Equivalent continuous sound pressure level
Sound pressure level is the parameter by which sound levels are measured in air. It is measured in decibels. The threshold of hearing has been set at 0dB, while the threshold of pain is approximately 120dB. Normal speech is approximately 60dB at a distance of 1 metre and a change of 3dB in a time varying sound signal is commonly regarded as being just detectable. A change of 10dB is subjectively twice, or half, as loud.
The term ‘equivalent continuous sound pressure level’ refers to:
| An index used internationally for the assessment of environmental sound impacts. It is defined as the notional unchanging level that would, over a given period of time (T), deliver the same sound energy as the actual time-varying sound over the same period. Hence fluctuating sound levels can be described in terms of an equivalent single figure value. |
It is expressed as:
Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, published by the Department for Transport in November 2013.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
- Airborne noise
- Ambient sound.
- Audio frequency.
- Building acoustics.
- Decibel.
- Flanking noise
- Flanking sound.
- Impact noise
- Noise - doors and windows.
- Noise nuisance.
- Noise pollution
- Noise v sound
- Noise.
- Reverberation time.
- Sound frequency.
- Sound insulation.
- Sound power level.
- Sound v noise
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
Interview with historic built environment surveyor.
Upgraded membership category now requires assessment.
The average kinetic energy of molecules
Temperature in buildings, explained on DB
Women and unequal pay in project management
Main barrier to entering the profession, new study reveals.
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.