Acoustical Control

Design and
Detailing
Information
AC 312 - Engineering
Utilities 2
BASICS OF SOUND AND NOISE CONTROL

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SOUND VS NOISE
Sound is a form of energy
produced by vibrating objects and
transmitted through a medium
(e.g., air, water) in the form of
waves. It’s measured in terms of
frequency (Hz) and amplitude (dB).

Noise is generally defined as

unwanted or disruptive sound that
can interfere with normal activities
and, in some cases, cause health
problems.
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PROPERTIES OF SOUND
Frequency determines the pitch of
sound. Lower frequencies produce
deeper sounds, while higher
frequencies are higher-pitched.
Amplitude determines the loudness,
with higher amplitudes perceived as
louder sounds.
Sound Propagation: Sound travels in
waves and is affected by factors like
the medium it travels through,
temperature, and obstacles in its path.
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 NOISE CONTROL TECHNIQUES
Absorption: Materials like fiberglass or foam absorb sound
waves, reducing reflections within a space.

Damping: Reducing vibrations in structures to prevent sound

transmission, often achieved using rubber or other damping
materials.

Barriers: Physical barriers can block or reduce the

transmission of sound, commonly used in construction and
highway noise control.

Isolation: Involves creating a physical separation to prevent

sound from traveling between spaces (e.g., double walls,
isolated floors).
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TYPES OF NOISE
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 AIRBORNE NOISE
Airborne noise originates from a source that emits sound waves traveling through the air.
Examples include conversations, music, machinery, and traffic. This type of noise primarily
impacts spaces by traveling through the air until it reaches a boundary (e.g., walls, windows)
where it can be either absorbed, reflected, or transmitted.
CONTROL METHODS
TRANSMISSION MECHANISM • Barriers
• Airborne noise travels as pressure
waves through the air. When it • Absorption Materials
encounters a structure, such as a wall, • Sealing Gaps
part of the sound energy is reflected
back into the room, part is absorbed, APPLICATION
and the remainder is transmitted • Airborne noise control is crucial in
through the structure to adjacent residential buildings, office spaces, and
spaces. studios where noise from outside or
adjacent areas can cause
disturbances. 7
 STRUCTURE-BORNE NOISE
Structure-borne noise occurs when a sound source causes a structure to vibrate, and these
vibrations travel through solid materials (e.g., floors, walls, pipes).

CONTROL METHODS
TRANSMISSION MECHANISM • Damping
• Structure-borne noise is generated by • Isolation
direct mechanical impacts on • Vibration Absorbers
structures, which then vibrate and
transmit the noise through floors, walls, APPLICATION
or ceilings. These vibrations eventually • Structure-borne noise control is
radiate into the air, causing audible important in multi-story buildings,
sound in other areas of the building. industrial facilities, and performance
venues to minimize the transmission of
noise from one area to another through
the building's structure.
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IMPORTANCE: WHY
IT MATTERS IN
BUILDING DESIGN
1. Enhanced Comfort and
Privacy
2. Improved Productivity and
Focus
3. Health and Well-being
4. Compliance with
Regulations and Standards
5. Energy Efficiency and
Sustainable Design
6. Enhanced Real Estate Value

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ACOUSTIC CONTROL MATERIALS
Acoustic control materials are designed to absorb, block, or
diffuse sound to improve the acoustic environment in spaces.

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TYPES OF MATERIALS

1. SOUND ABSORBING MATERIALS

2. SOUND DIFFUSERS
3. NOISE BARRIERS
4. SOUND REFLECTORS

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 SOUND ABSORBING
MATERIALS

❑Sound-absorbing materials are things

that soak up sound waves to reduce
noise. They help make spaces quieter
by stopping sound from bouncing
around. Examples include foam,
carpets, and curtains.

