Acoustics of the modern multiple glazing windows

The exterior noise is transmitted into buildings mostly via windows, due to their lower sound transmission loss comparedto outer walls, as well as the increasing proportion of glass surface in modern architecture. However, developingof modern windows focuses on its energy effciency and thermal insulation, while the acoustic performance is oftenignored.The acoustic performance of a window is evaluated based on test certificate, which refers to the standard measurementin a test lab composed of the sending and receiving rooms. Since windows in real construction generally have differentdimensions, edge connections and mounting conditions, the acoustic performance of the window in construction oftendiffers from the value specified in the test certificate.This paper focuses on the influences of the window format and the edge connection on the sound transmission loss. Atotal of 20 triple glazed windows with five different dimensions were tested according to EN ISO 10140. The standardmeasurement in the test lab was modelled by the finite element method using the experimentally determined structuralproperty of the edge connections. Both experiments and simulations indicate that the edge connection has considerableinfluence on the sound transmission loss.