INSUL is a
program for predicting the sound insulation of walls, floors, ceilings and windows. It is
based on simple theoretical models that only require easily obtainable construction
information. The program can makereasonableestimatesofthe Transmission Loss (TL) and Weighted Sound Reduction
Index (STC) for use in noise transfer calculations.
Test data can be entered to permit easy comparison
with predictions. INSUL takes account of finite size effects,
which are very important when predicting small samples such as windows and also for normal
elements at low frequencies.
Like any prediction tool INSUL is not a
substitute for measurement.However,
comparisons with test data indicate that INSUL reliably
predicts STC values to within 3dB for most constructions.
Screen Display: Staggered Wall Construction
Screen Display: Ceiling Construction
INSUL can be used to quickly evaluate new materials and systems, or
to investigate the effects of changes to existing designs.It models materials using the simple mass law and coincidence frequency approach
and models more complex partitions using work by Sharp, Cremer and others.It can predict the effect of installing an
acoustic blanket in the stud cavity.It has
evolved over several versions into a very easy to use tool that takes advantage of the
Windows™ environment, and has been refined by continued comparison with laboratory
tests to provide acceptable accuracy for a wide range of constructions.
INSUL will
greatly enhance the ability of acoustic consultants and product manufacturers to quickly
and confidently specify constructions in order to achieve a desired airborne sound
insulation
Leakage Calculation
Composite Transmission Loss Calculation
Insul includes the ability to predict the effect of leakage. This is
especially useful for predicting the sound insulation of doors and windows
which are notoriously difficult to seal perfectly. Insul uses the theory
published by Gomperts (The Sound Transmission of Circular and Slit Shaped
Apertures in Walls (Gomperts and Kihlman 1967 Acustica Vol 18)) to firstly
predict the transmission loss of thin slits and then the combined
transmission loss of the slit and the partition.
A composite transmission
loss calculator allows to compute the total Transmission Loss for a
composite Wall Assembly. This software feature can either use INSUL
data or the user can enter own data. The calculation works with either 1/3
or 1/1 Octave data.
Prediction of Rain Noise
Calculation from Outdoor
to Indoor Transmission
INSUL predicts rain noise according to ISO 140-18.
Features:
• Prediction for light weight & heavy roof construction
• ISO 140-18 simulated rain or natural rainfall
• Predictions for corrugated and ribbed roof panels
• Predictions for single roof panels or roof panels with
a ceiling beneath
• Predictions of sound pressure level, sound intensity
level and sound power level, with results given in
third octave bands, octave bands, dBA, NC & PNC
INSUL calculates the noise
level inside a room due to outdoor noise.
Calculations are based on EN 12354/3. The prediction accounts for the sound
transmission loss (STL) of the building façade, the size of the room and its
acoustical characteristics. Up to five different elements (e.g door, wall,
window, roof, floor) can be included. STL data can come from INSUL or be
manually entered from other data.
Several standard outdoor noise spectra are available (e.g. traffic noise,
aircraft noise, entertainment noise, voice). INSUL can be used to design the
optimum façade element to match the design requirements.
