Robust details certification scheme

Robust Details Limited is a non-profit distributing company that operates the robustdetails® certification scheme which helps new homes developers demonstrate compliance with the minimum sound insulation standards required by building regulations. It is financed by plot registration fees paid by users.

The scheme provides an alternative to pre-completion sound testing, which is otherwise required to satisfying Part E of the building regulations: Resistance to the passage of sound. The scheme is for new, adjoined dwellings. It is not suitable for conversions, home extensions or building refurbishments.

Users choose details from the scheme handbook, register their plots on the scheme website prior to commencement on site, and notify building control. They must then construct the details in accordance with the handbook specification.

Plots are visited on a random basis to check compliance. More than 98% of test results carried out since 2004 have met or exceeded the minimum standards required by building regulations, and no correctly-built detail has failed.

Where tests do fail, the building control body is informed, and may require that remedial work is undertaken and/or pre-completion sound testing.

Due to the number and complexity of potential design solutions, it is not possible to guarantee that details are compatible with other parts of the building regulations or other building standards.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Accredited construction details ACDs.
• Airborne sound.
• Approved Document E.
• Building acoustics.
• Decibel.
• Noise nuisance.
• Pre-completion sound testing.
• Reverberation.
• Sound absorption.
• Sound absorption coefficient.
• Sound frequency.
• Sound insulation in buildings.
• Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3).
• Sound v noise.
• Structure-borne sound.