An Engineering Method to Measure Structure-Borne Sounds Transmitted Through the Building Partitions

In this paper, the authors present an engineering method to identify the transmission paths of structure-borne sounds. The method is based on the use of a standardised impact sound source with an insulation case. The advantage of this approach is the possibility of obtaining repeatable results because the method allows the separation of structure-borne and airborne sounds; the latter do not interrupt the measurement even in the case of loose connections or elements of low acoustic insulation. The research on the verification of the method was performed on the façade of the Cracow Philharmonic building; the main structure-borne sound transmission paths were determined successfully. Knowledge of the sound transmission paths allows the subsequent design of efficient vibroacoustic protection.