We use a new test opening for laboratory measurement of sound insulation of windows, glazing and doors

In the acoustic laboratory of the CTU UCEEB, a specific small-sized test opening according to EN ISO 10140-5 has been built, which is not only used for accredited testing of airborne sound insulation of windows and glazing, but can also be adapted for testing doors. In this way, the acoustic characteristics of the opening fillings can be quickly and accurately determined. The measured values can be used in practice for the design and assessment of building elements in terms of standard or other sound insulation requirements.

The specific small-sized test opening into which the tested building elements are inserted has a width of 1 250 mm and a height of 1 500 mm. It is housed in a heavy double-fill lime-sand brick wall which provides sufficient sound insulation between the test rooms. The acoustic properties of the opening were verified in accordance with EN ISO 10140-5.

In addition to the standard acoustic testing of infill openings, the specific small-sized test opening can be used in research and development, for example to test the acoustic properties of new building materials designed primarily for lightweight constructions. This could be, for example, new building boards for cladding of building structures or different variants of infills for layered partitions.

Due to the reduced test opening dimensions, the tests are less material-intensive than the standard testing of structures in a large test opening with an area of approximately 10 m2. Thus, more tests can be carried out and the results obtained can be used to optimise the building structure before final testing on its real dimensions.