The term ‘sound proof insulation’ refers to the process of making a room or a building part sound proof. Consequently, noise or sound transfer between the interior and outside of the room is minimized.
In modern building design and tion, sound proof insulation and improved acoustical conditions are given a lot of weight in order to eliminate and suppress noise and the resulting disruptions. Good acoustical circumstances encourage comfortable living, job efficiency and so forth.
This demands the consideration of the following two issues.
- Controlling noise disturbances (Sound Insulation)
- Controlling and correcting acoustical flaws (Acoustics)
The many elements of these two challenges, as well as the methods employed in the design and construction of the structure, as well as the materials utilised for sound proofing, are explored in this article.
Sound Measurement
Sound is generally transferred through wave motion, and we humans can hear it due to pressure fluctuations or pressure impulses caused by the sound as it travels to our ears. These impulses are represented by a standard frequency measured in cycles per second.
The phon is the unit of sound measurement. This unit of measurement is always utilised to solve realife soundproofing and acoustics problems. The fundamental idea of sound proof insulation is to lower the numbers on phon’s scale.
How Does Transmission of Sound Happens?
Sound or noise can be transferred in three ways. It can be transmitted through –
- the structural members
- through the air
- vibration of the structural members
It’s easy to understand that sound travels through the air, and that sound waves travel through apertures in walls, cracks, and other openings to reach the inside of a room.
Some sound waves hit on thin partitions and membrane walls, which vibrate in response and set up sound waves on the other side, allowing the sound to be transmitted.
Sound waves cause flexural motions in the wall, and pressure impulses are transmitted through it to emerge on the other side as sound waves in the air.
Sound Proof Insulation Materials
To reduce noise levels, a well-designed structure should include sound insulation. High levels of noise cause unpleasant living conditions, mental strain, exhaustion, and even neurological breakdown or temporary deafness.
Sound absorbing or sound repelling materials can be used to create adequate insulation. Below listed are some of the most commonly used sound insulating materials.
- Cellular Concrete
- Asbestos
- Rock Wool
- Glass Wool
- Glass Silk
- Mineral Wool Boards
- Cane Fibre
- Porous Tiles
- Acoustic Plastics (gypsum plaster)
The basic features of sound insulating materials should be thoroughly studied before picking any of them. The texture of a good sound insulating material should be porous and the density should be low.
After application, it should have a nice appearance. Furthermore, it should be light in weight and moisture resistant. It should be able to withstand vermin, termite, and insect attacks of all kinds.
Many common proprietary materials are already on the market, and one of their distinguishing features is sound insulation. In reality, the properties of heat and sound insulation works in collaboration, and both of these criteria are taken into consideration when planning and designing.
Great content! Keep up the good work!