New Data Shows Masonry Wall and Precast Hollow Core Floor Systems Reaching High STC Ratings
New Data Shows Masonry Wall and Precast Hollow Core Floor Systems Reaching High STC Ratings
New Data Shows Masonry Wall and Precast Hollow Core Floor Systems Reaching High STC Ratings
Introduction
Noise is a major distraction, both in the home as well as the work environment. In the home, the number of noise making appliances grows as we reach new heights of technological advancement. Televisions, hi-fidelity sound systems, air conditioners, and a vast number of other sound generating devices are standard to every household. The unwanted noises from these internal sound sources are complimented by that from automobiles, sirens, and jets on the outside. The tranquility of the office is also hampered by noise generating devices. Printers, copiers, typewriters, and loud co-workers can all make the workplace a less than ideal place for concentration. Each advancement in technology seems to be accompanied by an increase in the noise level to which modern civilization is subjected. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the building industry to reduce the amount of unwanted noises transmitted through the walls which form the environment in which we dwell. There are two basic strategies which have been developed to obtain the quiet we seek. These are (1) the selection of walls and floors which prevent outside noise from entering the structure, and (2) the use of absorptive materials which absorb the sound instead of reflecting it back into the room. Sound absorption reduces the amount of noise generated within a room. Sound barriers, or sound isolation, reduce the amount of noise that may be transmitted from one area to another. Masonry, along with its proven capabilities of keeping fire from travelling from one room to another, is without equal as a sound barrier between
enclosures. With attention to the surface finish of concrete masonry walls, the wall will absorb almost as much of the sound that strikes it as does acoustical tile- 40-50%. Furthermore, the heavy limp mass of the concrete wall provides excellent performance as noise insulation against transmitted sounds. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of a single wythe of
masonry alone to perform well as a sound barrier. New data shows that when these walls are sheathed with a finish material and insulation, masonry wall systems reach new levels in sound isolation.
Figure 1
Decibel levels
Decibels Sound 140 Jet plane takeoff 130 Threshold of discomfort 120 Riveting 110 Thunder-sonic boom 100 Hard rock band 90 Power lawnmower 80 Pneumatic jackhammer 70 Noisy office 60 Average radio 50 Normal conversation 40 Quiet street 30 Quiet conversation 20 Whisper at 4 ft. 10 Normal breathing 3 Threshold of audibility
rate the effectiveness of walls. This averaging method was sometimes unreliable , however, because a good average could be ascribed to a wall type that performed poorly at an important frequency. For example a given wall could perform very well at low frequency levels, but could allow human voices to be transmitted through the wall unabated. Instead of using an averaging method, we now find STC ratings by comparing transmission loss curves to a set of standard curves as described below in Figure 2. In compliance with ASTM E-90, the STC of a wall is determined by comparing its transmission loss curve with a set of standard curves, or contours. The standard curve is superimposed over a plot of the actual sound transmission loss curve, and shifted upward or downward relative to the test curve until some of the measured TL values of the test specimen fall below those of the STC contour and the following conditions are fulfilled.
1250
Frequency (Hz)
2000
3150
4000
125
200
315
500
800
Building Code
The model building codes have provided minimum recommended allowable sound transmission limitations for partitions that separate adjacent units in multifamily dwellings and similar partitions that separate living space from public and private areas. These limitations are outlined in Figure 3. Generally, living units are considered to be areas of average noise while public spaces such as corridors, stairs, halls or service areas are considered to be areas of high noise levels.
Other Considerations
Air is the basic medium for sound transmission. If air transmission is eliminated, then the passage of airborne sounds is also eliminated through the use of acoustic sealant. A 1/4 perimeter crack surrounding a 96 sq. ft. wall represents an approximate 1 sq. ft. hole. In terms of sound rating, this untreated perimeter space will substantially reduce the overall sound rating of a wall system. It is for this reason that any spaces or penetrations in a wall for pipes or construction tolerances should be sealed with caulk to prevent unwanted sound from travelling through these small openings in the wall system.
