Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
Installation noise in solid wall constructions
Acoustics
Testing facility for measuring the noise emitted by plumbing and water installations with solid walls
Our testing facility with solid installation walls can be used to precisely determine the noise generated by plumbing and water installations because a typical residential building is simulated. The testing facility consists of two rooms, one above the other, thus corresponding to a section of a typical residential building with two residential units above one other. Thanks to the way the rooms are arranged – bathroom above bathroom, each with adjoining living room – it is possible to measure the airborne and structure-borne sound generated by installations in one’s own and other people's living areas (requiring noise protection). In conjunction with the attic and basement floors, installations that extend over several floors, such as waste water systems (according to DIN EN 14366-1), drinking water systems or building service equipment, can also be tested.
The double-shell, sound-insulated design of the installation testing facility means that it is particularly suitable for measuring low sound pressure levels. The results obtained can be used to demonstrate compliance with sound insulation requirements specified in various standards (e.g. DIN 4109, VDI 4100, SIA 181, OENORM B 8115). Being an accredited testing laboratory (DAkkS), numerous other services are also available. Within the scope of research and development projects, we can optimize the acoustics of a wide range of installation elements – from pre-wall installations to complex drainage systems. In accordance with DIN EN 12354, our researchers can collect input values for prognosis calculations to evaluate and improve the acoustic properties of your installations.
Put your trust in our expertise to minimize noise and optimize the sound design of your sanitary and water installations in solid wall constructions. Contact us for comprehensive support. We will be happy to help you fulfill the acoustic requirements of your products and installations.
| Measurement | Noise of water installations and sanitary equipment |
| Standards | DIN EN ISO 10052 DIN EN 14366 DIN 4109 SIA 181 VDI 4100 OENORM B 8115 |
| Measurement object | Water installations, waste water systems, shower systems, bath tubs, all types of front-wall installations, pipe insulations, pipe clamps, etc. |
Technical data
| Floor areas | 5.00 × 3.45 m (installation room) 5.00 × 4.62 m and 5.00 × 3.45 m |
| Room volumes | 70.4 m³ and 52.6 m³ (receiving room) |
| Entrance door (H × W) | 2.05 × 2.00 m (installation room) |
| Thickness of separating floor | 190 mm (reinforced concrete) |
| Installation wall (interchangeable) | 5.00 m x 3.05 m (solid wall 220 kg/m², 11.5 cm KSV plastered on both sides) |
Special feature
| Controllable water supply (water pressure and flow rate) | In all rooms (stacked bathrooms) |
More information
- The installation testing facility consists of four rooms - two rooms on the ground floor and two rooms in the basement. They are separated by a single-layer solid wall with a mass per unit area of 220 kg/m2 (according to DIN 4109).
- The results obtained can be used to demonstrate compliance with sound insulation requirements specified in various standards (e.g. DIN 4109, VDI 4100, SIA 181, OENORM B 8115, etc.).
- Due to the design and room layout of the testing facility, the measured values can also be classified into the noise sensitivity levels according to SIA 181 (Swiss standard).
- Evaluating waste water systems according to DIN EN 14366-1.