Acoustics SANS Standards

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ACOUSTICS m
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
ADVICE FOR THE DESIGN TEAM SECOND EDITION
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Edited by DUNCAN TEMPLETON

[This document contains 174
pages
Acoustics in the Built Environment
Page blank
in original

Advice for the design team
Second edition
MIOA, RIBA BArch(Hons),MSc(Acoustics), BSc(Hons), MSc, MbA, CEng, MIMechE
Duncan Templeton (Editor)
Peter Sacre
Peter Mapp BSc, MSc (Acoustics), MIOA, MInstP, FInstSCE,AMIEE

David Saunders
BSc(Hons), PhD
ArchitecturalPress An imprintof Butterworth-Heinemann Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford 0X2 8DP A division of Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd
A member ofthe Reed Elsevierplc group

OXFORD BOSTON JOHANNESBURG
MELBOURNE NEW DELHI SINGAPORE
First published 1993 Second edition 1997
Reed Educational and ProfessionalPublishing Ltd 1997

All rights reserved. No part of this publication
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A catalogue recordfor this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloguingin Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the Library of Congress
ISBN 07506 3644 0
British Library Cataloguingin Publication Data
Composition by Genesis Typesetting,Laser Quay, Rochester, Kent Printed and bound in Great Britain by MPG Books Ltd, Bodmin, Cornwall
Contents
Acknowledgements vi Contributors vii Introduction

1
Chapter3: Services noise andvibration 85

tions; Vibration; Installation; References
Peter Sacre and Duncan Templeton Background; Setting design objectives; Design considera-
Chapter4: Sound systems 110

Peter Mapp
Chapter 1: Environmental acoustics 7

Peter Sacre Environmental
appraisals; Site analysis; Transportation noise; Construction noise; Industrial noise; Leisure noise; 5: Technical information 132 Groundborne vibration; New developments as a noise Chapter David Saunders source; References Definitions; Equivalent Standards; International Standards; German National Standards; American National acoustics 35 Standards Institute; American Society for Testing and 2: Chapter Design Duncan Templeton Materials Standards; French Standards; British Standards Sound insulation; Sound absorption; Criteriafor different Index 161 building types; References
Introduction; System planning; Design principles; System design and components; Speech intelligibility; References
Acknowledgements
We
are indebted to colleagues who have given us assistanceandadvice during the compilation of this book including as follows: Calvin Beck of United Cinemas International; David Belton of BDP; Ian Blackburn, DirectorofBuilding Development, Royal Albert Hall;Jeff Charles of Bickerdike Allen Partners; Richard Cowelland Rob HarrisofArup Acoustics;Laurence Haslem of Sandy Brown Associates; Niels Jordan of Jordan Akustik; Professor Peter Lord of the Universityof Salford Department ofApplied Acoustics andBDPAcoustics;Rob Metkemeijer of Peutz & Associs BV; Victor Robinson of Robinson & McllWaine;Eve Templeton.
Contributors
Duncan Templeton Peter set up his own practice in 1984, to specialize in As a specialist practising architect, Duncan Templeton, sound system design and room acoustics. Before this he BArch(Hons), MSc(Acoustics),MIOA, RIBA, is Director worked for two of the UK's largest general acoustic of BDP Acoustics Ltd (a subsidiary of Building Design consultancies,where he was involvedwith all typesofnoise Partnership, the largest architectural practice in the UK). control and architectural projects.
Feasibilitystudies have included investigationsand prediction work at Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and Royal Opera House. Theatre and conference consultancies include The Swan, High Wycombe; North Wales Theatre, Llandudno; garrison theatres at Rheindahlen andHerfordin Germany.Music consultancies include the new City of Leeds College of Music building and Tonbridge School Chapel, Kent. TV work clients comprise Granada Television, BBC, and Yorkshire Tyne-Tees Television. Environmental expert testimony topics include quarries, wind farms, andtransport interchanges. He is a visiting lecturer at Humberside and Lincolnshire University, and the UniversitiesofManchester andSalford.He is the co-author ofthree books on architectural acoustics:
Design.
He has a particularinterest in the loudspeaker/room interface, and in speech-intelligibilitymeasurementand prediction. He has presented papers and seminars on these topics both in the UK and abroad. Peter regularly carries out technical reviews for a numberofpublications, andis the author ofmore than 40 articles and papers. He has contributed to three international references on acoustics and electroacoustics. Sound systems with which Peter has been involved include: the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre; the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club Stadium; plus the Broadgate Arena, the British Museum, and Waterfront Hall,
Belfast.
DetailingforAcoustics, The ArchitectureofSound, andAcoustic David Saunders
Peter Sacre Peter Sacre, BSc(Hons), MSc, MbA, CEng, MIMechE, has been employed in the field ofacoustic consultancy for 20 years. He is presently responsible for managing the Wilmslow office of Sound Research Laboratories Ltd, having been an Associate of BDP Acoustics Ltd and head ofthe Acoustics Departmentat WimpeyLaboratories Ltd. He is involved primarily with environmental, planning and architectural projects. Tasks he has undertaken include environmental assessmentsfor the ChannelTunnel fixed link and the subsequent acoustic design of the Folkestone Terminal, extensive noise monitoring around RAF airfields, design and supervision of acoustics for the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, predictions for the South Warwickshire Prospect coal mine, and a coalloading facility and open-cast mine in NSW, Australia, when he was resident there. Peter Mapp Peter Mapp, BSc, MSc (Acoustics), MbA, MInstP, FInstSCE, AMIEE, is an independentacoustics and sound systemsdesign consultant.
DavidSaunders graduatedfrom the UniversityofNottingham in 1964 with a first class honours degree in Physics. He was awarded a PhD from the Universityof St Andrews in 1967 for a research project in solid state physics. He thenjoined the Physics Departmentat the Universityof Salford to work with a small group doing researchin the field of building acoustics. This group developed and in 1975 the DepartmentofApplied Acoustics was formed. It is now the secondlargest acoustics research and teaching department in the UK, and David is now Head of Department. His original research was concerned with subjective reaction to noise and vibration and general building acoustic problems. However, for the last eight years his interest has been in studying the propagation and effects of high level impulsive noise. His consultancy experience covers a wide range of environmental and noise control problems, in particular the assessment of the impact of transportation and industrial development. He has carried out work for industry, local government, building and architectural firms andlegal organizations, and has representedclients at planningapplications and appeals.
Introduction
stereotypes: the the the glossy, and mathematical/theoretical, primers, the practical. The glossy may centre on auditoria, the practical on services noise, but it is difficult to find a really useful day-to-day reference covering a range of acoustics issues in the building technology in its widest sense. Sound is different to each discipline: to a sociologist it is a stimulus eliciting a range of subjective responses, to a physicist it is a measurable phenomenon with varying propagatory character, to the structural engineer vibration is the issue, to the mechanical engiBooks
on acoustics fall into several
Figure 1.1 RAG Walsall external. Challenge ofkeeping out

