Acoustic Performance

The acoustic requirements of residential buildings are given in national building regulations (e.g. Part E). Associated guidance documents (e.g. Approved Document E) provide guidance on how the regulations may be satisfied and set acoustic performance standards for separating and internal walls and floors. The acoustic performance of a building will depend not only on the materials involved but also the interface details and quality of workmanship as gaps or loss of insulation will severely impair sound insulation. Compliance with the regulations can be demonstrated by either on-site testing or by the adoption of robust details that have been shown to satisfy the requirements by rigorous testing.

Steel construction is widely used in residential developments, and a range of proven acoustic solutions are available that exceed the requirements of the building regulations.

Information Sources:

• Acoustic Detailing for Steel Construction
• The Steel Construction Institute, 2008.
• Robust Details Handbook, Robust Details Limited, 2008.
• Steel Details, Chapter 10, The British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd., 2005.