Establishing a new acoustical laboratory, planning, experiments, experiences

A significant part of the input data for planning the acoustical quality of building is the result of laboratory measurements. Detailed modelling of complex phenomena of sound transmission, like structure borne sound propagation can be solved based on on well planned laboratory experiences. However it seems the constructional details of the testing facilities have important effect on the measured results. The paper describes the process of planning the testing facilities of the Laboratory of Building Acoustics, TU Budapest, which operate as a standardised laboratory, a modelling “tool” for flanking transmission in research and development and which is utilised in teaching too. Some results and conclusions of recent experiments are also reported and discussed here related to the sound reduction index of a heavy brick wall without and with flanking transmission, to the impact sound insulation between the rest of a stair and an adjacent room and also to a possibility to determine the reduction of impact sound transmission of floor coverings.