Sound classification of dwellings Quality class

ranges and intervals in national schemes in Europe

Birgit Rasmussen
SBi, Danish Building Research Institute, Aalborg University, Denmark

Summary
National schemes for sound classification of dwellings exist in more than ten countries in Europe,
typically published as national standards. The schemes define quality classes reflecting different
levels of acoustical comfort. Main criteria concern airborne and impact sound insulation between
dwellings, facade sound insulation and installation noise.
The schemes have been developed, implemented and revised gradually since the early 1990s.
However, due to lack of coordination between countries, there are significant discrepancies, and
new standards and revisions continue to increase the diversity. Descriptors, range of quality levels,
number of quality classes, class intervals, denotations and descriptions vary across Europe.
The diversity is an obstacle for exchange of experience about constructions fulfilling differ ent
classes, implying also trade barriers. Thus, a harmonized classification scheme is needed, and a
European COST Action TU0901 "Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation Aspects in
Sustainable Urban Housing Constructions", has been established and runs 2009-2013, one of the
main objectives being to prepare a proposal for a European sound classification scheme with a
number of quality classes for dwellings.
However, each of the national classification schemes represents the result of extensive efforts,
considerations and discussions, often during many years, and a change cannot be accepted easily.
Thus, it is important to analyze present schemes and involve all countries in the preparation of a
European proposal. This paper deals with the sound insulation between dwellings and focuses on
comparison of range of quality levels in the national schemes, number of quality classes and class
intervals.
PACS no. 43.55

1. Introduction1 Due to harmonization efforts, it is important to

analyze differences between existing schemes.
Building regulations specify minimum requirements This paper focuses on the quality class ranges and
about acoustical conditions for new dwellings in intervals for airborne and impact sound insulation
most countries in Europe, cf. [1, 2, 3]. However, between dwellings.
complying with regulatory requirements does not
guarantee satisfactory conditions for the
occupants, and since the early 1990s, several
countries have developed and introduced sound
classification schemes with classes reflecting
different levels of acoustical comfort. The purpose
is to make it easier for developers to specify and
for users to require a standardized acoustic quality
better than the quality defined by regulations.
Sound classification schemes in Europe are
national schemes, the majority being published by
national standardization organizations. Due to lack
of coordination between countries, the schemes in
Europe are very different, cf. [4, 5], thus impeding Figure 1. Most classification schemes in Europe are
exchange of experience and causing trade barriers. published by national standardization organizations.

1
(c) European Acoustics Association
ISSN 2226-5147
ISBN 978-80-01-05013-2

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 EURONOISE 2012 Rasmussen: Sound classification of dwellings Quality class
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2. Overview sound classification schemes requirements. By referring to a class, a building

for dwellings code also draws attention to the facts that the regu-
latory requirements are minimum requirements
Sound classification schemes for dwellings exist at and that voluntary specification and design of a
present in 11 countries in Europe, [6-16]. Several better acoustic quality is a possibility.
of these schemes also include classification of Like the building codes, the classification schemes
other types of premises, e.g. schools, kindergarten, specify criteria concerning several acoustic
healthcare facilities and offices. aspects, including:
An overview of existing sound classification Airborne sound insulation between dwellings
schemes for dwellings is found in Table I. For
each scheme listed, the class denotations and the Impact sound insulation between dwellings
relation to the national building code are indicated Facade sound insulation (or indoor noise
as well as the classes intended for new and for levels from traffic and industry)
existing (old/renovated) housing, respectively. In Noise from building services and equipment
some countries there is no link between the In addition, the schemes specify class criteria con-
building code and the classification scheme. In cerning other acoustic aspects. Examples are
other countries they are strongly "integrated", and reverberation time in staircases, sound insulation
the building code refers to a specific class in the internally in dwellings and outdoor noise.
classification standard rather than describing the
Table I. European schemes for sound classification of dwellings, relation to
building codes and indication of classes intended for new and old dwellings. Status March 2012.

