Our services are intended for companies and project owners in the context of new or existing buildings:

  • utilities and private individuals
  • companies active in HVAC, lightweight partition construction, floating floor construction, etc.
  • architects
  • real estate operators
  • building managers
  • maintenance companies
  • companies and SMEs in general
  • court-appointed experts

Acoustic measurements and controls can also be carried out as part of BREEAM certification.

What you need to know

Vinçotte (member of Kiwa Group) has extensive experience in building acoustics measurements. Our services include :

  • Acceptance tests in compliance with current international standards;
  • Measurement of noise caused by installations (HVAC, elevators, etc.);
  • Measurement of airborne sound insulation between premises;
  • Measurement of airborne sound insulation of facades;
  • Detection of acoustic leakage using intensimetric measurements;
  • In situ measurement of impact sound transmission through floors;
  • Measurement of room reverberation time;
  • Measurement of vibrations in buildings;
  • Advice on improving existing situations.
  • Airborne sound insulation between rooms, DnT
    Airborne sound insulation between rooms is measured in accordance with ISO 16283-1 and ISO 717-1.
    To do this, a noise source is installed in a source room and switched on to generate a sufficiently diffuse sound field (pink noise) within it. The sound pressure level is then measured in both the transmitting and receiving rooms, using a sound level meter. A measurement of the residual noise level (background noise) existing in the receiving room when the source is switched off is also carried out in order to correct the level measured in the receiving room. The reverberation time in the reception room is also measured using a noise pulse. Finally, using the various measured quantities (pressure levels, background noise and reverberation time), the standardized sound insulation between rooms is calculated.
  • Impact sound transmission, L'nT
    The transmission of impact sound between rooms is measured in accordance with ISO 16283-2 and ISO 717-2.
    For this purpose, the impact machine is placed in several positions, randomly distributed over the floor to be tested. For each position of the impact machine, the sound pressure level is measured in the receiving room using a sound level meter. A measurement of the residual noise level (background noise) existing in the reception area when the source is stationary is also carried out in order to correct the level measured in the reception area. The reverberation time in the reception room is also measured using a noise pulse. Finally, the standardized impact noise level is calculated using the various measured quantities (pressure levels, background noise and reverberation time).
  • Airborne sound insulation of a facade section, D,2m,nT
    Airborne sound insulation of a façade is measured in accordance with ISO 16283-3 and ISO 717-1. Depending on the conditions encountered in situ, either the global method using external traffic noise or the method using a noise source is chosen.
    As a general rule, a noise source is installed outdoors and switched on to generate a sufficient sound field (white noise) outside. The sound pressure level is then measured outside in front of the facade in question and in the reception room, using a sound level meter. A measurement of the residual noise level (background noise) in the reception area when the source is switched off is also carried out to correct the level measured in the reception area. The reverberation time in the reception room is also measured using a noise pulse. Finally, the standardized sound insulation of the façade is calculated on the basis of the various measured quantities (pressure levels, background noise and reverberation time).
  • Noise level of technical equipment LAinstal,nT
    The noise level of technical equipment is measured in accordance with NBN EN ISO 10052.
    To do this, LAeq sound pressure levels are measured in the room in question, for an operation (or operating cycle) representative of the installation in question. The room's reverberation time is also measured using a noise pulse, in order to determine a correction term known as the K reverberation index. Using the various quantities measured (pressure levels and reverberation time), the noise level of the technical equipment in question is calculated.
    This type of measurement requires the presence of an operator who can make the required adjustments to the technical installations under test (forced start-up, shut-down, Min/Max mode, etc.). Vinçotte offers you a high level of technical expertise and experience in the field of building acoustics.
    By carrying out in situ measurements, we can check the acoustic performance of the various building components and detect any acoustic weaknesses and/or leaks, so that we can intervene to solve the problem. We also guarantee complete neutrality and can act as an independent third party in the event of disputes.

Advantages

Thanks to this service, you can determine the acoustic performance of your existing building (apartment block, school building, office building, etc.) and obtain an objective expert report to check whether a building complies with the latest acoustic standards.