Sound transmission analyses of impacts of wall renovation for traditional timber-framed dwellings

Increase in complaints of residents about noise problems in traditional timber-framed dwellings in Turkey has necessitated to identify sound transmission problems. The impact and airborne sound transmission characteristics of interior wall and floor components in traditional timber-framed dwellings (Ankara, Turkey) were examined by in-situ acoustical measurements and simulation analyses. The existing wall and floor components under examination were found to have insufficient airborne sound reduction index (Rw) and impact sound level (Lnw) values with respect to specified criteria. Comparison of in-situ and simulated data has shown that inherent acoustical properties of the mudbrick infill provide sound insulation to a certain extent as well as the inherent construction features contribute to the overall sound insulation performance of original wall and floor components. In the study, some remedial configurations for interior wall and floor sections were examined for advanced renovations of some repaired and non-repaired traditional framed dwellings in order to control airborne and impact sound transmission through their wall and floor sections. Potentials and limitations of those configurations that can be attached to the existing wall/floor components were discussed to point out key concerns of repair works for improvement of their sound insulation performances.