STRUCTURAL THERMAL INSULATING FOAM CONCRETE PROPERTIES FOR FOUNDATION INSULATION

Abstract

This research aims to study foam concrete density and its correlation with the material thickness, analyzing its impact on the airborne sound reduction index. Several investigations have proven that, in comparison to traditional heavy concrete, the use of lightweight concrete with a density between 900 and 1100 kg/m3 is the most efficient way to soundproof. The study reveals that effective noise protection can be achieved with an 8 cm thickness of the inner partition between rooms in all categories of houses. The research reports that a 10 cm partition thickness is sufficient to attain the required sound reduction index between the bathroom and a room within a single apartment. Additionally, it was found that the required level of soundproofing for walls and partitions between apartments, rooms of apartments, stairwells, halls, corridors, and vestibules varies according to the categories of houses. Specifically, C-category (satisfactory soundproofing) houses require a 12 cm wall thickness, B-category (moderate soundproofing) houses necessitate 14 cm, and A-category (advanced soundproofing) houses demand 16 cm for optimal sound reduction.