An investigation into the sound insulation performance of common construction materials in urban environments

Abstract

This study investigates the sound insulation performance of common construction materials in urban environments and explores the physical properties that influence this performance. Relevant literature on noise pollution and construction materials was reviewed, and a questionnaire was designed and distributed to examine public attitudes towards noise pollution and perceptions of the insulation performance of common materials. In addition, an experiment was conducted to compare the sound insulation performance of four materials—wood panel, concrete, foam board, and plastic-by measuring their sound attenuation under controlled conditions. The results indicate that noise pollution has a noticeable negative impact on people’s daily lives. Among the materials tested, wood panel and concrete showed stronger sound insulation performance than foam board and plastic. The findings further suggest that density, hardness, and structural strength are important factors influencing sound insulation. Overall, the study highlights the practical importance of selecting suitable construction materials for reducing urban noise exposure and suggests that future research should explore composite materials that combine multiple beneficial physical properties.