The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 261
Reverberation The persistence of sound within a space after the source
has ceased to generate sound.
Reverberation time (RT) The time in seconds for a sound to decay to
inaudibility of generation at source ceases. Strictly, the time in seconds for
the sound level to decay 60 dB.
RNAV An airspace procedure facilitating area navigation based on global
positioning systems, in which routes are defined on the basis of grid
waypoints rather than ground navigational aids, such as radar beacons.
Robust Standard Details are said to be high performance constructions
that are capable of providing consistently good sound insulation, and so
should not need the check provided by Pre-completion testing (see
above). Designed by the House Builders Federation.
SEL Sound Exposure Level, a measure of noise from a single event which
accounts for both the duration and intensity of the noise event. It is the
A-weighted level which if maintained constant for a period of one second
would have the same acoustic energy as the actual noise event.
Soft ground Acoustically absorbent surface, such as grass, or tilled earth,
which attenuates sound propagating over it, notably for points near the
ground. See also ‘hard ground’.
Solar gain The net solar irradiation on a surface or building which can be
harnessed as heat energy.
Sound a pressure wave (periodic fluctuation in pressure) transmitted
through air, water or other medium.
Sound Audit systematic examination of a situation, building or proposal
(e.g. traffic management scheme), to identify any noise and vibration
implications and how best to mitigate them, and opportunities for
soundscape or sound quality improvement. It may vary from a checklist
for small schemes to formal assessment of large schemes.
Sound cancellation see Anti-sound.
Sound insulation special insulation of a building against one or more
types of environmental noise, combined with ventilation or air
conditioning arrangements so designed that high levels of insulation
against environmental noise can be maintained.