In-situ investigation of the acoustical performance in collective social dwellings

With the lack of mandatory requirements to be observed by construction and building actors, acoustic performance becomes critical when considering overall comfort conditions in collective multistory dwellings alongside other factors such as those related to social and health conditions. However, despite the increasing number of complaints resulting from noise-related conflicts with neighbours, a very limited number of studies have been devoted to evaluating the acoustic performance of social housing. Hence, the aim of this study to assess objectively, through in-situ standardized measurements, the acoustical comfort within a sample of tunnel formwork multistory housing projects in Algeria. Given the lack of local national guidelines in this respect, a review of regulations implemented worldwide has been made to specify the most suitable descriptors for the case at hand. The acoustical performance considered in the present study concerns airborne, impact and façades sound insulation as well as those ratings used in acoustical housing classification schemes. Comparison of the results obtained to recommendations set by regulations, in countries with a long experience in the field, show that such type of housing can offer only poor to very moderate acoustics comfort to their tenant. This study enhances the urgency to develop a local mandatory regulation code setting clear acoustics requirements for coming housing projects for ensuring a minimum quality of the indoor acoustical environment for occupants and for avoiding undesirable noise-related disputes between neighbours.