Coun- Class (1) CS Reference Link BC Classes Classes for

try(6) denotations (latest version) BC to Reference Comment for new old
CS to CS dwellings dwellings
DK A/B/C/D DS 490 (2007) [6] + Class C A, B, C D
FI A/B/C/D SFS 5907 (2004) [7] N/A BC = Class C A, B, C D
IS A/B/C/D IST 45 (2011) [8]+ Class C A, B, C D
NO A/B/C/D NS 8175 (2008) [9] + Class C A, B, C D
SE A/B/C/D SS 25267 (2004) [10] + Class C A, B, C D
LT A/B/C/D/E STR 2.01.07 (2003) [11] + Class C A, B, C D, E
IT I / II / III / IV UNI 11367 (2010) [12] N/A BC ~ Class III I / II / III IV
DE (4) III / II / I VDI 4100 (2007) (5) [13] N/A BC ~ Class I III, II, I None
AT A/B/C/D/E NORM B 8115-5 (2012) [14] N/A BC = Class C A, B, C D, E
NL I / II / III / IV / V NEN 1070 (1999) [15] N/A BC ~ Class III I / II / III IV, V
FR QLAC / QL (2) Qualitel (2012) [16] N/A (3) QLAC / QL None
Abbreviations: BC = Building Code (regulatory requirements); CS = Classification scheme
(1) Classes are indicated in descending order, i.e. the best class first.
(2) The indicated class denotations are applied for sound insulation between dwellings, but there is only one
performance level for e.g. facade sound insulation.
(3) Class/label QL for airborne sound insulation between dwellings equals BC requirement. For impact sound level,
QL is 3 dB stricter than the BC.
(4) Moreover, the German Society of Acoustics (DEGA) has published a recommendation [17] for acoustic labelling of
dwellings. The system has seven classes A*-F and a colour code, the lower classes intended for old buildings.
(5) VDI 4100 is under revision. Change of sound insulation descriptors expected (from Rw and Ln,w to DnT,w and LnT,w).
(6) The Spanish Acoustical Society (AECOR) has prepared a proposal for classification of dwellings, cf. [18], with
classes A, B, C, the lowest class corresponding to the building regulations.

3. Sound insulation between dwellings class criteria are found in [5, 20]. Aspects related
Quality class criteria, ranges and to sound classes for renovated housing are
intervals in national schemes in Europe described in [21].
Sound insulation class criteria are expressed by
Main criteria for airborne and impact sound the current international descriptors for evaluation
insulation between dwellings are found in Tables of airborne and impact sound insulation as dened
II and III. More details about the schemes and in ISO 717:1996 [22]. The single-number quantities
class criteria are found in [4] and in [5, 19], and the spectrum adaptation terms are derived
including class criteria for sound insulation from values measured according to ISO 140 [23]
internally in dwellings. Facade sound insulation or calculated according to EN 12354 [24].
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Table II. Airborne sound insulation between dwellings. Main criteria in sound classification schemes in Europe.
Airborne sound insulation between dwellings - Main class criteria in dB - Status March 2012
Class A Class B Class C
(4) NL, IT: Class I NL, IT: Class II NL, IT: Class III NL,Class D LT, AT: Class E
IT: Class IV NL: Class V BC reference
Country DE: Class III DE: Class II DE: Class I to CS
FR: N/A FR: QLAC FR: QL DE, FR: N/A IT, DE, FR: N/A
DK Rw + C50-3150 63 Rw + C50-3150 58 Rw 55 Rw 50 N/A Class C
None
FI Rw + C50-3150 63 Rw + C50-3150 58 Rw 55 Rw 49 N/A (BC = Class C)
IS Rw + C50-3150 63 Rw + C50-3150 58 Rw 55 (1) Rw 50 N/A Class C
NO Rw + C50-5000 63 Rw + C50-5000 58 Rw 55 (1) Rw 50 N/A Class C
SE Rw + C50-3150 61 Rw + C50-3150 57 Rw + C50-3150 53 Rw 49 N/A Class C
Rw + C50-3150 63 or Rw + C50-3150 58 or Class C
DnT,w + C50-3150 63 DnT,w + C50-3150 58 Rw or DnT,w 55 Rw or DnT,w 52 Rw or DnT,w 48
LT (1)