motorway noise
neer it is noise control. Environmental noise matters transportation, industry may impinge on the planner's
considerations. The architect may come across sound as a characteristic ofkey spaces (e.g. studios, auditoria) and in providing adequate isolation and privacy to areas within a building. What seems to be wanted, and does not exist, is a technical thesaurus covering practical reference needswithoutflannel and undue mathematics, offering concise guidance and assisting in design meth-
odology. A designer does not want to calculate from basic theory how a partition assemblywill achieve certain sound insulation values; he will want to check his design intent against performance tables, have some idea from other tables about the internal needs and externalnoise exposure, and either adjust his design or use the data as a performancespecification for suppliers to implement. The need for value for money in noise control and general acoustic design, i.e. to justifi a level of performance to a client and avoid overkill,shouldbe recognized, with the emphasis on consistent standards, evenly applied, for maximum effect.
Figure 1.2 RAG Walsall internal. Challenge ofseparatingengine test beds from office areas
Acousticsin the Buift Environment
The scope for advice is more and more apparent: the environment is getting noisier, the standards demanded higher, ventilation andsound systems more sophisticated, computer-aided instrumentation and prediction techniques more reliable and accurate (Figures 1.1 and 1.2). We want this book to appeal to a wide audience clients, project managers, and students, as well as architects, mechanical, electrical and sound system engineers. Eachofthe headings generates a separate approachand different disciplines can refer to the relevant chapter, although there is a greatdealofoverlap (Diagram 1.1). The clean ideals of theory are inevitablycompromised on the rack offast tracksite progress;judgementsandadvicehave often to be given based on half-truths and inadequate information. Good acoustic study techniques are sometimes too cumbersome: on a recent auditorium physical modelling exercise, the project was tendered before research results could be applied. If advice in this book nudges designers and engineers in the right direction once in a while,that is asmuchas we couldexpect. Timelyadvice duringthe design, construction, and early use ofbuildings is the aim (Diagrams1.2 1.4). As practising acousticians we come across 'runs' of design issues in design sectors. In offices it may be 'how noisy can it possibly be before the building has to be sealed rather than naturally ventilated to the perimeter?'
The cost constraints are such that developers are very reluctant to have sealed buildings in speculative offices. Similarly, hotels sprout on busy interchanges to catch the passing trade, and commercial business parks crowd the airports. Leisure centres group innovative combinations
of noisy activity.
Many developments are of such a scale now that new infrastructure transport, landscape and topography is entailed long before the building work starts. Many building complexes are of such a scale that the initial contractis a mere shell for fit-out contracts by numerous tenants, so there is a shift in the approachto lookingafter the client's interests. Novel building types, like trading rooms, microchip production facilities, multiplex cinemas and theme parks, demand assessment in the absence of published data. Relationships to other professions can get complex (Diagram 1.5). Legislation is a key issue, not only because of the closer compatibility to European standards, but also because of far-reaching statutes, for example the Noise Act 1996, the Noise at Work Regulations and the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environment Effects) Regulations. The first gives local authorities powers to fine peoplewho create excessive noise at night and confiscate noisy equipment,the second tightens the legal duties of employers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, to
C a,
Classification Airborne noise Vibration Transportation

