The new German soundproofing standard: Comparison between DIN 4109:1989 and E DIN 4109:2013 / Die neue Schallschutznorm: Vergleich DIN 4109:1989 und E DIN 4109:2013

In 2013, a new draft of a complete standard for DIN 4109 “Soundproofing in buildings” was issued in 4 parts – “Requirements”, “Method of calculation”, “Parts catalogue” and “Testing acoustics in buildings”. It includes several increases in the requirements for protection against airborne noise and impact sound by comparison to DIN 4109:1989. The increases are based on the grades from monitored buildings of standard construction periodically noted in recent years. Significant changes are also included in Part 2 “Input data for verifying the requirements by calculation”. A detailed computation of all transmission paths is carried out here, taking into account the special vibration reducing indices. For a brick wall, the specific indices for the weighted sound reduction index R’w,R are shown that arise for various formations of the joints. When compared with the calculated values according to DIN 4109:1989 there are differences of up to 10 dB.     

Example calculation of the sound insulation of a floor slab between residential units according to DIN 4109‐2:2016 / Beispielhafte Berechnung der Luftschalldämmung einer Wohnungstrenndecke im Mauerwerkbau nach DIN 4109‐2:2016

The DIN 4109 series of standards has been revised in recent years and harmonised with European design codes. After the drafts of DIN 4109 were issued in November 2013, the documents shall now be finally published in summer 2016. The calculation procedure according to DIN 4109‐2 is based on the simplified procedure from EN 12354:2000, in which the noise transmission routes are calculated individually, similarly to the calculation for framed buildings according to supplement 1 to DIN 4109. The procedure according to DIN 4109‐2 is based on formulae, which are filled with figures from the building element catalogue of parts 3‐2 to 3‐6. This article shows examples of calculation steps for the determination of the weighted airborne sound reduction R'_w,Raccording to DIN 4109‐2:2016 for a floor slab between residential units.     

Balancing of constructional sound insulation according to DIN 4109:2016‐07 for residential buildings of lightweight concrete

Music, talking, traffic noise: even supposedly slight noise nuisance can harm health in the long term. Permanent exposure to normal domestic noise, for example, can lead to a disruption of concentration – loud traffic noise can even lead to an increased risk of heart and circulation complaints. Constructional sound insulation is one of the most important protection aims in building. Improvement of the verification of sound insulation was the main aim of the revision of the DIN 4109:2016‐07 ”Sound insulation in buildings“. Particularly building with lightweight concrete offers several advantages in sound insulation, which have now also been covered in the standard.     

Designing sound insulation in multi‐storey residential dwellings in accordance with E DIN 4109‐2 / Schallschutzplanung im Geschosswohnungsbau nach E DIN 4109‐2

The method for calculating airborne sound insulation between apartments as specified in DIN EN 12354‐1:2000 has been used for many years – and is increasingly being used – in architectural design. This article will give a short overview of the basic principles of this calculation method, highlighting some special aspects, and will then focus on its application in practice. In particular, the experience gained with the KS Schallschutzrechner software (calculator for the prediction of sound insulation between dwellings and terraced houses ), which has now been in use for twelve years, demonstrates that – in spite of the improved prognostic accuracy – the method is not more labour‐intensive than that of the previous procedure specified in DIN 4109 Supplement 1, provided suitable design aids are used.     

Effect of Multipor interior insulation on flanking sound transmission / Einfluss einer Innendämmung aus Multipor auf die flankierende Schallübertragung

In order to improve the energy efficiency of an existing building, it is necessary, among other things, to improve the thermal insulation provided by that building’s external walls. If the additional insulation required for this cannot be fitted on the outside, then it will need to be applied on the inside instead. To avoid the need for complex designs, insulating materials with a considerably reduced susceptibility to damage should be used, for example the mineral insulation panel Multipor. Xella Technologie‐ und Forschungsgesellschaft mbH has conducted a study in cooperation with Xella Deutschland GmbH to determine whether, and if so, how, Multipor affects structure‐borne sound transmission when used as interior insulation. The study, the results of which are presented in this article, involved testing flanking sound transmission in a laboratory at the Hochschule für Technik (HFT) in Stuttgart, Germany.     

Field report on application of the dimensioning procedure according to E DIN 4109‐2 / Erfahrungsbericht zur Anwendung des Bemessungsverfahrens nach E DIN 4109‐2

For several years, the sound insulation ratings for multi‐storey buildings have been in transition and are being brought into line with the European calculation method according to EN 12354:2000. The drafts of DIN 4109 have been available since November 2013. The forecasting procedure for the expected airborne sound insulation in solid buildings will change considerably by comparison to the regulations in Supplement 1 to DIN 4109:1989. In recent years, the building acoustics testing unit of Xella Technologie‐ und Forschungsgesellschaft mbH has carried out numerous quality tests to determine the acoustic insulation of apartment partitioning walls and apartment partitioning floors in apartment buildings. The exterior walls of the buildings reviewed consist exclusively of plastered, autoclaved aerated concrete block walls. The interior walls were made primarily of autoclaved aerated concrete or limestone blocks. In a few cases, dry constructed or reinforced concrete inner walls were present. A comparison is presented between the test results of these quality tests and the design values of the assessed sound reduction index R’w according to E DIN 4109‐2:2013. During these tests, a discussion took place on the uncertainty that must be incorporated in the calculation so as to achieve an adequately high level of planning assurance.     

Complex building element monitoring – interior insulation in practical test

Germany has set ambitious targets at a national level for the reduction of emissions with the Energiekonzept 2010: by 2020, emissions should be reduced by at least 40 % compared to 1990. By 2050, a reduction of emissions by 80 to 95 % (compared to 1990) is intended [1]. In order to even come near to these targets, the energy‐related refurbishment of existing buildings has been gaining significance for some years. Facades that are worth preserving or under listed building protection limit the upgrading options on the outside, but interior insulation solutions are as ever regarded with suspicion by some protagonists. The following article reports on the building physics support for a particularly challenging refurbishment project.