ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF LIGHT- WEIGHT ECOLOGICAL BUILDING ENVELOPE BASED ON STRAW

References: 14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014, www.sgem.org, SGEM2014 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7105-21-6 / ISSN 1314-2704, June 19-25, 2014, Book 6, Vol. 2, 11-18 pp

ABSTRACT
The theme of building acoustics is very actual, especially in connection with the
development of ecological structures and using of natural light-weight infilling
materials. Their bulk density is much lower in comparison with traditional building
materials and therefore they do not ensure primary protection against noise coming from the exterior of building. The purpose of this paper and related measurements is the determination of airborne sound reduction index Rw of selected types of the light-weight building envelopes, where the filling material is crushed straw. Effect of the variant cladding of these structures to their sound reduction index is also observed. These specific structures and filling insulator were chosen because they are relatively cheap and ecological materials with great potential, used in green buildings focused on sustainability. These defined acoustic properties enable (together with a thermal insulating and fire properties) these types of structures to become competitive alternative to traditional building materials.

Keywords: Light - weight structures, sound insulation, airborne sound reduction index, straw, filling materials, cladding