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 SOUND ABSORBING
MATERIALS
❑Sound absorbing materials are
important in many fields, including
architecture, music, and
environmental design. They are used
in spaces such as:
o Auditoriums o Gymnasiums
o Call Centers o Offices
o Conference o Studios
Rooms o Theaters
o Computer Rooms o Warehouses
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 Acoustical foam panels are lightweight, spongy materials
designed to reduce noise and control sound. They absorb
sound waves to reduce echoes, improve sound clarity, and
prevent noise from bouncing around in a room.
STACKABLE FOAM
❑ Enables you to increase thickness quickly by
nesting layers instead of buying incompatible
products.

TRADITIONAL FOAM PATTERNS

❑ Standard patterns include wedge, pyramid,

max wedge for low frequency absorption,
ceiling baffles, Bermuda triangle trap for
corners
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 CLASS 1 FIRE RATED ACOUSTICAL FOAM
❑ a lightweight, open-cell foam that can absorb sound and
reduce echo while meeting fire rating requirements. It can
be used in a variety of settings, including commercial,
industrial, and residential spaces.

ANECHOIC WEDGES
❑ Design for controlling low frequency sound,
these custom manufactured, large foam
wedges are used to create acoustic test
chambers with no sound reflections.

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2. WHITE PAINTABLE
ACOUSTICAL PANELS
White paintable acoustical panels are
sound-absorbing panels with a
smooth, paint-friendly surface. They
are designed to reduce noise and
improve sound quality in a space
while allowing customization of their
color to match the room's décor.

For Use:
Recording Studios, Home Theaters,
Offices, Broadcast Facilities,
Telemedicine, Conference Rooms,
Restaurants, Salons, Coffee Shops,
Computer Gaming System or
anywhere absorption is desired.
3. FABRIC WRAPPED PANELS

❑ used to absorb sound and reduce

reverberation in a room.
❑ Absorb sound and reduce
reverberation
❑ Trap sound waves with soft
materials to prevent them from
bouncing off hard surfaces
❑ Improve audio quality for watching
movies, recording music, and more
❑ Can be customized with a wide
range of colors to complement a
room's décor
❑ Lightweight 100% polyester thin
faux linen or muslin
4. ACOUSTICAL WALL
COVERING
Is a dimensional fabric that offers
excellent acoustical properties,
unmatched fade resistance, and a
fire/smoke retardant Class A. They
are resistant to moisture, mildew, rot,
bacteria, and is non allergenic.

❑ Lightweight Acoustic Fabric

❑ Easy to Install
❑ Class A
❑ Passes Corner Burn Test
❑ Available in many colors
❑ Durable/Abuse resistant
❑ Improves Speech Intelligibility
5. FIBERGLASS BLANKETS AND
ROLLS

Fiberglass blankets and rolls are

flexible insulation materials made
from fine glass fibers. They are
commonly used for thermal
insulation, soundproofing, and
reducing noise transmission in
buildings.
 SOUND DIFFUSER
❑ These devices reduce the intensity of sound by
scattering it over an expanded area , rather than
eliminating the sound reflections as an absorber
would.

❑ Traditional spatial diffusers, such as the

polycylindrical (barrel) shapes also double as low
frequency traps.

❑ Temporal diffusers, such as binary arrays and

quadratics, scatter sound in a manner similar to
diffraction of light, where the timing of reflections
from an uneven surface of varying depths 20
causes interference which spreads the sound.
 1. QUADRA PYRAMID DIFFUSER
This diffuser generates a uniform polar response over
abroad frequency rang using a pre-rotated pyramidal
pattern create sixteen angles of reflection.

2. PYRAMIDAL DIFFUSER
This traditional industry workhorse disperses sound
uniformly over a broad frequency range. A quick solution
to flutter echo.

ADD A FOOTER 21
 3. DOUBLE DUTY DIFFUSER
These Polycylindrical Diffusers do twice the work. They
scatter sound and function as a bass trap.

4. QUADRATIC DIFFUSER
A true quadratic residue diffuser designed for uniform
broadband scattering and reducing High-Q reflections.

