As noise is a basic contributor to the evaluation of an environment, the indoor environment of a nursing home (where residents are provided with 24-hour functional support and care) is studied with this focus. General research results, as indicated from a literature review, are limited up till now. Using quantitative and qualitative methods five nursing homes in Flanders were studied before and after acoustic interventions. Sound levels were measured in individual bedrooms, living rooms and corridors to obtain the typical levels during a day. Acoustic intra-room performance parameters (reverberation time) and inter-room performance parameters (airborne noise insulation level and impact noise insulation level) were measured and compared with Belgian target values. The post operam measurements indicated the potential of the acoustic interventions (use of acoustic curtains, wall and ceiling panels, ventilations grills, floating floors) to improve the building performance and the acoustic climate. From a qualitative viewpoint, the thematic analysis of staff response to the acoustic interventions indicated direct positive outcomes (e.g., more pleasant, quieter indoor soundscapes) with both positive and negative outcomes from perceived indirect effects (i.e., non-acoustic factors).
This paper is the second continuation of lightweight timber frame floor construction investigation with a respect to impact noise isolation. We will log on to previous article which dealt with mockup investigation of new LWTF floor conception. The main objectives of research is to design lightweight floor with good impact sound insulation performance to achieve low cost and reduce thickness of construction. In the following chapters well outline results of new floor model on lightweight timber frame construction implemented in laboratory conditions in Belgian Building Research Institute in Limelette, Belgium.
Cross laminated timber is becoming a popular building material for the construction of multifamily dwellings, offices, hotels, etc. The acoustic challenges are important: in contrast to light weight timber frame constructions, it is far more sensitive to flanking transmission and its equally relatively light weight and orthotropic character in comparison with traditional heavy stone requires special solutions for the direct airborne and impact sound insulation. The paper presents a new, special, and patented building system that almost annihilates flanking transmission and will detail optimized low frequency sound insulation solutions for floors.
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