Acoustics quiz

Please answer the following 10 multiple choice questions, then click 'submit' to check the result. The pass mark for a CPD certificate is 8 out of 10, and you may retake the quiz as many times as you wish, but the questions will vary! Please note that one, two, three or all of the possible answers presented for each question may be right, and to gain a mark for that question all correct answers must be identified.

Good luck

Acoustics

In England and Wales the airborne sound requirement for a separating wall between purpose built dwellings is ...?

DnT,w + Ctr ≥ 40 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≤ 45 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≥ 45 dB
DnT,w + Ctr ≤ 40 dB

For demonstrating compliance with the acoustic regulations which of these statements is correct?

Robust Details must be used for construction of new dwellings
Dwellings must either be constructed using Robust Details or on-site acoustic testing must be carried out
A qualified acoustic engineer must assess the details used for constructing dwellings
All dwellings must undergo on-site acoustic testing

For walls within the same dwelling (internal walls) which of these statements is true?

Internal walls must be at least 150 mm thick
Two layers of plasterboard must be used on both sides of an internal wall
For internal walls it is not necessary to demonstrate compliance with regulations by PCT or using Robust Details
Specially designed 'acoustic' studs must be used for internal wall construction

Loudness of sound is measured in what units?

Hertz (Hz)
Joules (J)
Decibels (dB)
Watts (W)

Which of the following statements are true for acoustic design of schools?

The main reference for acoustic design of schools is Building Bulletin 93
External wall sound insulation is important for schools so that occupants of neighbouring buildings are not disturbed by noise of children
Reverberation and transmission of speech characteristics are important for schools
Sound insulation in schools is not mentioned in Building Regulations

Impact sound insulation is generally important for what?

Floors only
Walls only
Floors and walls
Neither walls nor floors

For integration of elements which of these statements are correct?

It is necessary to consider the detailing for integration of elements to maintain acoustic performance
Only structural elements such as beams and columns are significant to sound insulation
Domestic scale pipes and electric cables are insignificant to sound insulation
Pipes and cables cannot be included in a domestic separating wall

In England and Wales the impact sound requirement for a separating floor between purpose built dwellings is ...?

L'nT,w < 52 dB
L'nT,w > 62 dB
L'nT,w > 52 dB
L'nT,w < 62 dB

Which of the following design approaches should be applied for good acoustic performance?

Concentrate on reducing direct sound transmission rather than flanking sound transmission
Focus on reducing flanking sound as well as direct sound transmission
Apply the combined principles of mass, isolation and sealing
Concentrate on maximising mass to improve sound insulation

Application of the mass law shows that ...?

2 times the mass gives approximately 10 dB increase in sound insulation
3 times the mass gives approximately 5 dB increase in sound insulation
2 times the mass gives approximately 5 dB increase in sound insulation
3 times the mass gives approximately 12 dB increase in sound insulation