The effect on sound insulation of small holes through solid masonry walls

Abstract Nominally identical examples of most types of building construction have been found to provide different levels of sound insulation. A possible reason is that different standards of workmanship introduce differences that cannot be seen when the building has been completed. For example, if mortar between bricks or blocks is omitted, holes right through the wall may result. An experiment has been conducted to investigate the effect of small holes through a solid wall when it is plastered or dry-lined. The results showed that the single-figure insulation ratings of the wall were not changed by the presence of holes.