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Sound insulation is an important aspect of building performance.
This book is a comprehensive guide to sound and vibration theory
and its application to the measurement and prediction of sound
insulation in buildings. It enables the reader to tackle a wide
range of issues relating to sound insulation during the design and
construction stages of a building, and to solve problems in
existing buildings. The book has been written for engineers,
consultants, building designers, students in acoustics, researchers
and those involved in the manufacture and design of building
products. Key aspects are that it:
* Explains the fundamental theory using examples that show its
direct application to buildings
* Guides the reader through the links between measurement and
theory
* Explains concepts that are important for the application,
interpretation and understanding of guidance documents, test
reports, product data sheets, published papers, regulations and
Standards
* Makes direct reference to ISO and EN Standards on sound
insulation
* Contains a large number of illustrations showing measurements,
predictions and example calculations for quick reference
Carl Hopkins previously worked on building acoustics and
environmental noise at the Building Research Establishment. During
this time he was involved with sound insulation in research,
consultancy, standardization, and building regulations as well as
being an advisor on acoustics to government departments. He is
currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool within
the Acoustics Research Unit of the School of Architecture.
* Guides the reader through the links between measurement and
theory
* Makes direct reference to ISO and EN Standards on sound
insulation.
* Contains a large number of illustrations showing measurements,
predictions and example calculations for quick reference.
An excellent builidng acoustics bookReviewed by mhnstr, 2009-08-04
Sound Insulation has received a lot of praise in reviews in
academic journals such as Building Acoustics and justifiably so.
Don't be misled by the title of the book into thinking that it is
just about sound insulation. The book offers a very thorough
investigation of noise control in buildings and is an excellent
resource for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of
building acoustics.
Sound Insulation begins with chapters which describe sound fields
and vibration fields. An awareness of both is fundamental to
understanding noise in buildings and Hopkins has provided quite a
lot of information to the reader. Chapter 3 introduces measurement
methods including methods for the laboratory and in the field.
Chapter 4 describes direct sound transmission (the noise
transmitted through the common wall between rooms). Methods of
predicting the transmission loss of different constructions are
presented including statistical energy analysis. The discussion is
very thorough and even includes transmission through gaps, holes
and slits, doors and windows. Chapter 5 discusses the combination
of direction sound transmission and flanking transmission. Flanking
transmission describes noise which is transmitted through the
structure and radiated from the floor, walls and ceiling. Hopkins
reviews calculation methods such as statistical energy analysis and
the international standards, EN12354 and ISO15712.
As a researcher who often has projects such as reducing the noise
transmitted through doors or through the walls of a dwelling, I
find myself often using Hopkin's book as a reference for equations
that I might need or to learn how to make different calculations.
What makes this book the one that I keep going back to is the
wealth of information in it. If I need to take a look at sandwich
panels, it is in the book. If I need information about measuring
traffic noise into houses, I can find it in the book as well as a
list of relevant measurement standards. I would highly recommend it
to anyone who has an interest in building acoustics.
The only gripes that I have about the book are in regard to the
layout rather than about the technical content. The index is not
very extensive and future editions should certainly include more
terms. For example, the common terms double-leaf wall and loss
factor are not in the index. I also would argue that the title,
Sound Insulation does not adequately represent the wealth of
information regarding noise and noise in buildings that is in this
book.
The preface of Sound Insulation reads that "this book is intended
for students, engineers, consultants, building designers,
researchers and those involved in the manufacture and design of
building products." Alternatively, if you are looking for a quick
reference for which insulation would best fit your needs, then this
book may not be for you. A better reference might be the numerous
guides published on the website of the NRC-IRC Acoustics Group or
Noise Control in Buildings: A Guide for Architects and Engineers by
Harris which is intended as more of a practical than a theoretical
guide. However, if you want to gain an understanding of the problem
of noise in buildings and how to address it, then this book belongs
on your shelf.
Not for contractorsReviewed by Allan S. Chamberlain, 2009-05-08
I needed a book to advise me which type of soundproofing to put into a medical office. This book was far too technical, and I finally downloaded some information from a drywall manufacturer's website.
