Measures to reduce low-frequency noise in houses using sound-absorbing materials

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a heightened awareness of so-called low-frequency sound below about 100 Hz as a social issue. Although the most useful countermeasure for low-frequency sound is considered to be a sound source countermeasure, it is not always easy to implement. In this study, we focused on the so-called “house countermeasures” that can be implemented inside a house where low-frequency sounds enter the room. We experimentally investigated how much sound at 100 Hz could be reduced by installing sound absorbers in a room, using a test building. Prototypes of sound absorbers with three different sound absorption mechanisms were tested. As a result, it was confirmed that the sound pressure level in the room was reduced by several dB to 10 dB for all the absorbers. This paper provides an overview of the experiments and the characteristics of the three types of sound absorbers.