Techniques for the reduction of low frequency noise in buildings

Vibration isolation of buildings is often achieved by introducing spring systems at the foundation level. This
can be an effective measure, especially against vibrations induced by noise, but it is also very costly. Due to
the current usage of the cities space, where buildings and infrastructures share the same areas, this problem
gains significant importance. At the same time, decision makers impose higher demands regarding the
perception level for noise and vibration, as well as the inhabitants tolerance to nuisance caused by external
sources has reduced. In the Netherlands, a housing complex was built next to a train tunnel dedicated to
freight traffic between the Rotterdam harbour and Germany. During preliminary studies an assessment of the
vibration was made on the existing houses, and it was concluded that vibration induced low frequency noise
could be perceived in the housing complex, due to the train traffic. Therefore, several mitigation techniques
were considered, comprising not only spring systems, but also interventions at the foundation layout, and
changes in the structural scheme of the new buildings. With exception of spring systems, the solutions have
a small cost if accounted during the design stage of the housing complex. All the different techniques were
experimentally assessed at site, where significative improvements have been achieved. This points towards
the feasibility of the proposed mitigation techniques as an attractive alternative to spring systems