Building Acoustic Testing Services
Building Envelope Technologies Acoustic Division carry out Acoustic Testing compliance with TGD Part E 2014. From the 1st of June 2015 all residential developments must apply acoustic testing sampling in compliance with Technical Guidance Document Part E. BET offer third party Independent Acoustic Testing and Reporting in compliance with TGD Part E.
BET’s Acoustic Engineers are experienced in Building Acoustics Measurements and are members of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).
BET’s range of 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 140 Part 7:1998)
- Airborne Sound Tests to Walls (as per IS EN ISO 140 Part 4:1998)
- Airborne Sound Tests to Floors (as per IS EN ISO 140 Part 4:1998)
- Impact Sound Tests to Floors (as per IS EN ISO 140 Part 7:1998)
- Reverberation Time Tests / Measurement of communal spaces in New Developments
- TGD 021-5 Acoustic Performance in Schools
- All results are expressed as per IS EN ISO 717 Parts 1 & 2 2013
What is Sound Testing/Acoustic Testing?
Sound testing or acoustic testing as it is also known with regard to Buildings. Airbourne Sound Testing is the measurement of how much sound is stopped by separating walls or floors between dwellings and 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. This allows us to calculate how much sound is stopped by the structure under test.
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. The below table demonstrates 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 past second fix stage. All internal doors need to be hung and all windows fitted and closable. It is important that carpets are not laid for tests that need to take place through the floor.
Contact BET now for a quotation for your project.