Building Acoustic Testing
Building Envelope Technologies’ Acoustic Division carries out Building Acoustic Testing in compliance with TGD Part E 2014. From 2015 all residential developments must conduct building acoustic testing in compliance with Technical Guidance Document Part E. BET offers third-party Independent Building Acoustic Testing and Reporting in compliance with TGD Part E.
BET’s Acoustic Engineers are experienced in Building Acoustics Measurements and if required testing can be overseen and certified by member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).
Our range of Building Acoustic Testing includes:
- Airborne Sound Tests to Walls (as per IS EN ISO 16283-1-2014 or 140 Part 4:1998 where required)
- Airborne Sound Tests to Floors (as per IS EN ISO 16283-1-2014 or 140 Part 4:1998 where required)
- Impact Sound Tests to Floors (as per IS EN ISO 16283-2-2015 or IS EN ISO 140 Part 7:1998)
- Reverberation Assessments of circulation spaces in New Residential Developments
- TGD 021-5 Acoustic Performance in Schools
What is Building Acoustic Testing?
Sound Insulation Testing measures the level of sound insulation offered by a separating wall or floor between dwellings or rooms such as classrooms, hotel rooms, offices, etc. This is carried out by making a controlled noise on one side of the separating wall or floor and measuring how much sound is being received on the other side. The results are then calculated by factoring in the reverberation time within the receiving room.
Acoustic Testing Building Regulations
Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E Ireland) of the Building Regulations requires new buildings and conversions to demonstrate reasonable levels of airborne and impact sound insulation performance between separating walls and floors.
This table shows the minimum and maximum performance requirements as defined in TGD E 2014:
| Separating construction | Airborne sound insulation | Impact sound insulation |
|---|---|---|
Walls |
53 DnT,w dB (min) |
- |
Floors (including stairs with a separating function) |
53 L’nT,w dB (min) |
58 L’nT,w dB (max) |
At What stage Of A Project Is Sound Testing Carried Out?
Pre-completion sound testing is where sound testing is performed on-site prior to the building being completed and signed off by Building Control. The testing does not need to encompass all of the buildings but must be representative of the units contained within the building project in compliance with TGD E 2014.
Sound testing can be done in compartments as soon as a number of plots are completed, minus decoration. All internal doors and external doors/windows need to be hung and be in a fully closed position. It is important that carpets are not laid for tests that need to take place through the floor.
Contact us to learn more about our professional Building Acoustic Testing.
