Thank you to Frank Monahan of Architecture at the Edge and the RIAI for hosting our CPD event titled ‘Acoustics for Architects’. We really had a great turnout and I look forward to working with AATE and the RIAI in the future.
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GPG on TGD-E,2014 (Irish Building Regulations on Sound)
The AACI Good Practice Guidance Document on TGD-E,2014
The following document is at present under preparation at AACI and due for release at the latter part of quarter 1, 2020. The guidance is not considered to be a substitute for TGD-E, 2014, but instead, a document highlights good practice in an attempt to bring about higher construction standards and bring recognition to residential builders who exceed the minimum performance requirements described in TGD-E, 2014. The document will include practical checklists and set out the benefits of using qualified acoustic consultants when seeking design advice.
AACI -Sound Insulation Test Scheme
AACI-SITS: Association of Acoustic Consultants of Ireland- Sound Insulation Testing Scheme
The AACI-SITS (Sound Insulation Testing Scheme) provides the highest standard of sound insulation testing and acoustic design advice in the Republic of Ireland.
While TGD-E 2014 is clear on the requirements in relation to tester competency, it does not specify the certification body for those who wish to undertake sound insulation testing.
In order to fully comply with the intention of the TGD-E 2014 guidance, AACI-SITS have undertaken training for members in sound insulation testing with specific emphasis on the methodology outlined in TGD-E 2014. This fully complies with both the letter and the spirit of TGD-E 2014 with regard to the educational, training and experience requirements.
It is noted that all members are full members of the Institute of Acoustics and are bound to the codes of conduct with regard to professional competence and integrity where it states that members shall avoid undertaking work which is beyond their capabilities.
All members of the AACI-SITS upgrade their professional knowledge and maintain adequate awareness of technological developments, procedures, standards, laws and statutory regulations which are relevant to their field either by involvement in the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development Scheme or by any other appropriate means.
The person (or persons) responsible for technical aspects of sound testing must comply with the definition of a ‘competent person’. All competent persons must possess a combination of technical knowledge, experience and skills, and must be able to demonstrate, as a minimum:
An in-depth comprehension and experience of the relevant acoustical standards such as:
- EN ISO 16283-1 :2014 Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne sound insulation.
- EN ISO 16283-2 :2015 Field Measurement of Impact Sound Insulation of Floors — Part 2: Impact sound insulation.
Such competent persons need to demonstrate both practical and theoretical competence and should participate in relevant continual professional development. Competence may be demonstrated through reference to an appropriate qualification and/or professional membership of a recognised acoustic organisation, or other similar 3rd. party recognised accreditation scheme with specialist skills in sound testing.
Competent Members of the AACI-SITS
New revised Acoustics of Schools : a design guide in UK
This document jointly published by the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) is designed to accompany the revised performance standards for the acoustic design of schools published by the Department for Education in December 2014 (White cover below). This latest document is a revision of the guidance previously published in 2003 as Sections 2 to 7 of Building Bulletin 93: Acoustic Design of Schools and you can download the pdf here (Blue cover below).
Useful guidance on laminated and wooden flooring.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF A GUIDE FOR NOISE CONTROL FROM LAMINATED AND WOODEN FLOORING.
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: A review of UK Flatted Dwellings and Building Regulations
Chapter 3: The Mechanism Of Impact Noise with Hard Floor Surfaces
Chapter 4: Current UK Legislation And Case Law
Chapter 5: Survey of Extent of Problem And Use Of Tenancy Agreements
Chapter 6: A Market Review: Laminate And Wooden Floors
Chapter 7: Impact Sound Insulation Performance of Floor Finishes
Chapter 8: Mitigation and Management of Impact Sound
Chapter 9: Project Recommendations
Appendix A Guide 1. ‘Guide for the control of sound from laminated and
wooden flooring surfaces’
Appendix B Guide 2. ‘Noise associated with laminate and wood flooring’
Appendix C Stakeholder Survey
House builder Survey
Appendix D CIEH Noise Complaint Categories
To read a copy of DEFRA report, click here.