Robust Details (Residential)
Acoustics Standards & Guidance
What is Robust Details (Residential)?
Robust Details (RD) is an alternative compliance route to meet the sound insulation requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations for residential buildings in England and Wales.
Instead of conducting on-site sound testing, builders and developers can use pre-tested and certified construction methods called Robust Details.
Key Points about Robust Details:
1. Pre-approved Designs: Robust Details are construction details (wall, floor, and ceiling designs) that have been pre-tested and approved to meet or exceed the minimum sound insulation performance standards in Part E (for both airborne and impact sound).
2. No Need for On-Site Sound Testing: If a builder uses a Robust Detail for separating walls or floors, they don’t need to carry out pre-completion sound tests (which are otherwise required by the regulations). This saves time and money.
3. Residential Buildings: Robust Details are typically used in residential settings, such as houses or flats, where sound insulation between dwellings is important to minimize noise disturbances.
4. Certification and Registration: Each Robust Detail has a unique registration number, and projects using these details must be registered with Robust Details Limited, the organization that manages this scheme. They carry out spot checks and audits to ensure that the construction complies with the approved details.
5. Types of Construction: Robust Details cover a wide range of construction types, including masonry walls, timber and steel frame structures, concrete floors, and lightweight floors.
Why use Robust Details?
Time and Cost Efficiency: Avoiding sound tests speeds up the project.
Certainty of Performance: Since Robust Details are pre-tested, builders have confidence in meeting sound insulation standards.
Risk Reduction: By using pre-approved designs, there’s less risk of non-compliance.
In summary, Robust Details offer a more straightforward, cost-effective way to ensure sound insulation compliance for residential buildings.
