At the beginning of this year, we provided technical support for measurements conducted as part of Lucija Klinc’s master’s thesis, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mateja Dovjak from the Department of Buildings and Structural Elements. Our measurement equipment, the 2255 combined with the 2755 amplifier, ensured reliable and straightforward measurements – essential for in-depth analysis.
The thesis defense took place in October, and we’re pleased to present its content and key findings.
The Role of Sound Insulation in Timber Buildings During the Construction Process
Acoustics are often overlooked in the construction process, despite their proven impact on quality of life. This master’s thesis focuses on sound insulation in timber buildings made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and emphasizes the importance of early acoustic planning during the design phase.
The theoretical section presents an overview of Slovenian and international legislation as well as professional recommendations. The empirical section is based on a case study of a CLT duplex, where project documentation review and field measurements of sound insulation for the partition wall, facade with window, and inter-floor structure were conducted in accordance with ISO 16283 standards.
The results demonstrate a high level of acoustic quality. The partition wall between apartments with R′w = 71 dB exceeds minimum requirements and confirms well-designed and executed details without acoustic bridges. The facade with window at R′w = 32 dB meets prescribed limits, although spectral analysis reveals weaker low-frequency response, likely related to window installation. The inter-floor slab with L′n,w = 44 dB complies with requirements for residential spaces, with low frequencies remaining a typical challenge for CLT structures.
The thesis thus confirms that thoughtful design and quality execution can significantly improve the acoustic performance of CLT buildings and exceed standard requirements.