Impact
Rural, industrial Transportation, industrial premises, ground vibration Roads + 15 years of development break-out at boundary Site planning, zoning to road noise, Natural or mechanical location of plant rooms roof, basement,integral
o >0
LU C
CO
Cl'
Cd
0 0
.9)
a
Cd
Planning Screening Ventilation Plant acoustics Room Sound insulation Sound systems
HVACnoise
ou
5
Workmanship Manufacturer
selections
>
HVAC noise acoustics Room Separation Trouble shooting Remedialwork

Diagram 1.1 Checklist: stages ofdesign
Compared to criteria
Introduction CONSTRUCT BUILDING IN USE
Diagram 1.2 Regulatory authorities and examples oflegislation
BUILDINGTYPE PLANNING
BUILDING CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTh Control of Pollution
FACTORY
OTHER
INSTALLATIONS Offices, Shops and

Railway
Town & Country

PUBLIC
Planning Act,
1971
Licensing
justices
S.29
Act 1974
premises Act, 1963

S.21
Public Health Acts, Amendment Act,

1980
Private Places of Entertainment
Town& Country
(Scotland) Acts,
1972, 1977
COMMERCIAL
S.38, 62, 68 Control ofsources ofnoise and vibration S60, 61 Limits on site Construction noise
(Licensing) Act, 1967 Late Night Refreshment Houses Act, 1969 Health and Safety at Work(etc.) Act, 1974 EECdirect /188
Town& Country
Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 BS4142: 1990
DOE circulars 10/73
Environmental
Protection
Act
INDUSTRIAL
2/76 1/85 SDD circular

DWELLINGS
1990 BS 5228: 1997NoiseControl on Construction and oDen sites Noise and Statutory Nuisance
Act 1993
Building Regulations 1992. SoundE1/213 Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1981 Building Regulations (NI) 1971 as amended.
TheNoise Act 1996 Noise at work HSE guidance/ Regs 1990
23/73 Noise Insulation Regulations 1975
HEALTH
Hospital design note 4 (Amendment HN 76/126) DHSSDATA sheet

DH1.2
Diagram 1.3 Statutes: sample reference publications
Acoustics iii the Built Environment

DESIGN/SUPERVISE
________________________________________________
I I
CONSTRUCT/INSTALL
DESIGN
________________________________________________
I I
_______________________________________
TENDER
___ ___
COMPONENT SELECTION
I I I
SUPPLIER/ SUBCONTRACTOR APPOINTED
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_______________________ I I
I
CHECK TOTAL SYSTEM

I
LABORATORY TESTS, VALIDATION
__
I
SUPPLY SAMPLES
__
_______________________ _______________________
I I I
WORKMANSHIP
___________________________________________
STS
OR
________________
WITNESSING
Diagram 1.4 Designand construction stages
MAINSTREAM PROFESSIONS
ARCHITECT
RICAL \
__________________________________
QUANTITYSURVEYOR TOWN PLANNER