None
IT* Rw 56 Rw 53 Rw 50 Rw 45 N/A (BC ~ Class III
(2) H: Rw 59 H: Rw 56 H: Rw 53 None
DE** Multi V: Rw 60 V: Rw 57 V: Rw 54 N/A N/A (BC Class I)
(2) None
DE** Row Rw 68 Rw 63 Rw 57 N/A N/A (BC Class I)
D 55 None
AT DnT,w + C50-3150 60 DnT,w + C50-3150 55 CR(3): DnT,w
nT,w 60m
DnT,w 50 DnT,w < 50 (BC = Class C)
None
NL*** DnT,w + C 62 DnT,w + C 57 DnT,w + C 52 DnT,w + C 47 DnT,w + C 42 (BC ~ Class III)
DnT,w + C 55 None
FR**** N/A (2) DnT,w + C 53 N/A N/A
Row : DnT,w + C 58
* Classes I, II, III, IV; ** Classes III, II, I; *** Classes I, II, III, IV, V; **** Classes QLAC, QL
(1) Use of C50-3150/5000 is recommended also in Class C. If applied, the limit value may be reduced by 2 dB.
(2) Multi = Multi-storey housing; Row = Row housing; H = Horizontal; V = Vertical
(3) For row housing there is a special criterion to match the building regulations, and the class is denoted CR.
(4) For references, see Table I.

Table III. Impact sound insulation between dwellings. Main criteria in sound classification schemes in Europe.
Impact sound insulation between dwellings - Main class criteria in dB - Status March 2012
Class A Class B Class C Class D LT, AT: Class E
(4) NL, IT: Class I NL, IT: Class II NL, IT: Class III NL, IT: Class IV NL: Class V BC reference
Country DE: Class III DE: Class II DE: Class I to CS
FR: N/A FR: QLAC FR: QL DE, FR: N/A IT, DE, FR: N/A
Ln,w 43 and Ln,w 48 and Class C
DK Ln,w + CI,50-2500 43 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 48 Ln,w 53 Ln,w 58 N/A
Ln,w 43 and Ln,w 49 and None
FI Ln,w + CI,50-2500 43 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 49 Ln,w 53 (1) Ln,w 63 N/A (BC = Class C)
Ln,w 43 and Ln,w 48 and Class C
IS Ln,w + CI,50-2500 43 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 48 Ln,w 53 (1) Ln,w 58 N/A
Ln,w 43 and Ln,w 48 and Class C
NO Ln,w + CI,50-2500 43 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 48 Ln,w 53 (1) Ln,w 58 N/A
Ln,w 48 and Ln,w 52 and Ln,w 56 Class C
SE Ln,w + CI,50-2500 48 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 52 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 56 Ln,w 60 N/A

LT Ln,w + CI,50-2500 43 Ln,w + CI,50-2500 48 Ln,w 53 (1) Ln,w 58 Ln,w 60 Class C

None
IT* Ln,w 53 Ln,w 58 Ln,w 63 Ln,w 68 N/A (BC ~ Class III
(2) None
DE** Multi Ln,w 39 Ln,w 46 Ln,w 53 N/A N/A (BC Class I)
(2) None
DE** Row Ln,w 34 Ln,w 41 Ln,w 48 N/A N/A (BC Class I)
LnT,w 38 and LnT,w 43 and LnT,w 48 None
AT LnT,w + CI 43 LnT,w + CI 43
(3)
CR : LnT,w 43 mn LnT,w 53 LnT,w > 53 (BC = Class C)
LnT,w + CI,50-2500 48
None
NL*** LnT,w + CI 43 LnT,w + CI 48 LnT,w + CI 53 LnT,w + CI 58 LnT,w + CI 63 (BC ~ Class III)
FR**** N/A LnT,w 52 LnT,w 55 N/A N/A None
* Classes I, II, III, IV; ** Classes III, II, I; *** Classes I, II, III, IV, V; **** Classes QLAC, QL
(1) Use of CI,50-2500 is recommended also in Class C.
(2) Multi = Multi-storey housing; Row = Row housing; H = Horizontal; V = Vertical
(3) For row housing there is a special criterion to match the building regulations, and the class is denoted CR.
(4) For references, see Table I.

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In Figures 2 and 3 are found graphical compari- The regulatory requirements for the same
sons of classes in the 11 European countries. The countries have been added as separate columns in
special criteria for row housing in DE, AT and FR Figures 2 and 3. Data are from [4], where more
have not been included. information is found about the requirements.

Limits are minimum values Regulations indicated in green

Figure 2. Airborne sound insulation quality class limits (min values) and steps
in national classification schemes in Europe. Note: The actual numbers have been applied without any
conversion between different descriptors. The specific class criteria are found in Table II.

Limits are maximum values Regulations indicated in green

Figure 3. Impact sound insulation quality class limits (max values) and steps
in national classification schemes in Europe. Note: The actual numbers have been applied without any conversion
between different descriptors. The specific class criteria are found in Table III.

