Regulatory sound insulation requirements in South America – Status for housing, schools, hospitals and office buildings

In a pilot study in 2016 about acoustic requirements for housing and schools in Europe and South America with comparisons between the two regions, significant differences in acoustic descriptors and limit values were found, both internally in the regions and between them. The countries considered in South America were Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Now, a wider study has been made about sound insulation regulations for housing, schools, hospitals and office buildings, extended to more countries in South America and focusing on studying, evaluating and summarizing the status of such regulations. The paper includes examples of specific acoustic requirements on airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms in the before-mentioned buildings and indications of traffic noise limits. It is found that many countries in South America have weak or no acoustic regulations. Thus, the paper provides a basis for future cooperation on developing and optimizing acoustic regulations.