Interpretation of uncertainties in acoustic measurements in buildings

Requirements on the acoustic performance of buildings are specified in terms of sound insulation in decibels as defined by specified measurement methods. The performance can only be determined by insulation measurements with some uncertainty. However, regulations seldom specify how to deal with such uncertainties which often gives rise to endless discussion on whether the requirements are satisfied. Statistics can help here, but it must be realized that testing buildings is more complicated and expensive than testing in many other manufacturing or industry sectors. In addition, regulators hesitate to specify clearly enough the intentions behind the specified requirements.