ADD A FOOTER 22
 NOISE BARRIER
Noise barriers are physical structures that reduce noise
pollution by interrupting sound waves:
❑ Purpose
Noise barriers are used to protect people and property
from excessive noise, such as from roads, railways, or
industrial sources.
❑ How they work
Noise barriers work by preventing the line of sight
between the noise source and the receiver. This creates
an acoustic "shadow zone" behind the barrier where noise
levels are lower.
❑ Effectiveness
Effective noise barriers can reduce noise levels by as
much as 20 decibels.
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HOW DOES NOISE
BARRIER WORKS?
A noise barrier must be tall
enough and long enough to
block the view of a highway
from the area that is to be
protected, the receiver.

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 CONCRETE

MASONRY
WHAT TYPE OF MATERIALS IS
BEST FOR A NOISE BARRIER
WOOD

METAL

FOAMS
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 SOUND REFLECTORS

Sound reflectors are materials or structures designed to

bounce sound waves back into a space rather than
absorbing them. They are used to direct, enhance, or
control sound in various settings. Here's a deeper look:
Characteristics:
Material: Typically made from hard, smooth materials like
glass, wood, metal, or plastic, which effectively reflect
sound waves.
Purpose:
❑ Enhance sound projection in specific directions.
❑ Improve speech or music clarity by directing
sound evenly.
❑ Maintain a lively acoustic environment where
sound reflection is desirable. 26
 STC

Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a rating that measures

how much sound a material or product can block. The
higher the STC rating, the better the material is at
blocking sound. STC is a generalized scale that measures
vocal noise and high-frequency sounds, and is less
accurate for low-frequency sounds like music or
machinery.

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Here are some STC ratings and what they generally
mean:
•STC 25–35: Soft speech can be heard and understood
•STC 30: Normal speech can be heard and understood
•STC 35: Loud speech can be heard and understood
•STC 40: Loud speech can be heard but not understood
•STC 45–55: Normal conversation can't be heard
❑ STC ratings are important in spaces where noise
control is critical, like schools, offices, hospitals, and
residential buildings.
❑ To calculate an STC rating, you can find the average
transmission loss by adding up all the total frequencies
recorded and dividing that number by the total number
of frequencies tested.
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 NRC
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a rating that
measures how much sound an acoustic material
absorbs:
•NRC of 0: The material is perfectly reflective and
absorbs no sound
•NRC of 1: The material is perfectly absorptive and
absorbs all sound
•NRC of .75: The material absorbs 75% of sound
energy

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❑ NRC is expressed as a decimal, rounded to the nearest
0.05. The higher the NRC, the better the material is at
absorbing sound.
❑ NRC is calculated by averaging the sound absorption
coefficients of a material for four test frequency bands:
250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. The effectiveness of
acoustic products depends on the size of the space and
how the product is installed.
❑ Materials like carpet, acoustic panels, or foam typically
have higher NRC values and are effective at absorbing
sound

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ACOUSTIC DESIGN IN BUILDING
ELEMENTS

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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN WALLS
1. Seal Gaps: Use caulk or
weatherstripping to fill cracks and
gaps around outlets, baseboards, and
windows.
2. Add Soft Materials: Hang thick
blankets, curtains, or rugs on the walls
to absorb sound.
3. Install Acoustic Panels: Stick foam
panels or fabric-wrapped boards to
the walls.
4. Rearrange Furniture: Place heavy
furniture, like bookshelves, against the
wall to block noise.

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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN WALLS
1. Seal Gaps: Use caulk or
weatherstripping to fill cracks
and gaps around outlets,
baseboards, and windows.
2. Add Soft Materials: Hang thick blankets,
curtains, or rugs on the walls to absorb sound.
3. Install Acoustic Panels: Stick foam panels or
fabric-wrapped boards to the walls.
4. Rearrange Furniture: Place heavy furniture,
like bookshelves, against the wall to block
noise.
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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN WALLS
1. Seal Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to fill
cracks and gaps around outlets, baseboards,
and windows.
2. Add Soft Materials: Hang
thick blankets, curtains, or
rugs on the walls to absorb
sound.
3. Install Acoustic Panels: Stick foam panels or
fabric-wrapped boards to the walls.
4. Rearrange Furniture: Place heavy furniture,
like bookshelves, against the wall to block
noise.
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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN WALLS
1. Seal Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to fill cracks
and gaps around outlets, baseboards, and windows.
2. Add Soft Materials: Hang thick blankets, curtains, or
rugs on the walls to absorb sound.

