Optimized Acoustics in Buildings

 
Sponsored by ROCKFON

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe how noise can negatively impact physiological and psychological health, learning, and productivity.
  2. Define key terms related to acoustic performance, including Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Sound Transmission Class (STC), and Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC).
  3. Explain how to use the Optimizing Absorption matrix to select the right absorption performance (NRC) for a project.
  4. Define Good, Better Best Sound Transmission Class (STC) blocking categories and describe how to use the Optimizing Blocking matrix to select the optimal STC for a project.
  5. Explain how lightweight plenum barriers can be used to control sounds when walls do not extend full height.
  6. Explain how to determine the required background sound level based on the wall blocking capacity.

Credits:

HSW
1 AIA LU/HSW
IACET
0.1 IACET CEU*
AIBD
1 AIBD P-CE
AAA
AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
AANB
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
AAPEI
AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour
MAA
MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
NLAA
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.
NSAA
This course can be self-reported to the NSAA
NWTAA
NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
OAA
OAA 1 Learning Hour
SAA
SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning
 
This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.
As an IACET Accredited Provider, BNP Media offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
This course is approved as a Structured Course
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
Approved for structured learning
Approved for Core Learning
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA
Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
This course is approved as a core course
This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia
This test is no longer available for credit

Noise can have negative physiological and psychological impacts on building occupants, and can compromise learning and productivity. Past approaches to acoustic design did not adequately mitigate noise within buildings; however, new standards and strategies are improving acoustic performance, with positive benefits to occupant health and well-being. In this course, learn how to implement a three-step process to achieve optimized acoustics, by selecting ceiling absorption, wall sound insulation, and background sound level. This course will introduce the reader to key terms related to acoustic performance, including Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC), Sound Transmission Class (STC), and Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC). You will learn how to select the appropriate ceiling absorption and wall insulation for a particular application, and will also learn how lightweight plenum barriers can be used to achieve effective sound blocking when walls do not extend full height. Finally, this course will instruct the reader how to design the appropriate background noise level based on wall blocking capacity.

Optimized Aco

 

ROCKFON Rockfon provides customers with a complete ceiling system offering, combining stone wool ceiling panels with suspension grid systems, metal ceiling solutions, and now wood ceilings. Our products help create beautiful, comfortable spaces. Easy to install and durable, they protect people from noise and the spread of fire while making a constructive contribution toward a sustainable future.

 

Originally published in July 2020

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