Revisions to the EN12354 prediction method of calculating the flanking sound reduction index of lightweight building elements

Abstract

There is great interest worldwide in using the standard, EN12354 to predict the flanking sound reduction index of lightweight building constructions. However, there are several problems which must be overcome before the prediction method can be accurately applied to lightweight building elements. One problem is that the resonant component of the sound reduction index of lightweight elements must typically be determined for the predictions. Three methods of determining the resonant component which are being considered by COST Action FP0702 have been evaluated. The evaluation was conducted by comparing the predicted flanking sound reduction indices which were calculated using the different methods of calculating the resonant sound reduction index to the measured flanking intensity sound reduction index for a series of elements. The elements included single, homogeneous elements and double leaf elements. The determination of the resonant sound reduction index using a correction factor proposed by CSTB based on the radiation efficiencies of the elements is recommended.