3. Install Acoustic Panels:

Stick foam panels or fabric-
wrapped boards to the walls.
4. Rearrange Furniture: Place heavy furniture,
like bookshelves, against the wall to block
noise.

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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN WALLS
1. Seal Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to fill
cracks and gaps around outlets, baseboards,
and windows.
2. Add Soft Materials: Hang thick blankets,
curtains, or rugs on the walls to absorb sound.
3. Install Acoustic Panels: Stick foam panels or
fabric-wrapped boards to the walls.

4. Rearrange Furniture: Place

heavy furniture, like
bookshelves, against the
wall to block noise.
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BASIC
SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN FLOORS
1. Use Rugs or Carpets: Place
thick rugs or carpets with an
underlay to absorb sound.
2. Add Floor Mats: Use
soundproofing mats or foam
tiles under furniture or in high-
traffic areas.
3. Seal Gaps: Fill gaps between
the floor and walls with
acoustic sealant.
4. Furniture Padding: Add felt
pads or rubber feet to furniture
legs to reduce vibrations.

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BASIC SOUNDPROOFING
METHOD IN CEILINGS
1. Acoustic panels: These panels are
made of sound-absorbing materials
and can be installed on ceilings to
reduce echoes and reflections.
2. Acoustic mineral wool: This dense
material is often used in ceiling
cavities to absorb sound.
3. Ceiling fabric: Drape fabric over
wires stretched between two walls.
This is a non-permanent solution that
can be removed when needed.
4. Ceiling clouds: These panels are
hung parallel to the ceiling and
absorb sound waves.
5. Drywall: Add an extra layer of
drywall to make the ceiling denser
and block sound.
ACOUSTIC DOORS
AND WINDOWS
Acoustic doors and windows
are essential components in
managing sound transmission
within buildings. They provide
crucial sound isolation,
enhancing privacy and comfort
in various settings from
recording studios to residential
spaces. Proper selection,
installation, and maintenance
are key to achieving optimal
acoustic performance.
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 ACOUSTIC DOORS

TYPES OF ACOUSTIC DOORS

• Solid core doors made from dense materials like wood, metal, or
composite
• Hollow metal doors filled with sound-absorbing materials (mineral wool,
fiberglass)
• Doors with integrated acoustic seals and gaskets around the perimeter
• Double doors with an air gap between them for increased sound
isolation
• Sliding or folding acoustic doors for space-saving applications

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 ACOUSTIC DOORS

DOOR SEALS AND GASKETS

• Acoustic door seals and gaskets are used to minimize sound leakage
through gaps around the door
• Common types include compression seals, brush seals, and magnetic
seals
• Seals are typically made from resilient materials like neoprene, silicone,
or polyurethane
• Proper installation and adjustment of seals are critical for optimal
performance
• Regular inspection and replacement of worn or damaged seals are
necessary to maintain acoustic integrity
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 ACOUSTIC DOORS

AUTOMATIC DOOR BOTTOMS

• Automatic door bottoms are devices that seal the gap between the
bottom of the door and the floor when the door is closed
• They are particularly useful for uneven or sloping floors where a fixed
threshold cannot provide a consistent seal
• Automatic door bottoms can be surface-mounted or mortised into the
door
• They are activated by the closing action of the door, which triggers a
plunger or drop seal to extend and contact the floor
• Some models feature adjustable drop heights and replaceable seal
inserts for easy maintenance
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 ACOUSTIC DOORS

ACOUSTIC DOOR FRAMES

• Acoustic door frames are designed to complement the sound-isolating
properties of acoustic doors
• They are typically made from heavy-gauge steel or aluminum with
integral acoustic seals
• Some frames feature adjustable jamb depths and removable stop
moldings for easy installation and maintenance
• Proper sealing between the frame and the surrounding wall
construction is essential to prevent sound flanking
• Acoustic door frames may also incorporate sound-absorbing materials
like mineral wool or fiberglass in the cavities to further reduce sound
transmission 43
 ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

