Analysis of the acoustic performance of materials to mitigate noise from building piping

Abstract

The noise generated by water and sewage installations in vertical spaces causes discomfort to the occupants of the environments. The ABNT NBR 15575:2021 standard indicates the acoustic performance of this non-mandatory system. Given the ease of application of expanding foam, the question arises about the use of this material to reduce noise from building pipes. This study compared the acoustic performance between sewage pipes coated with expanding foam and with a commercial polymeric material blanket. The tests were carried out according to the specifications of the ABNT NBR ISO 16032:2020 standard. The acoustic descriptors evaluated were L_ASmax, L_Aeq and L_Zeq as a function of frequency. In relation to uncoated pipes, the results indicated an increase in sound levels with the application of foam and a significant reduction in sound pressure levels with the application of the commercial polymeric material blanket.