Noise control by design: A tool intended for architectural use

Abstract

This study aims to present a building elements selection tool, which has been generated to assist architects with determination of acoustically appropriate assemblies at the preliminary design stage. In order to succeed, practicality, easy usage and reliability are considered essential for every step. In this context a catalogue and a calculator are generated as components of the tool. The catalogue constitutes a database in which building elements are subcategorized according to their constructional and acoustical characteristics. Acoustical measurement results of 587 different assemblies are collected from relevant literature and their technical drawings are prepared in order to provide easy selection. The calculator serves to simplify the calculations by giving the sound insulation requirement according to outdoor noise levels and acceptable background noise levels. The calculator also determines composite (average) sound insulation value of building elements composed of multiple components. Background noise criteria and data from the catalogue are predefined in the calculator, simplifying data insertion and parallel usage of the catalogue and the calculator. In order to prove efficiency and practicality of the building elements selection tool, its usability by architects is tested on subjects with a sample design problem and outcomes are discussed.