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Why Acoustics Matter Please add relevant logo here Why Acoustic Matter: Demystifying Noise Control in Buildings Randy D. Waldeck, PE Disclaimer: This presentation was developed by a third party and is not funded by WoodWorks or the Softwood Lumber Board. “The Wood Products Council” is This course is registered with a Registered Provider with The AIA CES for continuing American Institute of Architects professional education. As Continuing Education Systems such, it does not include (AIA/CES), Provider #G516. content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of Credit(s) earned on completion construction or any method or of this course will be reported to manner of handling, using, AIA CES for AIA members. distributing, or dealing in any Certificates of Completion for material or product. both AIA members and non-AIA __________________________________ members are available upon Questions related to specific materials, request. methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Copyright Materials This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. © CSDA Design Group 2017 Course Description Acoustics is an invisible element that designers often overlook, yet sound deeply affects our daily lives— which is why sustainable design principles incorporate acoustical elements to improve building occupant health, safety, functionality, and comfort. This session will provide an overview of design features and strategies for achieving an appropriate balance of noise control in wood-frame buildings. Techniques for reducing the intrusion of environmental noise will be reviewed, and selection of acoustical components and wood-frame assemblies discussed in the context of occupant/tenant separation in buildings such as apartments, hotels, medical offices, schools and retail. Discussion will also include lessons learned from recent project examples and best practices for optimal acoustic performance. Learning Objectives 1. Review Code requirements for acoustics and emphasize the importance of good acoustical design in the context of occupant well-being 2. Highlight opportunities for proactive integration of acoustics in the design phase of projects, addressing issues such as background noise, sound transmission and site exterior noise. 3. Describe why acoustical design is vital in occupancies such as schools and medical office buildings, and identify strategies for achieving good acoustical performance using wood-frame assemblies. 4. Discuss effective noise control measures in multi-tenant buildings such as apartments, hotels and retail. Acoustics Why Acoustics Matter • Impact of the built environment (humans = noise) • More density = more noise • Public health and patient recovery • Privacy and solitude • Worker satisfaction and increased productivity Acoustical Areas of Focus Environmental Architectural Acoustics Acoustics Environmental Acoustics Transmission Path Sound Source Path Receiver Decibel Measurements Noise Metrics • Leq (Equivalent sound level): Average sound level over a period of time • DNL/CNEL: 24-hour average noise level; nighttime noise levels penalized by 10 dB • STC (Sound Transmission Class): Single number to rate the noise reduction provided by a building component Primary Sources Automobile @50ft. – 65 dB Locomotives @50ft. – 88 dB Rail Car @50ft. – 80 dB Jet Aircraft @50ft. – 124 dB Secondary Sources • Industrial: Power plants, factories, metal shredders • Telecommunications equipment: Cell towers • Entertainment: Amphitheaters, stadiums, clubs • Rail vibration: Freight, passenger • Construction vibration: Jackhammer, pile driving, etc. Environmental Noise Impacts • Sleep disturbance • Speech interference • Occupant annoyance • Reduced worker productivity • Prolonged patient recovery Guidelines for Exterior Noise Exposure Facade Noise Mapping Three-dimensional noise models provide an accurate visual “heat map” of project noise levels Environmental Noise Control Noise Barriers Sound-Rated Walls Sound-Rated Windows Note: Exterior wall sound ratings available from NRC Canada, IR 818. Environmental Noise - Sample Architectural Acoustics Architectural Acoustics Building Types • Healthcare • Schools • Institutional/ Commercial • Residential • Performing Arts • Civic • Industrial (OSHA) Architectural Acoustics Concerns • Environmental Noise • Mechanical/Equipment Noise • Structural Vibration • Speech Privacy • Room Acoustics • Sound Isolation Architectural Acoustics Fundamentals • STC – Sound Transmission Class • IIC – Impact Insulation Class • STC and IIC criteria based on each room adjacency type • NC – Noise Criteria • NRC – Noise Reduction Coefficient • RT – Reverberation Time • Space layout (programming) to minimize the need for high-performance demising constructions • The devil is in the (partition) details Healthcare Noise Issues • Patient Privacy (HIPAA) • Exam Rooms • Counsel Rooms • Doctor’s Office • Lobby/Waiting Area Healthcare Guidelines FGI Design Guidelines Partition (LEED) Wall STC 45 Patient Rooms Floor STC 50 Exam/Counsel 50 (no sound masking) Wall Rooms 40 (with sound masking) Building Envelope - STC 35-50 Ceilings - NRC 0.85 Speech Privacy • Privacy levels: Inaudible, confidential, normal, marginal • Acoustical absorption • Partition performance • Background noise level Speech Privacy Solutions ABC’s • Absorb • Block • Cover 34 School Noise Issues • Sound isolation • HVAC noise • Speech intelligibility • Performing arts & multi-use rooms School Guidelines ANSI S12.60-2010 • Noise: Leq 35 dBA (40 dBA for larger spaces) • Reverb Time: 0.6 seconds (0.7 seconds for larger spaces) • Classroom Partitions: STC 50 (STC 45 at corridors) LEED v4 • HVAC Noise - 40 dBA (prereq), 35 dBA (credit) • Reverb Time: • Option 1 – NRC of 0.70 for acoustical finishes • Option 2 – Calculate to meet ANSI S12.60 • Sound Transmission (Credit) • Interior Partitions • Exterior Windows Residential Noise Issues • Floor-Ceiling and Footfall • Plumbing • Party (demising) wall • HVAC • Elevators and/or trash chutes Residential Guidelines • IBC: STC/IIC 50 @ demising partitions • STC/IIC 45 when field tested • IRC: STC/IIC 45 @ demising partitions • ASHRAE for HVAC and Plumbing noise • NC 30 in bedrooms • NC 35-40 in other spaces Structural Vibration/Noise • Mechanical/ Equipment • Occupant (footfall) • Transit (rail, aircraft) • Amplified audio (music) Structure-Borne Noise: Example classrooms chiller room Structure-Borne Noise Structure-Borne Noise: Solution Spring vibration isolation Structure-Borne Noise: Solution No vibration isolation Spring hangers Structural Vibration Solutions • Inertia base • Neoprene hangers, mounts and/or springs • Floating floor and/or isolated ceiling Sound Isolation Fundamental #1 Mass • Multiple layers of GWB • Plywood • Lightweight concrete • Mass-loaded vinyl • CMU Sound Isolation Fundamental 2 Decoupling • Resilient channels • Acoustic clips • Neoprene isolators • Spring isolators • Independent studs 36 Sound Isolation Fundamental 3 Airspace • Between panels (e.g., GWB) • Doubling of airspace = 3 dBA or 3 STC points Sound Isolation Solutions RC Wall Noise Reduction: STC 50 Resilient channel advantages: • Inexpensive • Good acoustical performance for single stud wall Resilient channel disadvantages: • Easily short- circuited • Can’t hang cabinets, TV’s, etc. 8 Acoustical Clip Noise Reduction: STC 55+ Acoustical clip advantages: • Can be retrofit • Great acoustical performance for single stud wall Acoustical clip disadvantages: • Not inexpensive • Medium load bearing capacity Staggered Stud: STC 55+ Staggered stud advantages: • Moderate cost • Good acoustical performance Staggered stud disadvantages: • Fire rating problematic Double-Stud Noise Reduction: STC 55+ Double stud advantages: • High acoustical performance (incl. low-frequency) • Fire-rated • High load bearing capacity (cabinets, etc.) Double stud disadvantages: • Loss of space Floor-Ceiling Noise Reduction Three key requirements • Mass/stiffness (typ. lightweight concrete) • Low-frequency decoupling (RC’s, clips) • High-frequency damping (acoustical mat/unDerlayment) STC 50+ IIC 50+ Floor-Ceiling Noise Reduction Benefit of clip vs. RC • Better overall (esp. low-frequency) performance • Fewer installation errors • Higher load carrying capacity STC 55+ IIC 50+ Ceiling Penetrations • Boxing in with gypsum board • Double-wall IC fixtures: Tenmat Recessed Light Covers Soffits Outlet Boxes Miscellaneous Penetrations Plumbing Questions? This concludes CSDA Design Group’s Presentation for the 2018 Designing for Occupant Comfort Series. Randy D. Waldeck, PE CSDA Design Group [email protected].
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