Speaker
Description
The Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), conducts scientific research and technological development in construction and building materials, including the acoustic performance of materials and building systems. Its activity contributes to pre-standardisation research aimed at improving the Technical Building Code (CTE).In recent years, building acoustics in Spain has evolved from prescriptive regulations based on standardised construction solutions towards performance-based design supported by advanced measurement and modelling methods. This paper provides a critical review of this transition, linking past developments, current practice, and future challenges in the field.The “yesterday” stage is characterised by the development of reference solutions and early acoustic regulations. The current national framework, the Basic Document for Noise Protection (DB HR) of the CTE, was published 20 years ago and developed by the Construction Quality Unit of IETcc-CSIC.At present, IETcc-CSIC conducts pre-standardisation research and actively promotes performance-based approaches through harmonised standards, predictive tools, and their integration into regulatory systems. This work is supported by its acoustic testing laboratory and participation in national and international standardisation committees. Looking ahead, ongoing efforts focus on updating the regulatory framework.