What is the influence of a HEA column on the sound insulation of acoustic sandwich panels?

For an industrial hall with high acoustic requirements like a Rw value of above 50 dB the choice of an acoustic sandwich panel is a technically and economically best. Also, for acoustic enclosures in the oil or gas industry a higher sound insulation could be demanded. 

Metecno measured for over 50 constructions the Rw values in a laboratory. Yet how does the steel construction on which the panels are mounted influence the acoustic performance? To find this, we made some measurements in the laboratory with and without added construction. 

For a system with two acoustic sandwich panels (in this case the Hipertec Wall Sound 120 mm) placed on an air cavity of 280 mm we made measurements with and without a steel HEA280 beam in the cavity (see picture). 

The construction without the steel HEA280 beam gives an Rw value of 56 dB (figure 1) and the construction with the HEA280 beam gives a Rw value of 54 dB (figure 2). A reduction of 2dB. 

Acoustic sandwich panels are mounted normally around each 4000 mm on a steel construction. It seems realistic that you consider a 2 dB lower value for the sound insulation in practice. Off course doors, wall floor junctions have also an influence on the final sound insulation.

If you need more information or would like to receive our acoustic support or reports, please contact us at sound@metecno.de