Noise Insulation Projects in Denmark

This paper describes the Danish method for sound insulation projects including projects financed by the Danish Road Administration. The projects are evaluated by measurements of the noise reduction achieved and in terms of satisfaction of the participating house owners.The Danish method includes a selection procedure for noise-affected houses along the road in question, a catalogue with technical solutions for noise insulation and a 20-month time schedule for the whole noise insulation process including communication with the house owners, inspection of their houses and description of the necessary measures. A selection of houses along roads with a noise level of more than 63 dB (Lden) are invited to sign up for the insulation project. Approximately 70 % of the invited houses sign up and approximately 50 % of the houses are insulated. The house owners receive financial subsidies to implement the necessary insulation measures.The sound insulation measures reduce indoor noise levels by 5-10 dB, and compared to other measures it is very efficient especially for city dwellings and apartment houses.A large percentage of the participating house owners are satisfied with the noise insulation measures and are surprised by the level of noise reduction.