Standardized laboratory measurements (accredited testing facility)

Measurement of airborne sound insulation in the window test bench
© Fraunhofer IBP
Measurement of airborne sound insulation in the window test bench

With over 20 special rooms and laboratories, the wide range of building acoustic measurements are optimally covered

The spectrum of building acoustics measurements ranges from determining the sound insulation properties of building components and systems right up to measuring noise from sanitary facilities and building service equipment. Our services cover almost all standardized measurement methods in the field of building acoustics and sound immission protection. More than 20 purpose-built test rooms and laboratories are available at Fraunhofer IBP for this purpose.

Building acoustics measurements in the laboratory

Within the scope of building acoustics measurements in our laboratories, we offer various services such as measuring airborne/impact sound insulation and rain noise from roof windows and skylights (DIN EN ISO 10140). We also measure the flanking transmission of airborne and impact sound between adjoining rooms (DIN EN ISO 10848), assess the airborne sound insulation properties of exterior building components in our façade testing facility (DIN EN ISO 16283-3), and carry out tests to characterize the acoustic properties of isolating elements for solid staircases (DIN 7396). In addition, we determine sound absorption coefficients and the equivalent sound absorption area in our reverberation room, and also perform sound power measurements according to the enveloping surface, reverberation room and sound intensity methods.

  • DIN EN ISO 10140: Measurement of the airborne or impact sound insulation of building components
  • DIN EN ISO 10140: Measurement of rain noise from roof windows and skylights
  • DIN EN ISO 10848: Measurement of the flanking transmission of airborne and impact sound between adjoining rooms
  • DIN EN ISO 16283-3: Airborne sound insulation of external building components in the façade test facility
  • DIN 7396: Test methods for the acoustic marking of isolating elements for solid staircases
  • DIN EN ISO 354 und DIN EN ISO 11654: Sound absorption coefficient and equivalent sound absorption area in the reverberation room
  • DIN EN ISO 3741, DIN EN ISO 3745, DIN 45635, ISO 9614, etc.: Determination of the sound power level using the enveloping surface method, the reverberation room, and the sound intensity method.
  • Further measurements on request.

Acoustic properties of building materials

To evaluate the acoustic properties of building materials, among others we measure dynamic stiffness (DIN EN 29052), length-related air flow resistance (DIN EN 29053), and dynamic-mechanical properties (DIN EN ISO 6721). Further customized measurements are available on request.

  • DIN EN 29052: Dynamic stiffness
  • DIN EN 29053: Length-related air flow resistance
  • DIN EN ISO 6721: Dynamic-mechanical properties
  • Further measurements on request.

Noise from sanitary installations and building service equipment

When it comes to noise caused by sanitary installations and building service equipment, we examine the noise caused by water supply valves (DIN EN ISO 3822), sewage noise (DIN EN 14366), and the sound levels of sanitary facilities installed in prototype test facilities (DIN EN ISO 10052 and others). We also measure level differences between airborne and impact sound (DIN 52210-6),  structure-borne noise from building service equipment (DIN EN 15657), as well as sound levels due to service equipment in buildings (DIN EN 12354-5).

  • DIN EN ISO 3822: Water supply valves
  • DIN EN 14366: Noise of wastewater systems
  • DIN EN ISO 10052, SIA 181, etc.: installation sound levels of sanitary facilities installed in prototype test facilities
  • DIN 52210-6: Measurement of the shaft level difference
  • DIN EN 15657: Measurement of the structure-borne noise of building service equipment
  • DIN EN 12354-5: Calculation of the installation noise in buildings
  • Further measurements on request.

Sound immission protection

As part of sound immission control, we examine noise barriers in the laboratory and in situ (DIN EN 1793-1 to -6 et al.), and test for noise immission (acc. to “TA Lärm”) and vibration protection (DIN 4150).

  • DIN EN 1793-1 bis 6, ZTV-Lsw 06, DB-Ril. 804.5501, etc.: Noise barriers in the laboratory and in situ
  • "TA-Lärm”: Sound immission protection
  • DIN 4150: Vibration control
  • Further measurements on request.

Acoustical measurements in buildings

We are also experts in measuring acoustics in buildings, where we assess the airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms (DIN EN ISO 16283-1 and -2), the airborne sound insulation of façades (DIN EN ISO 16283-3 et al.), reverberation times (DIN EN ISO 3382), the sound level of installed sanitary facilities, and airborne noise levels due to building service equipment (DIN EN ISO 10052 / DIN 4109).

  • DIN EN ISO 16283-1 Airborne sound insulation between rooms
  • DIN EN ISO 16283-2 Impact sound insulation between rooms
  • DIN EN ISO 16283-3, DIN EN ISO 15186 Airborne sound insulation of façades
  • DIN EN ISO 3382 Reverberation time
  • DIN EN ISO 10052 / DIN 4109
    Sound level of installed sanitary facilities, and airborne sound levels of building service equipment
  • Further measurements on request.

Since building acoustics measurements often require component and system tests recognized by building law or suitability and quality tests in accordance with DIN 4109, we offer all of the above and numerous other tests in our independent, accredited test laboratory.

New testing methods

  • DIN 7396:2016-06 - Tests in building acoustics - Test methods for the acoustical characterization of isolating elements for heavy stairs
  • Installation sound level of sanitary facilities in test facilities for prototype constructions, tested in conjunction with dry construction installation walls and sanitary equipment on wooden beam ceilings.