TYPES OF ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

• Fixed windows with laminated or insulated glass units
• Operable windows (casement, awning, sliding) with specialized
acoustic seals and hardware
• Secondary glazing systems that add an extra layer of glass or acrylic to
an existing window
• Windows with integral sound-absorbing materials (quilted fiberglass,
mineral wool) in the frame cavities
• Electrochromic or thermochromic glass that can adjust its tint to control
light and heat transmission
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 ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

LAMINATED VS INSULATED GLASS

• Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded together
with a plastic interlayer (PVB, EVA) that dampens sound vibrations
• Insulated glass units (IGUs) feature two or more glass panes separated
by a sealed air space that reduces heat transfer and sound
transmission
• Combining laminated and insulated glass can provide both sound
isolation and thermal insulation benefits
• The thickness and composition of the glass panes and interlayer can
be optimized for specific acoustic performance targets
• Laminated glass also offers safety benefits by holding together when
shattered, reducing the risk of injury 45
ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

LAMINATED VS INSULATED GLASS

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 ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

WINDOW FRAME MATERIALS

• Acoustic window frames are typically made from materials with high
mass and stiffness to minimize vibration and sound transmission
• Common frame materials include aluminum, steel, wood, and uPVC
• Aluminum frames are durable, low-maintenance, and can be thermally
broken to improve energy efficiency
• Steel frames offer the highest strength and security but may require
corrosion protection
• Wood frames provide a traditional aesthetic and good thermal
insulation but require regular maintenance
• uPVC frames are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and resistant to
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weathering and decay
 ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

ACOUSTIC WINDOW SEALS

• Acoustic window seals are used to minimize sound leakage through
gaps between the frame and the operable sash
• Common types include compression seals, fin seals, and bubble
gaskets
• Seals are typically made from flexible materials like silicone, EPDM, or
thermoplastic elastomers
• The design and placement of seals should allow for smooth operation
of the window while maintaining consistent contact with the frame
• Some acoustic windows feature multiple layers of seals for enhanced
sound isolation
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ACOUSTIC DOORS
AND WINDOWS
Techniques to Improve Acoustic
Performance
• Proper sealing to minimize sound
leaks.
• Installing acoustic panels or curtains
for windows.
• Use of sound-dampening materials
around door frames and window
sills.
Testing and Standards
• ISO and ASTM standards for
acoustic performance testing.
• Importance of compliance with local
building codes.
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 HVAC SYSTEM
What is an HVAC SYSTEM?

• An HVAC system, or heating,

ventilation, and air conditioning
system, is a system that regulates
the temperature and air quality in a
building. HVAC systems are used in
many types of buildings, including
residential, commercial, industrial,
and institutional buildings.

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Different Types Of HVAC SYSTEMS

• Split systems: The most common type of HVAC system in residential

buildings, split systems have separate components for heating and
cooling. A thermostat controls the temperature for the entire building.
• Hybrid split systems: Another type of HVAC system.
• Duct free (Mini-split) systems: Another type of HVAC system.

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Split HVAC System

What is an Split HVAC SYSTEM?

A split system HVAC is a heating or
cooling system that has two main
units, one inside and one outside,
which is why it's called a "split"
system. Split systems can be a good
choice for many people because they
are efficient and can be customized
to meet individual needs.
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Hybrid Split HVAC System

What is an Hybrid Split HVAC SYSTEM?

The hybrid split system uses both a furnace
and an electric heat pump. A heat pump is a
much more efficient energy alternative than
relying on electricity alone. It means that
only during colder days you will use the gas
for heating. The hybrid heat split system is
the best choice for your home in warmer
regions.
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Duct Free (Mini-Split) System

What is a Duct Free ( Mini-Split) System?

A ductless air conditioner, also known as a
mini-split system, is a heating and cooling
system that doesn't use ductwork. Ductless
systems are a good option for homes without
ductwork, older homes, and room additions.

