COST Action TU0901

This is the Homepage of COST Action TU0901: Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation Aspects in Sustainable Urban Housing Constructions

Objectives: The main objective of the Action is to make proposals for harmonized descriptors for airborne and impact sound insulation between dwellings and for airborne sound insulation of facades and to prepare a proposal for a European classification scheme with quality classes. This will form a basis for uniform clear information regarding sound insulation of dwellings. The rationalization of sound insulation descriptors and classification schemes will set the basis for the exchange of data on sound insulation of building systems from country to country. It will improve efficiency and dissemination of sound insulation results and construction details and solutions. It will promote marketing and trade of building elements, systems and constructions based through clear data.

Abstract: In Europe, legal requirements concerning acoustic performance of buildings differ widely in performance descriptors and limit values. The diversity (indicators, steps between classes, grade of quietness achieved, etc.) found in the nine existing national schemes and proposals in three more countries is an obstacle for exchange of experience, development and trade. The harmonization of such descriptors and performance levels of sound insulation classes is important to make progress and would be well received by industry, government and research sectors. The Action will stimulate innovation, support sustainability through simplified research and development objectives, reduce trade barriers between Member States and facilitate marketing. Coordination of research activity, knowledge transfer, psychoacoustic evaluation, collection of data of typical and high performance acoustic solutions is necessary to make progress. Keywords: Dwellings, sound insulation, descriptors, legislation, sound classification, social surveys, design guidelines