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Comparing the data from the 11 classification To improve the situation, efforts should be made
schemes in Europe, cf. Tables I-III and Figures 2- to harmonize sound insulation descriptors and pre-
3, several differences are found: ferably also class levels. The present classification
Number of quality classes (2 to 5) schemes are quite understandably rooted in
and denotations (see table I) national building traditions and regulatory require-
Range of quality classes (2-20 dB for airborne, ments, which are decided at a national level.
3-20 dB for impact) and level of range Regional efforts to exchange experience and
Intervals between classes (2-6 dB for airborne, harmonize requirements are made in more national
3-10 dB for impact) and transnational projects, e.g. in Silent Spaces
Descriptors used for sound insulation criteria [26] aiming at reducing noise and vibrations in
buildings and dwellings, especially light-weight
Use of low-frequency spectrum adaptation
terms according to ISO 717:1996 buildings, and contribute to harmonization of
requirements in Sweden and Denmark.
Common or separate quality levels for multi-
storey and row housing To initiate harmonization and coordinate research
internationally, a European Action, COST TU0901
Relation to regulatory requirements
"Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation
The majority of the classification schemes include Aspects in Sustainable Urban Housing Construc-
criteria for sound insulation internally in tions" [27], was established in 2009 and runs until
dwellings, cf. [5, 19] and [6-16]. 2013. The TU0901 main objectives are to prepare
The most striking differences between countries proposals for harmonized descriptors for airborne
and between classes are found in impact sound and impact sound insulation and for a European
criteria, e.g. the best class in [12] corresponds exactly acoustic classification scheme for dwellings.
to the lowest class in [13] and [14], cf. Figure 3 and About 90 experts from 29 European countries and
table III, and for [16] there is just a 1 dB margin. from institutions in three non-COST countries
The issue of descriptors is further elaborated in [2, (New Zealand, Australia and Canada) have been
25]. For some types of buildings, e.g. for light- nominated for the management committee and
weight buildings, it is important, cf. e.g. references working groups. At WG meetings, symposia like
in [1-2], to include low-frequency spectrum adapta- e.g. [28], workshops etc., experience with regula-
tion terms (down to 50 Hz) or other relevant criteria tions, classification schemes and constructions are
taking into account low frequencies. shared among TU0901 member countries.
As an alternative or supplement to extensive Looking into the future, harmonization of
classification schemes, some countries have defined regulatory sound insulation requirements seems
a simple set of criteria for increased acoustical unrealistic. Nevertheless, by reducing the number
comfort, for example added in an annex to the of sound insulation descriptors and by preparing a
document describing the legal requirements, thus harmonized European classification scheme with a
reducing the need for a classification scheme. number of quality classes, each member state
Such criteria are found in e.g. Austria, Germany, could select for regulations the "harmonized"
Switzerland and Belgium, cf. [1]. class, which is found most appropriate to meet the
expectations of the inhabitants, considering also
4. Conclusions and perspectives building traditions and other conditions.
National sound classification schemes for Based on a comparison of the existing schemes, it
dwellings exist in 11 countries in Europe. seems as if a starting point for further negotiations
However, due to lack of coordination, there are could be a scheme having four classes, the lowest
significant discrepancies between the European one for existing housing, with about 4 dB intervals
classification schemes for dwellings, and none of between airborne classes and about 5 dB intervals
the schemes are identical. Although the schemes between impact classes. A big issue will be, if a
prove useful on a national basis, the diversity in low-frequency rating should be included in all
Europe is an obstacle for exchange of construction classes or only the upper classes.
experience and data. In addition, the current However, research is needed to improve
variety of descriptors and classes may cause trade knowledge about relations between class criteria
barriers. and occupants subjective evaluation of different
Even in the Nordic countries, the classification construction types.
schemes have diversified, cf. [5], although a The present paper provides input to discussions in
common Nordic proposal existed in the 1990s. the Nordic countries as well as to Silent Spaces [26]
and TU0901 [27].
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Acknowledgements [13] VDI 4100:2007, Schallschutz von Wohnungen -

Kriterium fr Planung und Beurteilung" and
The author is grateful to those, who helped "Noise control in dwellings Criteria for planning
interpreting the national classification schemes, and and assessment". Germany.
hopes that data have been correctly described. Any [14] NORM B 8115-5:2012 Schallschutz und
corrections or updates of data will be appreciated. Raumakustik im Hochbau - Teil 5: Klassifizierung.
For information, see J Lang. Considerations on
an Appropriate Classification Standard in
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