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STANDARDS AND REAL WORLD
EXAMPLES

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THE ASTM COMMON STANDARD

• ASTM C423: A test method that measures a material's sound absorption in a

reverberation room. The test measures the amount of sound reflected from the
material compared to an open ceiling tile. The average sound absorption coefficient
for each frequency is calculated to determine the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC),
which ranges from 0.00 to 1.00.
• ASTM E966: A standard guide for measuring airborne sound attenuation of building
facades and facade elements. The test procedure involves placing a loudspeaker
outside the test area and measuring sound pressure levels on the exterior surface of
the facade and in the interior room.
• E1374: A standard guide for office acoustics.
• E2374: A standard guide for acoustic emission system performance.

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THE ISO COMMON STANDARD

• ISO 15665:2003
• Defines the acoustic performance of pipe insulation for cylindrical steel pipes and
their components. It also provides guidance on how to determine the required
class and extent of insulation for a particular application.
• ISO 1996-1:2016
• Provides guidance on how to predict how a community might respond to long-
term exposure to environmental noises. It also describes adjustments for sounds
with different characteristics, such as impulsiveness, tonality, and low-frequency
content.
• ISO 140-14:2004
• Provides guidelines for measuring airborne and impact sound insulation in
special situations, such as in rooms with unusual shapes or volumes.
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THE ISO COMMON STANDARD

• ISO 22955:2021
• Covers the acoustic quality of open office spaces. It applies to refitting projects
and layout projects for new spaces.
• ISO 23591:2021
• Covers acoustic quality criteria for music rehearsal rooms and spaces.
• ISO 9295
• Specifies four methods for determining the sound power levels emitted by
machinery, equipment, and products.
• ISO standards are internationally agreed upon by experts and are considered to be a
formula for describing the best way to do something.

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Why Acoustic Control Important:

1. In School
2. In Theaters
3. In Office

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IN SCHOOL
Acoustic control and HVAC are important
in schools because they contribute to a
better learning environment and overall
well-being for students and staff:

Improved focus
Reduced noise levels help students focus and
concentrate, which can lead to better comprehension
and learning outcomes.
Enhanced communication
Clear audio allows for better communication and
collaboration between students and teachers.
Reduced stress
Acoustic solutions can help minimize auditory fatigue
and stress, which can contribute to a more productive
and supportive learning environment.
Better well-being
A peaceful environment promotes a sense of well-being
and comfort for building occupants.
In Theater:
Acoustic control and HVAC are both
important in theaters because they help
to create a better experience for the
audience

Acoustic control
Helps to enhance the sound quality of a
performance and reduce unwanted
noise. This is important for creating an
immersive experience for the audience,
and ensuring that everyone can hear the
performance clearly.

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In Office
Acoustic control in HVAC systems is important
in offices because it can improve the quality of
the indoor environment, which can lead to
increased productivity, enhanced comfort, and
better communication:

Improved focus and concentration:

Reduced noise can help people
concentrate and be more productive.
Enhanced comfort: A peaceful
environment can promote a sense of well-
being and comfort.
Better communication: Clear audio can
allow for better communication and
collaboration.
Positive perception: A quiet building can
reflect a professional and well-maintained
environment.
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THE CHALLENGES ON HAVING
HVAC’S
• Budget constraints frequently pose significant challenges in HVAC installation and
maintenance. High upfront costs for equipment and installation can strain budgets,
particularly for larger systems or in older buildings requiring extensive renovations.
Ongoing maintenance expenses, including filter replacements, repairs, and professional
servicing, can also be substantial, leading to difficult choices between immediate needs
and long-term system health. Finding a balance between affordability and efficient,
reliable climate control is a constant struggle for many homeowners and businesses.
• Space limitations present a significant challenge when incorporating HVAC systems.
Limited floor space can restrict the size and placement of units, potentially impacting
airflow and overall system efficiency. High ceilings in large spaces can make it difficult to
distribute air evenly, leading to temperature inconsistencies and discomfort. Furthermore,
the need to accommodate other building elements, such as structural beams or existing
infrastructure, can further complicate HVAC installation and design. Finding a balance
between efficient climate control and maximizing available space often requires creative
solutions and careful planning. 63
THANK YOU!