Sound transmission of lightweight block walls and panels-Theory and Experiments

Sound transmission either as airborne or structure borne is a potential problem that occurs in buildings either from sources within or from outside. With the expansion of real estate activities in countries like India, the need to attend sound insulation requirements also assumes greater dimensions. The focus of this research is on studying the sound transmission characteristics of building structures made of hollow blocks, neocrete block, aerocon block and prefabricated panels such as Ferrocement panel. The tests were carried out the blocks with and without plastering and their sound reduction index was measured at one-third octave frequencies. In the case of ferrocement panels, different types of systems were tested in the TL suite. Panels with cavity, with cavity ties, with insulation, with stiffeners and with plasterboard were investigated. Sound reduction index of these panels was measured with additional quantities like longitudinal wavespeed, and loss factors (internal and total loss factor). Tests were also conducted on Cypcrete wall panel and Sandwiched wooden panel in a similar way. Theoretical investigations were carried out using Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) for the above systems. Sound reduction index was then compared between the predicted and the measured values.