Sound barriers
Features/Comfort/Feature 81
- 72 Accessible design
- 73 Ergonomics: visual and physical
- 74 Exterior noise intrusion
- 75 Internally generated noise
- 76 Thermal comfort
- 77 Olfactory comfort
- 78 Reverberation time
- 79 Sound masking
- 80 Sound reducing surfaces
- 81 Sound barriers
- 82 Individual thermal control
- 83 Radiant thermal comfort
- P4 Impact reducing flooring
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Sound barriers
Intent:
To reduce sound transmission and acoustic disruptions through sound barriers.
BACKGROUND
Noise from adjacent spaces can be disturbing to building occupants. Careful detailing and high quality construction materials can greatly improve the sound reducing abilities of interior partitions or doors that act as sound barriers and reduce sound transmission between adjacent spaces.
The following spaces, if present, have interior partition walls that meet the Noise Isolation Class (NIC) described:
a.90
Enclosed offices: minimum NIC of 35 when a sound masking system is present, or minimum NIC of 40 when no sound masking system is used.
b.90
Conference rooms and teleconference rooms: minimum STC of 53 on walls adjoining private offices, conference rooms or other teleconference rooms.
All interior walls enclosing regularly occupied spaces are constructed for optimal performance by reducing air gaps and limiting sound transmission through the following:
a.90
Properly sealing all acoustically rated partitions at the top and bottom tracks.
b.90
Staggering all gypsum board seams.
c.90
Packing and sealing all penetrations through the wall.
The following requirements are met in buildings located less than 0.8 km [0.5 mi] from significant noise sources, including aircraft over-flights, highways, trains, and industrial processes:
a.131
Exterior windows, doors, and any other openings have a minimum STC rating of 35.
b.131
Exterior wall penetrations must be treated for sound control. Methods may include the use of acoustical sealant, lined elbows on vents, or lined exterior ducts.
The following spaces, if present, have interior partition walls which meet the Sound Transmission Class (STC) described:
a.133
Rooms located within 3 m [10 ft] of an exterior walkway: minimum STC of 45.
b.133
Rooms located within 9 m [30 ft] of a playground: minimum STC of 50, on the exterior wall.
c.133
Rooms located between 9 m [30 ft] and 15 m [50 ft] of a playground: minimum STC of 45 on exterior walls.
d.133
Walls that connect classrooms to an adjoining music room, auditorium, mechanical room, cafeteria, gymnasium, or indoor swimming pool: minimum STC of 60.