Figure 3
Location of Partition
Code Requirements
STC required
UBC BOCA 45 SBCC 45
Penetrations
Sealant If screw is too long, it can be grounded against the block and transmit sound vibration Pipe or conduit Sealant
Living unit to living unit (average noise) Living unit to public space and service areas
50
50
45
45
62
STC
Cavity Wall
Cavity Wall
STC
STC
66
*Clay brick can be expected to perform similarly
Cavity Wall
STC
79
STC
77
7 5/8 CMU
50
2 Z-Bars
1 1/2Wood Furring 1 1/2Fib. Ins. 2Rigid Ins. 1/2Drywall 4 split face block 1 airspace
Cavity Wall
STC
65
STC
8 CMU WALL
STC
8 CMU WALL
1/2Drywall
51
STC
54
STC
8 CMU WALL
8 CMU WALL
2 Z-Bars
1/2Drywall
52
7 5/8 CMU
59
STC
Cavity Wall
STC
8 CMU WALL
72
STC
64
STC
53
IIC
Hollow Core
53
IIC
28
78
6Hollow Brick
STC
6 Hollow Brick grouted solid
45
4 Brick 2 Air Space
51
STC
10 Cavity Wall
8 Brick Wall
STC
2 Wythes of Brick
50
STC
52
1 1/2Wood Furring 1 1/2Fiberglass Insulation 1/2Drywall
45
STC
6 Solid CMU
55
STC
6 CMU WALL
6 CMU WALL
50
10 CMU
61
STC
STC
10 solid CMU
47
STC
12 CMU
49
STC
12 solid CMU
51
5
12 CMU Wall
55
Sound Practice
Masonry Walls and Precast Hollow Core Floors make good neighbors If your neighbor fell asleep while smoking...
Yes we chose it for the quiet Masonry and Hollow core construction, you know
Protect their dreams with Masonry and Precast Hollow core construction.
From our experience, soundproofing is just about the most important factor for tenant satisfaction. Thats why we like precast hollow core decks. Also, the lack of shrinkage of floor joists, multiplied in a three story building, helps avoid settlement, cracking of walls and doors sticking. Ernest Peterson
For wall bearing construction, the added soundproofing effects in the use of precast hollow core help add to the rental ability of the project Leo Del Zotto The hollow core method is very soundproof, easy to work with, firesafe and is not overly expensive. And our renters fire insurance is low. Its another selling point for our apartments. John R. Wright
Figure 4
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
65 60 55
Impact noise reduction Footsteps, slammed doors, and mechanical equipment can all cause their own brand of unwanted noise. Even when airborne sounds are controlled, there still can be severe impact noise problems. Impact sound insulation is tested per ASTM E492, Laboratory Measurement of impact sound transmission using a tapping machine. Impact transmission is not significantly affected by the weight of the floor. To control impact sounds, a structural concrete floor in combination with a carpet & pad greatly reduces the amount of impact noise (measured as IIC). Figure 5 below shows the sound control potential of the hollow core slab used in conjunction with a carpet and pad system.
50
2 Topping
45 40 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Totals
Diffuser Block
Sound Block(slotted)
We have already shown the capacity of common everyday masonry wall systems to serve as noise isolators. For more serious applications such as sound studios, theatres, and other buildings where acoustics are paramount, masonry offers several specialized products. Sound blocks have been widely used for lecture halls, swimming pool enclosures, and theatres. These concrete masonry units have one vertical slot per core. These vents create a Helmholtz resonator affect. The Helmholtz resonator is used to deaden sound in internal combustion engine mufflers. The newest evolution of acoustic block is the Diffuser Block by RPG Diffuser Systems as seen above. This system is composed of three distinct units. These three units interlock together to form a wall. The result is a combination of the Helmholtz resonator principle for absorption, and Disclaimer Notice
T i d t c t h i t no h s i o n n f i n e i o c r o g t e a c a m i s n
excellent sound diffusion back into the room. This product also provides space to place horizontal joint reinforcement, and offer cores which can be filled with grout, or insulation. These blocks are ideal for professional applications where sound diffusion and absorption are critical. Both types of acoustic blocks boast STC ratings above and beyond the 52 mark.
Conclusion
As the challenge to provide quieter buildings increases, the masonry industry has risen to meet the challenge. Masonry has been proven to be without equal in fire safety, appearance, longevity, and economy. As we have presented in this digest, masonry with hollow core precast concrete floors is an excellent choice for acoustic considerations. With Masonry and hollow core floors, solving problems of fire safety, economy, and noise control, a good designer can kill three birds with one system.
1. Noise Control with Concrete Masonry in Multi-Family Housing, NCMA-TEK 13-2. National Concrete Masonry Association, 1983. 2. Sound Insulation-Clay Masonry Walls, BIA Tech. Notes 5a. Brick Institute of America, 1988 3. Sound Transmission Class Ratings for Concrete Masonry Walls, NCMA-TEK 13-1. National Concrete Masonry Association 1990. 4. Sound Transmission Loss Measurements on 190 and 140mm Single Wythe Concrete Block Walls and on 90mm Cavity Block Walls (Client Report for Ontario Concrete Block Association). National Research Council Canada, 1989. 5. PCI Design Manual for the Design of Precast Hollow Core Slabs. Chapters 6 & 7, Copyright1985 Prestressed Concrete Institute.
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