOUND LEVEL MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN POSITION 1

(CONCRETE LABORATORY)

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.
 APPENDIX 1
2(3)

TABLE WITH BACKGROUND NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN

POSITION 1 (CONCRETE LABORATORY)

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.
 APPENDIX 1
3(3)

TABLE WITH REVERBERATION TIME MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN

POSITION 1 (CONCRETE LABORATORY)

Toggles between T30 and T20 as the main parameter (primary) for the decay
curve.
The numeric table shows the T20 and T30 of all activated channels.
Problematic reverberation values are marked with a '?'.
 APPENDIX 2
1(1)
TEST REPORT FROM “NORBUILD” COMPUTER PROGRAM
(CONCRETE LABORATORY)
 APPENDIX 3
1(3)

TABLE WITH SOUND LEVEL MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN POSITION 1

(TEST BUILDING, CASE 2)

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.
 APPENDIX 3
2(3)

TABLE WITH BACKGROUND NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN

POSITION 1 (TEST BUILDING, CASE 2)

The numeric table of all activated channels (Leq) and their difference is shown.
Additionally the difference of the Max value and the Leq is shown, too.
 APPENDIX 3
3(3)

TABLE WITH REVERBERATION TIME MEASUREMENT RESULTS IN

POSITION 1 (TEST BUILDING, CASE 2)

Toggles between T30 and T20 as the main parameter (primary) for the decay
curve.
The numeric table shows the T20 and T30 of all activated channels.
 APPENDIX 4
1(1)

TEST REPORT FROM “NORBUILD” COMPUTER PROGRAM