TABLE OF CONTENTS This opening chapter looks at aspects of sound fields that are particularly relevant to sound insulation; the reader will also find that it has general applications to room acoustics.
The audible frequency range for human hearing is typically 20 to 20 000 Hz, but we generally consider the building acoustics frequency range to be defined by one-third-octave-bands from 50 to 5000 Hz. Airborne sound insulation tends to be lowest in the low-frequency range and highest in the high-frequency range. Hence significant transmission of airborne sound above 5000 Hz is not usually an issue. However, low-frequency airborne sound insulation is of particular importance because domestic audio equipment is often capable of generating high levels below 100 Hz. In addition, there are issues with low-frequency impact sound insulation from footsteps and other impacts on floors. Low frequencies are also relevant to fa ade sound insulation because road traffic is often the dominant external noise source in the urban environment. Despite the importance of sound insulation in the low-frequency range it is harder to achieve the desired measurement repeatability and reproducibility. In addition, the statistical assumptions used in some measurements and prediction models are no longer valid. There are some situations such as in recording studios or industrial buildings where it is necessary to consider frequencies below 50 Hz and/or above 5000 Hz. In most cases it should be clear from the text what will need to be considered at frequencies outside the building acoustics frequency range.
Sound fields in...
