An Experimental Research on Sound Insulation with different materials

Submitted by:

Group 1

Rafols, Trave

Rubite, Royce Vinzon

Villasor, Aliana

Seraspe, Kenneth Seth

Alonsagay, Trisha Mae

Magallanes, Daniel

Samillano, Edgar

Geminiano, Harrah

Submitted to:

Prof. Matacubo, Richard T.

ABSTRACT

This research paper shows the result of comparing and measuring the
sound level of sound playing from the inside of the box using a standardized
decibel reader from the outside of the box and also from the inside of the
box. To determine which materials significantly minimize the sound when
enclosed in a box, researchers tested a variety of materials, mainly: Vinyl
Tiles, Laminating Sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum Board, and Plywood. The
findings of this research indicated that each material has a distinct level of
sound insulation and shows different results of which material can absorb
and reflect sound most effectively compared to other materials.

INTRODUCTION

People are exposed to a range of noises on a daily basis that may be

harmful. Noise-related side effects might include hearing impairment,
disturbed sleep, stress, and elevated blood pressure. People should be aware
that sound and noise can negatively affect health and welfare if they are not
adequately prepared for the buildings, that’s why soundproofing materials
are encouraged to be applied in built environment. In order to determine
how well these materials, perform in various applications, examination and
comparison are required.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to find out if Vinyl Tiles, PVC sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum
Board, and Plywood could possibly minimize the sound when enclosed in a
box.

Specifically, this study will seek answers to the following questions:

1. Are Vinyl Tiles, PVC sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum Board, and Plywood
at various concentrations effectively minimizing the sound when enclosed in
a box?
Hypothesis of the Study

The following hypotheses will be put forward:

1. Vinyl Tiles, PVC sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum Board, and Plywood at

various concentrations effectively minimizes the sound when enclosed in a
box.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focused only on soundproofing materials specifically Vinyl

Tiles, PVC sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum Board, and Plywood. The study will be
conducted at the 4th Floor of the Architecture Building of the University of
Antique, Sibalom, Antique.

The variables evaluated were sound intensity and sound insulation.

The experiment will be using two (2) treatments.

The obtained data from the study will be subjected to the

following descriptive and inferential statistical treatments. The statistical
tools used in this study will be: mean – to determine the average scores of
the results of the set–up treatments.

Methodology

Research design

This experimental study will be conducted using five different

materials, the different concentrations of sound intensity, and the negative
control room sound intensity.

Materials

Vinyl Tiles, PVC Sheets, Styrofoam, Vellum Board, and Plywood.

Data gathering procedure.

The possible results of the study were measured based on the

performance of each treatment by using the following criteria: (a) sound
intensity and (b) sound insulation.
Data analysis procedure

The obtained data from the study will be subjected to the following
descriptive and inferential statistical treatments. The statistical tools used in
this study will be: mean – to determine the average scores of the results of
the set–up treatments.

Data and results

Table 1.

Materials Treatment A Treatment B Significant

difference
(Sound intensity (Sound intensity
average inside average outside
the box sound, the box sound,
outside the box inside the box
tester) tester)
Styrofoam 49.19 dB 50.41 dB 0.51 dB
Vellum Board 50.37 dB 51.04 dB 0.67 dB
Plywood 41. 49 dB 52.45 dB 10.96 dB
Vinyl Tiles 40.44 dB 46.97 dB 6.53 dB
PVC sheets 46.55 dB 55.72 dB 9.17 dB
Table 2.

Materials Sound intensity of Room sound Sound Insulation

both treatments intensity

Styrofoam 99.6 dB 60.35 dB 39.25 dB

Vellum Board 101.41 dB 60.35 dB 41.06 dB
Plywood 93.94 dB 60.35 dB 33.59 dB
Vinyl Tiles 87.41 dB 60.35 dB 27.06 dB
PVC sheets 102. 27 dB 60.35 dB 41. 92 dB

Results and Interpretations

Table 1 & 2 shows the data collected from two (2) different treatments.

The Table 1 shows the average sound intensity of two (2) treatments
and their significant difference. The Styrofoam has 49.19 and 50.41 decibels
while the vellum board has 50.37 and 51.04 decibels after two treatments.
On the other hand, plywood has 41.49 and 52. 45 decibels and Vinyl tiles
have 40.44 and 46.97 decibels, respectively. Lastly, PVC sheet have 46.55
and 55.72 decibels.

Among the given materials, Plywood has the highest difference having
a 10.96 deci. difference after two treatments and the lowest was the
Styrofoam having a 0.51 deci. difference after two treatments.

The table 2 shows the sound insulation of the given materials. The
sound intensity of the given materials was reduced to the room sound
intensity which is 60.35 decibels. The Styrofoam has 99.6 deci. and 39.25
deci. sound insulation. Vellum Board has 101.41 deci. and 41.06 deci.
sound insulation. Plywood has 93.94 deci. and a sound insulation of 33.59
deci. sound insulation. While Vinyl Tiles has 87.41deci. and 27.06 deci.
sound insulation and PVC sheets have 102. 27 deci. and 41. 92 deci. sound
insulation.
 When it comes to sound insulation, different materials have different
levels of effectiveness. Out of the materials used, here's how they compare:

Styrofoam: Styrofoam is a type of foam insulation that can be effective at

reducing sound transmission. It has a high sound absorption coefficient,
which means it can absorb a lot of sound energy. However, it may not be as
effective as some other materials.

Vinyl Tiles: Vinyl tiles are generally not very effective at sound insulation.
They can help to deaden some sound, but they won't block out much noise
from outside.

PVC Sheets: PVC sheets are similar to vinyl tiles in terms of their sound
insulation properties. They can help to deaden sound, but they won't
provide much in the way of soundproofing.

Vellum Board: Vellum board is a type of paperboard that is not specifically

designed for sound insulation. While it may be able to absorb some sound, it
is unlikely to be effective at blocking out external noise.

Plywood: Plywood is a popular building material that can be effective at

sound insulation. It has a high mass, which means it can help to block out
sound. However, the level of sound insulation will depend on the thickness
of the plywood and how it is installed.

Conclusion:

In summary, if you are looking for the best sound insulation,

Styrofoam and plywood are likely to be the most effective materials out of
those you mentioned. However, there are many other materials that can be
used for sound insulation, depending on the specific needs of your project.

Therefore, the use of materials like vellum board, Styrofoam, and PVC
sheet in an enclosed room that requires a high-intensity sound or with the
purpose of making the sound more audible is a good choice compare to
materials like vinyl tile, and plywood.
 While using materials like vinyl tiles, plywood, and Styrofoam in
designing rooms with the purpose of shutting out the outside noise is much
better than using a vellum board or a PVC sheet. All in all, the choice of
material depends on what a specific room needs or where it should be used.