Testing | Checking | Measuring

Building physics testing

Fraunhofer IBP is focused on research, development and testing in all fields of building physics. Based on the competence of more than 350 scientists, engineers and technicians numerous outstanding testing resources and measuring instruments are available. Knowledge, experience and creativity can be offered as the keys to innovative products and sustainable quality of buildings. 

We carry out complex building physics studies at our efficient and  well-equipped laboratories and test centers and at our outdoor testing site in Holzkirchen, which to the best of our knowledge is the largest facility of its kind. Modern laboratory measuring techniques and computational methods help researchers develop and optimize building products for practical applications. We also carry out experiments in environmental test chambers, simulation facilities and existing buildings to assess components and overall systems for new buildings and renovation projects based on the principles of building physics.

Fraunhofer IBP has been approved by the German building inspection authorities as a testing, monitoring and certification center for building materials and buildng techniques in Germany and the rest of Europe. Five of the institute's test laboratories have been granted flexible accreditation by the German accreditation body Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. This entitles them to develop new test methods and to modify existing methods.

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  • Ansicht einer Natursteinmauer
    © Ralf Gosch / Shutterstock

    The P2 wall test stand at Fraunhofer IBP is specifically designed to determine the sound insulation of wall constructions in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-2. Equipped with two surrounding joints to effectively suppress flanking transmissions, it enables reliable testing of highly sound-insulating building components, such as cinema partition walls or installation walls. The test stand allows wall constructions to be mounted up to the bare ceiling or below a lintel with integrated Halfen channels. Its large test opening and drivable equipment provide maximum flexibility for analyzing solid and lightweight walls, mobile partition walls, and facade elements. A standout feature of the P2 test stand is its ability to precisely evaluate sound insulation at low frequencies – a crucial factor for achieving acoustic excellence.

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  • Türenprüfstand am Fraunhofer IBP
    © Door test laboratory at the Fraunhofer IBP

    Measurements in the door test laboratory at Fraunhofer IBP.

    At the Fraunhofer IBP door test facility, the airborne sound insulation of doors, door leaves, and panels is measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-1 to 5. Two soundproof reverberation chambers, separated by a highly sound-insulating wall with a standardized test opening, enable the evaluation of acoustic properties. The use of cladding effectively suppresses flanking transmission within the rooms. The test facility also offers flexibility for testing a wide range of components, including partition wall sections and additional cladding. With the help of state-of-the-art measurement technology, reliable and standard-compliant data for acoustic optimization can be generated.

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  • In addition to windows, we use our window testing facility to test the acoustics of glazing, façade or wall sections, roller shutter boxes, panels, ventilation elements, joint seals and small-size components. The tests are carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-5 with a clear opening of 1.25 m x 1.5 mm (test area: 1.875 m²). For components with smaller dimensions, the test opening can be adapted accordingly with the aid of a multi-shell, highly sound-insulating construction. A crane is available in the testing facility for installing and removing heavy components.

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  • Messungen am Fassadenprüfstand
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    The facade test facility P1 at Fraunhofer IBP meets the requirements of DIN EN ISO 10140-5:2021. The test stand is vibration-isolated, with a surrounding joint effectively suppressing flanking transmission between the source and receiving rooms. Its versatile test opening allows for the measurement of facade elements, windows and sliding doors, as well as complex mock-up facades with installations. Cutting-edge state-of-the-art measurement technology ensures precise assessment of sound insulation under realistic conditions, including dodecahedron loudspeakers in the test rooms and circularly moving microphones in the receiving room. The test stand is designed to accommodate even large facade elements, which can be delivered and installed using a truck-mounted crane. This makes it ideal for innovative development projects and quality assurance of a wide range of building components.

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  • Dynamic stiffness

    Acoustics

    Dynamische Steifigkeit
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Dynamic stiffness is a key indicator of the effectiveness of sound insulation underlays and of the reduction of impact sound in flooring systems. To determine this property precisely, our experts carry out measurements in accordance with the DIN EN 29052-1 standard. This test method determines the resonant frequency of the vertical fundamental vibration of a system consisting of the insulating material to be tested and a panel placed on top of it, which is excited by sinusoidal signals.

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  • Schalldämmung im Wandprüfstand
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    The P6 wall test stand at Fraunhofer IBP provides the ideal platform for determining the sound insulation of a wide range of wall constructions, including glass partitions, noise barriers and mobile walls. Measurements are carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-2, using cladding shells that reliably suppress flanking transmission. The flexible test opening and integrated Halfen channels enable quick assembly and easy adaptation to specific requirements. Whether for cinemas, offices, or other applications, the test stand delivers results that enable profound acoustic optimization. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and accessible infrastructure, the P6 test stand is designed for complex projects and innovative construction solutions.

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  • Solid wood ceiling in ceiling test facility
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Solid wood ceiling with solid wood raised floor in ceiling test facility. View of reception room

    The ceiling test stand at Fraunhofer IBP is specifically designed to measure airborne and impact sound insulation, as well as the impact sound reduction of timber structures such as timber beam ceilings, solid wood ceilings, and lightweight ceilings. With two adjacent reverberation rooms, separated by a variable ceiling support, the test stand enables analysis according to DIN EN ISO 10140. Flanking transmissions are minimized by additional linings, while standardized tapping machines and alternative impact sound sources, such as fitness weights or Japanese rubber balls, are used for measurements. The test stand is ideal for use in residential buildings, for industrial roofs, and innovative construction projects. In addition to low-frequency impact sound, walking noise and structure-borne sound can also be analyzed to ensure comprehensive acoustic optimization.

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  • © Fraunhofer IBP

    Laser scanning vibrometry enables non-contact vibration analysis for a wide variety of objects. Using a customizable measurement grid and automatic scanning, the system captures detailed vibration data, making vibration patterns visible and rendering them as videos. With a frequency range of up to 40 kHz and a broad measurement spectrum, the technique meets even the most complex requirements. It is suitable for analyzing machines, devices, tools, and components, accomodating both structure-borne and airborne sound excitations. With the ability to export data for modal analysis or simulation into external programs makes laser scanning vibrometry a flexible and powerful solution for optimizing vibration behavior and noise emissions.

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  • The PK combined test stand at Fraunhofer IBP is specifically designed to determine the sound insulation performance of room-height components such as doors, windows, window facades, and large-scale partition walls. The test stand meets the requirements of the standard DIN EN ISO 10140-5:2021. Spatial and temporal averaging of sound pressure levels is achieved by means of a pneumatically moved dodecahedron loudspeaker and rotating microphones, enabling highly precise measurements under realistic conditions. To suppress flanking transmissions, a circumferential joint separates the source and receiving rooms. The combined test bench is not only suitable for conventional building components, but also for specialized applications in automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.

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  • Twin houses

    Energy Efficiency and Indoor Climate

    Twin houses in Holzkirchen
    © Fraunhofer IBP

    Twin houses at Fraunhofer IBP Holzkirchen.

    In order to study and further develop innovative supply concepts for residential buildings, heating systems (with/without solar thermal or photovoltaic panels), their storage units, ventilation systems and control concepts under realistic conditions prior to practical use, Fraunhofer IBP has twin houses on its field test site.

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