Acoustic Technology: Economy and Perfomance in a Real Project

The construction industry is in constant evolution, and as a result, new acoustic solutions are being developed. Acoustic performance computational simulations are important tools for indicating acoustic solutions that are both effective for the project and suitable for the construction budget. In order to highlight the importance of acoustic simulations for both ensuring acoustic performance and reducing project costs, the present article aims to present how it was possible to predict compliance with the intermediate performance requirements of the mandatory items of acoustic performance by the Standard NBR 15575 for airbone sound vertical transmission in a high-end residential building without the traditional solution of filling the block with grout, but rather using a newly launched acoustic block. Through field measurements, the effectiveness of the solution and the accuracy of the simulation were confirmed. Comparisons between the simulated and the on-site measured results showed a difference no bigger than 3 dB. The case study of this project concluded that the use of a recently launched solution, still in its study phase, allowed the achievement of intermediate acoustic performance without the need for grouting the masonry, and therefore, enabling cost and time savings for the project.