Airborne Noise Testing

Koikas Acoustics is often requested by builders/developers or Unit owners to undertake airborne noise testing of partition systems and ascertain whether compliance has been achieved with relevant regulatory requirements and/or provide further design solutions.

Airborne noise testing of partition systems entails taking sound measurements, utilizing a spectrum analyser, of a pink’ noise source amplified through a dodecahedron loudspeaker located in the source room and in the receiver space. In addition, reverberation time measurements are taken in the receiver space and the measured noise levels in the receiver space are 0.5 seconds reverberation time. These results are used to calculate the sound transmission loss (STL) in 1/3 octave bands to derive the weighted sound reduction index (Rw) and low frequency adaption term (Ctr).

The quantified acoustic performance rating of the subject partition is then compared against the requirements of relevant Standards, typically the requirements described in Section F5 of the current Building Code of Australia (BCA) for common party walls, ceiling/floor and main entry door systems so a s to determine whether compliance has been achieved and if not, to determine what additional works are required to achieve the nominated acoustical ratings.

Koikas Acoustics staff often attend to design meetings, on-site consultation regarding the materials utilized in the construction, sealing techniques and the likes in order that the partitions can achieve the nominated acoustical ratings.