Levels and sources of neighbour noise in heavyweight residential buildings in Korea

- Majority of the sites exceeded the WHO threshold LFAmax during the night.
- Floor impact noise (e.g., human footsteps) was the dominant noise from neighbours.
- LFAmax of jumping and dropped items were greater than other floor impact sources.
- Slab thickness and types of noise sources had little effect on indoor noise levels.

Indoor noise level is a significant factor for occupants' health, comfort, and psychological well-being in residential buildings; hence the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends guidelines for residential buildings based on the 24-h sound levels. However, only few studies have examined 24-h noise levels and sources from neighbours. Consequently, 24-h noise measurement is necessary for understanding noise level and acoustic comfort in homes. Field measurements were performed in 26 residential apartments in Korea to investigate levels and types of noise from neighbours. Noise recordings were carried out at each residence in unoccupied conditions. The recordings were analysed at 1 min intervals in terms of the A-weighted equivalent (LAeq) and maximum sound pressure levels (LAFmax) for three different time periods during the day. It was found that 20 apartments met the recommended WHO guidelines during the daytime (07:00-23:00). However, at night (23:00-07:00), eight apartments were in excess of the WHO guideline value in terms of LAeq while LAFmax exceeded the WHO limit level in 22 apartments during the night. Human footsteps, movement of furniture, and dropping of small items were found to be major sources accounting for approximately 80% of all the noise events. LAFmax of children's jumping and dropping small items were greater than others. Adults' walking showed larger variation of noise levels than other sources. Moreover, it was found that indoor noise levels were not affected by slab thickness and major noise sources.