Sustainable acoustic insulation for prefabricated concrete homes in Andean zones

Abstract

The construction sector is undoubtedly one of the main promoters for economic and social development. The modern concept of the prefabrication of elements originated from the industrial revolution to reduce costs and increase production through the mechanization of work, increasing the quality and ease of control in the plant. Prefabricated concrete homes are aimed at the popular sectors, however, when talking about acoustic habitability comfort we refer to constructive solutions used in a building to minimize the transmission of sounds (noise pollution) from outside or from an adjoining enclosure. This is achieved with the use of acoustic insulation materials. In the present research, through a bibliographic review, the updated state-of-the-art search methodology is developed, supported by the Delphi and AHP (hierarchical analytical process) methods and with the opinion of experts to compare the properties of acoustic insulating materials; in order to publicize the best acoustic insulators to be installed inside prefabricated concrete homes. Within the bibliographic review, new technologies with sustainable materials found as feasible prototypes were investigated in Ecuador, where thanks to its diversity of ecosystems and the necessary existing technology, the natural fibers used in the prototypes for insulation/absorption are easily found acoustics in homes.