It has for long been debated whether 50 or 100 Hz is the proper lower frequency limit when evaluating airborne sound insulation between dwellings. Although 100 Hz is the lowest third-octave band within most regulations, there is an ongoing interest in paying more attention to lower frequencies. In Sweden, evaluation from 50 Hz became mandatory already in 1999 wherefore unique experiences are available by now. In this paper, extensive data in terms of field measurements and questionnaire surveys from in total 46 building objects of various constructions have been compiled. A number of single number quantities, standardized by ISO as well as alternatives, are compared concerning their correlation against the subjectively rated annoyance responded by the residents. The statistical evidence for a 50 Hz limit was found to be small considering the total database but when the lightweight buildings were analyzed by their own, the importance of frequencies below 100 Hz became clearer. The overall recommendation is to include frequencies from 50 Hz in order to achieve good sound protection against a broad variety of sound sources, including music and other possible items generating low frequencies.
Validerad;2018;Nivå 2;2017-12-22 (svasva)