Development Classification Scheme for Evaluation Dwellings Sound Insulation Performance in Lithuania

Sound classification scheme opens new enhanced possibilities to ensure noise protection in buildings and included in Lithuanian legislation in force since 2004 as a Building Regulation STR 2:01:07. The classification scheme comprises five acoustic comfort classes. For each sound class are defined airborne and impact sound insulation, reverberation time and environmental noise limit values. Sound classes are applicable for newly designed multi-storey dwellings, double-apartments, blocks of multifamily housing, and some non- residential buildings with noise-sensitive indoor environment. In this article is summarized experience of nine years of application the classification scheme to management acoustic comfort. Acoustic comfort of newly constructed dwellings has significantly improved in recent years through two factors: new demands for sound insulation quality of buildings and enforcement legal requirements through pre- completing control. Good practice lessons as well results of implementation of these requirements for buildings were commenced. Due to development this sound classification scheme, more strict requirements could be voluntary applied to low-rise dwellings by application acoustic classes designed for the high-rise apartment buildings.