1. Laboratory testing of different window design cases for noise transmission
M A Maraqa, Y S Hawas, Md D Alam, J El Zarif and K N Aljunadi
2017 International Joint Conference on Civil and Mechanical Engineering
Hong Kong, Dec , 2018

2. Introduction
Noise is a global issue, which requires precautionary action in any environmental planning situation.
There is a need for a good acoustic environment that keeps the noise at levels of occupant comfort and well-being.
Windows are the most crucial part when it comes to sound transmission into buildings.
In general, the acoustic performance of a window is determined by its complete assembly.

3. Motivation and Objective
There is no clear guidelines on window design and its specifications for noise in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The study intends to fill this gap by developing specifications for window design to control outdoor noise in the city.
Developed specifications could then be incorporated in the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC).
Objective
To investigate the effect of window design and window material on noise reduction.

4. Approach Review literature to identify factors
Select factors based on practicality
Identify cases for testing that cover selected factors
Fabricate window cases
Install cases in the laboratory and test for noise transmission
Report results in terms of STC and compare among cases

5. Methodology Tested Cases Case Glazing Frame style Opening style
Frame type 1
1.8x1.8
Single 6mm HU
Hinge LA 2
Sliding 3
Single 8mm BU MA 4
Single laminated 5
Single 12mm 6
Double 6mm-12mm-6mm 7
Double 6mm-12mm-12mm CW HA 8
Double 6mm-20mm-6mm 9
Double 12mm-12mm-12mm 10
uPVC 11
Single 6mm (wood shutter) 12
Single 6mm (aluminum shutter) 13 14
Double 6mm-12mm-6mm (wood shutter) 15
Double 6mm-12mm-6mm (aluminum shutter) 16
2.4x1.8 17
1.2x1.8 18
Single 6mm (tempered) 19 20 21

6. Methodology
ASTM E90-09, Standard test method for laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions and elements.
ASTM E413-10, Classification for rating sound insulation.
ASTM C423-09a, Standard test method for sound absorption and sound absorption coefficients by the reverberation room method.

7. Methodology Test Rooms Points S1-S4 are loudspeaker positions
Points M1-M4 are locations of rotating microphone.

8. Methodology

9. Results
Reproducibility

10. Results
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
case 1

11. Results Case Glazing Frame style Opening style Frame type STC, dB 1
Single 6mm HU
Hinge LA 29 2
Sliding 23 3
Single 8mm BU MA 21 4
Single laminated 24 5
Single 12mm 20 6
Double 7
Double CW HA 25 8
Double 9
Double 26 10
uPVC 31 11
Single 6mm (wood shutter) 32 12
Single 6mm (aluminum shutter) 34 13 14
Double (wood shutter) 15
Double (aluminum shutter) 16 17 18
Single 6mm (tempered) 19

12. Results Effects of Glass Thickness Case Glazing Frame style
Opening style
STC, dB 2
Single 6mm HU
Sliding 23 20
Single 8mm 21
Single 12mm
No improvement in the STC value with increasing glass thickness from 6 to 12 mm.

13. Results Effects of Lamination Case Glazing Frame style Opening style
STC, dB 4
Single laminated HU
Sliding 24 21
Single 12mm 23
Only 1 dB increase in the STC value using a laminated layer of 0.76 mm.

14. Results Effects of Glazing and Air Gap Case Glazing Frame style
Opening style
STC, dB 5
Single 12mm BU
Sliding 20 6
Double 6mm-12mm-6mm 7
Double CW
Hinge 25 8
Double 29
Single and double glazed windows with similar glass thickness result in the same STC value for a small air gap of 12 mm.
An increase in the air gap from 12 to 20 mm between glass panes results in a 4-dB increase in STC.

15. Results Effects of Frame Material Case Glazing Frame style
Opening style
Frame type
STC, dB 1
Single 6mm HU
Hinge LA 29 10
uPVC 31
Compared to aluminum frames, a 2-dB increase in the STC value could be obtained using uPVC frames.

16. Results Effects of Frame Style Case Glazing Frame style Opening style
STC, dB 3
Single 8mm BU
Sliding 21 20 HU 23
Compared to box umbrella frames, half umbrella frames result in 2-3 dB increase in the STC value.
Compared to curtain wall frames, half umbrella frames with hinge result in 4 dB increase in the STC value.

17. Results Effects of Shutters Case Glazing Frame style Opening style
STC, dB 2
Single 6mm HU
Sliding 23 11
Single 6mm (wood shutter) 32 12
Single 6mm (aluminum shutter) 34
Wood and aluminum shutters when completely closed result in an increase of 9-11 dB in the STC value compared to similar windows without shutters.

18. Results Effects of Window Area Case L (m) H (m) Glazing Frame style
Opening style
STC, dB 2
1.8
Single 6mm HU
Sliding 23 16
2.4 17
1.2
Changes in window area do not change the STC value.

19. Results Effects of Window Opening Style Case Glazing Frame style
STC, dB 1
Single 6mm HU
Hinge 29 2
Sliding 23
Hinge windows result in about 6 dB increase in the STC value compared to sliding windows.

20. Results Effects of Glass Type Case Glazing Frame style Opening style
STC, dB 1
Single 6mm HU
Hinge 29 18
Single 6mm (tempered)
No effect on STC between tempered and float glass.

21. Conclusion
Glass thicker than 6 mm does not show any improvement in sound insulation.
Laminated glass with 0.76 mm PVB layer does not cause a significant improvement in sound insulation.
Double glazed windows with air gap of 12 mm or less does not cause any tangible effect on sound transmission.
Air gap of 20 mm in double glazed windows causes a moderate improvement in the STC value.
PVC frames results in a slight improvement over aluminum frames.
Box umbrella and curtain wall frames result in lower STC values compared to those of half umbrella frames.
Shutters result in a significant improvement in sound insulation when completely closed.
Hinge, not sliding, windows cause a good improvement in sound insulation.
Use of tempered glass did not cause any effect as compared to float glass.

22. Acknowledgement
This study was undertaken as part of a scientific collaboration between ADM and the Roadway Transportation and Traffic Safety Research Center (RTTSRC) at the UAE University. Funding was provided by ADM

23. Thank you