What is EN ISO 15859:2016?

EN ISO 15859:2016 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the measurement and evaluation of airborne sound insulation in buildings and building elements. It aims to ensure that buildings have an adequate level of sound insulation to maintain privacy, reduce noise disturbance, and create favorable acoustic conditions.

Importance of Sound Insulation in Buildings

Good sound insulation is essential in buildings for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to protect privacy by preventing sound transmission between rooms or between neighboring properties. This is particularly important in residential buildings, hotels, and offices where people need a quiet environment to rest, work, or concentrate. Secondly, sound insulation helps to reduce noise disturbance from external sources such as traffic, construction activities, or loud music. By minimizing unwanted noise, it promotes a better quality of life and improves health and well-being. Finally, proper sound insulation can create favorable acoustic conditions inside buildings, ensuring optimal sound environments for activities such as concerts, lectures, or conferences.

How EN ISO 15859:2016 Works

The standard outlines the procedures and methods for measuring airborne sound insulation in both laboratory and field conditions. It specifies the equipment, test setup, and calculation methods required to determine the sound insulation performance of different building elements, such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. The measurements are performed using standard sound sources and microphones, following established protocols. The results obtained are then compared against specific criteria defined by the standard to assess the sound insulation performance. The standard also provides guidance on interpreting the results and making informed decisions based on them.

Benefits and Applications

EN ISO 15859:2016 benefits various stakeholders within the construction industry. Architects and designers can use the standard as a reference to ensure that their designs meet the required sound insulation criteria. Building contractors can perform pre-construction testing to verify compliance with acoustic regulations and standards. Acoustic consultants and engineers can utilize the standard to evaluate and improve existing building elements or propose solutions for new constructions. Regulatory bodies and local authorities can rely on the standard to enforce relevant noise control regulations and guidelines. Ultimately, EN ISO 15859:2016 helps to create buildings that provide excellent sound insulation, enhancing overall comfort and user satisfaction.