Acoustics and Vibration Laboratory

The Acoustics and Vibration Laboratory (UAVE) is integrated in the Acoustics, Lighting, Building Components and Facilities Unit that is part of the Buildings Department of LNEC.

This laboratory was established in 2005 as a result of the need to support the studies aiming to acoustic characterization of solutions and systems used in building construction.

Additional information can be found at this laboratory's flyer.

Field of expertise

UAVE’s activity is mainly focused on the characterization of the acoustic performance (absorption and sound insulation) of construction building materials and systems, particularly:

partitions walls, façade elements, glazing, doors, small technical elements, acoustic linings, shutters, floor and floor coverings;
noise barriers;
building materials and sound absorbing systems.

Testing

UAVE performs the following laboratory tests for characterization of the acoustic properties of elements and/or building systems:

airborne sound insulation;
impact sound insulation;
sound absorption of materials and systems in diffusive fields;
sound absorption of materials at normal incidence (impedance tube);
sound power levels of noise sources from the measurement of sound pressure.

Other services

In addition to the characterization studies, usually associated with research under contract services, UAVE also develops activities in different areas, such as:

research studies in the field of buildings acoustics and vibration in buildings, environmental acoustics, and human perception to noise and to vibration in buildings;
expert advisory and support to the acoustic design for new construction, conservation and rehabilitation of buildings;
acoustic characterization of new materials and systems;
expert advisory as refers to environmental impact studies within the framework of the acoustic component of the environment and environmental vibrations.