Comparison between European acoustic classification schemes for dwellings based on experimental evaluations and social surveys

In order to evaluate harmonized descriptors for airborne and impact sound insulation, a comparison between different European acoustic classification schemes for dwellings has been carried out. An experiment was conducted with the aim of examining how the acoustic performance of a building could be assessed using different descriptors and classification schemes. For this purpose, acoustics measurements performed on two residential buildings were used. All building elements have been measured, both for airborne and impact sound insulation, according to ISO Standards for field measurements. Measures have been carried before and after the refurbishing. Then, a comparison of the currently existing classification schemes in Europe has been done, studying how the elements of the analyzed buildings are classified by different national schemes. Finally, a social survey has been conducted in the same buildings and correlations between measured performances and subjective judgment are presented. This kind of analysis is useful to underline differences between acoustic classification schemes and the results can support the harmonization work in building acoustics, taking also into account sound insulation quality perceived by occupants.