Hi Evert Ph.J.De Ruiter, firstly i would like thank you for your suggestion. I agree with your point that sound reduction of facade is one of key factor here. Many studies have proved that noise is transmitted from outside to inside building mainly through the its window systems so can the double skin facade be the best option for building which locating nearby the airport? If yes, so what advantages and disadvantages maybe appear? I would like to hear any thoughts from everyone who has interest in noise problem and human wellbeing. Thank you!
Hi, Hazel. Before jumping to the double skin facade as a solution, let's take a look at the parts and functions of facade and roof.
Ventilation. Natural ventilation cannot be controlled very well, in particular if minimal sound transmission is required. Mechanical ventilation (fans and ducts, balanced) can meet almost all demands.
Outlook and daylight. Here a double window with a large airgap (say 200 mm) may be necessary to reach high sound reduction values.
The sound reduction of the opaque parts of a concrete/brickwork facade is usually sufficient. The same goes for a concrete roof.
A double skin of lightweight constructions is an alternative for the items 2 & 3. But it requires much more engineering in basic setup, and details of connections etc.
Hello Evert Ph.J.De Ruiter, thank very much for your answer! i will definitely take it on consideration. Though, i would like to know if there are any particular requirements in terms of urban design for these area for instance what is standard for buffer zones between airport and its surroundings?From my understanding, airport is usually supposed to be located in nonresidential areas. However, my case study is a existing residential areas in busy city which has been facing with extreme noise problem caused airport that locating nearby. I am wondering that can this case study still apply those noise reducing implementations as you have introduced above?
Hi Hazel, good luck with your research. I do not currently have much experience with Aviation noise; however I recently attended the annual Transportation Research Board conference in Washington, DC and became aware of a few studies that might be of interest to you:
http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/170231.aspx - Guidelines for Ensuring Longevity in Airport Sound Insulation Program
Usually there is no standard bufferzone between airports and residential areas. On the basis of flight data (numbers, types of planes, flight paths etc.) noise contours around airports are calculated. For new dwellings a limit of for instance L den= 45 dB(A) can be set, meaning that no new residences are allowed within this contour. For existing dwellings a remedial plan can be established, aimed at increasing the sound insulation of the envelope of the dwelling.
Another option could be to change the input data of the contour calculation. Ban noisy aircraft, close the airport during the night, introduce low-noise flight procedures etc. In this way the contour can be "shrunk".