1. Generation: the actual originating source of the oscillation.
2. Transmission: the movement of the oscillation’s energy to the building from its originating source.
3. Propagation: the mechanism that distributes that energy across the entire structure.
4. Attenuation: refers to the reflection of sound waves as they bounce off surfaces within the structure, effectively reducing their energy and diminishing the sound.
5. Radiation: the production of vibrations from an unprotected surface. Airborne and structure-borne sound are intrinsically linked. The vibrations that rebound from a hard structure within a building create airborne sound.
In turn, the airborne sound can cause some constituent of the building to vibrate when it comes into contact with an unprotected surface.
The effects of structure-borne sound can be mitigated in a number of ways:
• Carpets and padding can be installed to absorb sound waves.• In some environments, the use of resilient underlay made from foam, recycled rubber, and rigid fibreglass can provide an effective solution to structure-borne sound.
• Spring ceiling hangers, sound clips, and resilient mounts can be installed where appropriate.
• In areas of the structure such as subflooring, soundproofing compounds can be applied between the two rigid elements. The compound works by disseminating vibrations that are generated by sound saves as they travel around the structure.
• Structure-borne sound can be diminished through the use of a suspended ceiling system, a secondary wall structure, and raised floors.
• High-mass structures that incorporate cavities or offset construction can be utilised in order to prevent the passage of vibrations.
Although structure-borne sound can be mitigated through appropriate building design features, the subject is very complex. The nature of structure-borne sound is dependent on a number of factors, including structural composition, the nature and fabrication of the receiving spaces, and the radiating surface. The design of sensitive buildings may benefit from consultation with a specialist acoustic consultant.
The Building Regulations Approved Document E (referenced above) defines the lowest acceptable standard for noise insulation. Impact sound transmission should be measured in the structure, using a tapping machine to strike a test surface in order to produce sound in an adjacent area. The structure-borne sound impact is then measured and monitored.
FAQs
Structure-borne sound can be diminished through the use of a suspended ceiling system, a secondary wall structure, and raised floors. • High-mass structures that incorporate cavities or offset construction can be utilised in order to prevent the passage of vibrations.
What is a structure borne sound? ›
Structure borne sound relates to the sound waves pulsating and radiating through a solid structure or medium before they reach the human ear. For example, the noise of footsteps from a room above would-be structure borne sound caused by the impact of the footsteps reverberating through the floorboards.
What causes structure borne sound? ›
Direct structure-borne sound is generated by the direct application of force to the solid, such as when drilling with a percussion drill. Impact sound is generated by the same principle. This is structure-borne noise generated when walking on a floor or stairs.
How can airborne sound be reduced? ›
One of the ways in which airborne sound can be minimised is through the technique of acoustic absorption. This decreases the amount of sound that reflects back into the air when hitting a surface within a building. Treating floors, walls and ceilings so that airborne sounds become less prevalent can do this.
How could you reduce impact noise in a structure? ›
By installing an acoustic membrane as a sublayer, which is not nailed or screwed into the structure, you'll reduce both airborne and impact noise. Research the features of the desired product; membrane thickness and density are the most important aspects to consider.
How can structure-borne sound be reduced? ›
Structure-borne sound can be diminished through the use of a suspended ceiling system, a secondary wall structure, and raised floors. High-mass structures that incorporate cavities or offset construction can be utilised in order to prevent the passage of vibrations.
What does structure sound mean? ›
Structurally sound means substantially free from flaw, defect, decay or deterioration to the extent that the building or structure or structural member is capable of adequately or safely accomplishing the purpose for which it was intended or designed.
How do you stop airborne sound? ›
Airborne noise can be reduced by placing soundproofing curtains over your windows. Soundproofing curtains are made using a lighter mass loaded vinyl, which is a material commonly used for soundproofing walls.
How can sound be reduced? ›
Reducing airflow into a room reduces sound, and one way to do this is to caulk or add weatherstripping in window cracks. Not only will you reduce external sounds, but you will also save energy.
How can we reduce air noise? ›
How to Soundproof Ductwork and Vents in Your Home
- Make Repairs to the vent or ductwork. ...
- Choose Sound Absorbing or Soundproofing Materials For Your Vents or Ductwork. ...
- Insulate the Ducts With Liners & Soundproof Vents With Acoustic Foam. ...
- Cover Unused Vents to Dampen Sound.
How do I reduce noise?
- Erect enclosures around machines to reduce the amount of noise emitted into the workplace or environment.
- Use barriers and screens to block the direct path of sound.
- Position noise sources further away from workers.
Reduce noise levels at the source. For example, fit silencers to exhausts, turn down the volume, change fan speeds. Isolate the source of the noise. For example, use barriers, remote controls or sound-proof covers.
What is a structure-borne noise transfer? ›
Similarly, a structure-borne noise (SBN) is produced when a vibrating structure transmits vibrations to another structure which then radiates noise. SBN is propagated through structures which stays connected to the ground.
What is a structure-borne noise fan? ›
Structure-borne noise can for instance mean mechanical vibration or oscillation in the fixed material. One reason for such vibration in fans can come from inaccuracies in the bearings (fig 5) as well as the excitation of the fan blades through turbulence as described above.
What is the structure of sound? ›
A sound waveform has three basic physical attributes: frequency, amplitude, and temporal variation. Frequency refers to the number of times per second that the vibratory pattern (in the time domain) oscillates. Amplitude refers to sound pressure.
What is a vibration structure-borne sound? ›
Sound is caused by vibrations which transmit through a medium and reach the ear or some other form of detecting device. Sound is measured in loudness (decibels (dB)) and frequency (Hertz (Hz)). Sound in the built environment tends to be structure-borne or airborne.
