Sound exposure level
Sound exposure level is the sound level at a receptor which, if maintained at a constant level for a period of one second, would have the same amount of energy as a given event (of any duration) at the same receptor.
The sound power level (Lw) of a source is a measurement of the total acoustic power it radiates. The sound power level is an intrinsic characteristic of a source (analogous to its volume or mass), which is not affected by the environment within which the source is located.
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. (See also Equivalent continuous sound pressure level) Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
NB Approved document E: Resistance to the passage of sound, 2003 edition incorporating 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments, defines sound pressure level as: ‘A quantity related to the physical intensity of a sound.’
See also: Sound power.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.