Measuring noise level reduction using an artificial noise source

Abstract

Buildings located near airports may be subjected to significant noise levels due to aircraft flyovers. Aircraft noise is particularly annoying when compared to other traffic noises due to its intermittent nature. While noise control is typically performed at the source, sound insulation programs are in place to improve the acoustic performance of a residence affected by the flyovers. Noise Level Reduction (NLR) is a common metric used in the United States to determine whether a residence qualifies for such programs. Sound insulation programs are available to houses that have an indoor Day Night Average Sound Level (DNL) greater than 45 dBA. NLR is a single-number metric used to quantify the ability for a building or building element to reduce the transmission of external sound pressure levels generated by aircraft. In addition to determining whether a residence qualifies, NLR can be used to quantify the effectiveness of the modifications performed as a result of the sound insulation program. NLR measurements with a loudspeaker offer an alternative method to those performed with aircraft flyovers, offering flexibility to the consultants that perform these measurements in the field. The purpose of this research was to better understand and improve the loudspeaker test for measuring NLR, providing a resource to the aircraft noise industry. Testing was completed on a "test house" that was constructed on campus with construction methods typical of a mixed-humid climate. The angular dependency, repeatability, and reproducibility of NLR, among other factors, were evaluated with field measurements. Significant NLR variations were observed with changes in lateral and vertical angles of incidence.