MECHANICAL ENGINEER ENGINEER CIVIL ENGINEER STRUCTURAL ENGINEER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
I I I I I I
SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS
MANAGER
PROJECT
_
_________________________________________________
_________
LIGHTING ACOUSTIC ENERGY SYSTEMS DUST/POLLUTION
GENERAL PRACTICE
I I
SPECIALIZATION
Diagram 1.5 Design disciplines: context ofacoustic consultancyto other skills in the buildingindustry
minimize hearingdamage; the third defines environmental assessment for any major projects of more than local importance or projects in sensitive areas. Newor amended legislation is available relating to key aids, for example part E ofthe Building Regulations, BS 4142 and BS 6472. Legal processes for noise abatement of course deserve proper legal advice, but ChristopherPenn's The Law and its Enforcementis a useful starting point. 'Environmental acoustics' covers a topic largely overlooked to date but is a growth areain consultancy because of the real concern that Green issues raise. Increasingly, road noise is universal and there are few truly quiet spots left on the mainland UK. Thirty-two million people are exposed to 'high' (5575 dBA) levels of noise. Protection techniques to properties alongside roads vary from UK rustic timberto Swiss curved glazing. Environmental noise has become an everydayissue: in 1978, there were 17980 complaints to local authorities about environmental noise. By 1982, the number ofcomplaints had grown to 33014, rising each year to reach 111 151 in 1993, and nearly 145000 in 1994, the last year that statisticsare available. 'Design acoustics' too has been well served in publications but the authors feel there is increasing need for more detailed advice specific to buildings' uses; one can no longergeneralize andsuggest a single set ofcriteria for say studios or practice rooms. More and more, the designeris setting performancecriteria only, for specialist suppliers and installers to implement. 'Services noise and vibration' have been reasonably served by a number of publications to date, for example the Sound Research Laboratories' NoiseinBuildingServices and Beranek and Ver's Noise and Vibration Control Engineering Chapter 3 complements existing advice rather than competes. An increasing proportion of buildings are mechanically ventilated, and economic and space pressures lead to a tendency to higher velocity duct systems where good control is critical. 'Sound systems' have been considered in systems manuals and electronics guidesbut the applications here of interest relate to speech intelligibility (PA), audibility (fire alarms), sound quality in particular spaces (sound reinforcement) and electroacoustics (modifring the way auditoriasound),applications directly related to building projects and to acoustics, rather than attemptingto cover the rapidly-changing equipmentfield. There are a number ofprofessionswith a useful half-knowledge electrical engineers, systemsspecialists, theatre consultants butthe areafalls dangerously between professions as regards full
Professor Stephen Hawking, who popularized cosmology and astrophysics with a bestseller, A BriefHistory of Time, was advised by his publisher that 'each equation included would halve the sales'. Perhaps the publisher has the last laugh, as the 1996 version is An Illustrated Brief History of Time. Our objective has been to produce reference material of the greatest use in an attractive format with minimal essential formulaesupportingthe methodology. In Chapter 5 we address the working knowledge of acoustic terminology, relevant standards in the UK and worldwide, and up-to-date information sources. Some of the topics arise from the course notes for a university degreein acoustics.Sucha courseis a general grounding for acoustics, as opposed to being specificallyrelated to the built environment. The technology and analysis techniques are advancing quickly, so there will be in the near future more data available to analyse, define and accurately commission criteria set on projects. Acoustic measurement equipment has reduced in weight and size dramatically, while its ability to collect, and hold in memory, data has increased equally dramatically.Chapter 5 is a summary ofdefinitions overlapping with the topics covered in the chapters, intended as a quick reference source to ensure that terms quoted in performance specificationdocuments are correctly ascribed, or alternatively to interpret, in a dictionary style, terms comeacross in contractdocuments or technical reports. The most relevant standards have been selected and it has been a difficult decision to decide how much to include on this; database keywords generate many hundreds of standards but the 'first port of call' reference should be given otherwise any oracle referred to will be too broad andmeaningless. A problemwith quotinglarge numbers of standards is the constant updating; any standardquoted herein should therefore be checked for any amendments subsequent to publication. The humorist Max Frisch defined technology as 'the knack of so arranging the world that we don't have to experience it'. This book tries to make design acoustics less of a black art or science, by giving concise and economically reasonable advice, topic by topic. This secondedition, promptedby the sell-outofthe first, allows general updating of references and guidance with the introductionof some newcase studies.
and reliable documentation; it becomes all too tempting to 'leave it to the trade'. Sound systems are an intrinsic part of any modern performancespace.
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in original
Chapter acoustics
Peter Sacre
Environmental
This chapterlooks at the need for an acoustic appraisal, what needs to be considered for a site inspection or survey, the types of environmental noise sources that could be encountered, and identifies those factors that need to be considered when investigatingthe impact of a development on its surroundings, including environmental impact assessments.
Needfor an acoustic appraisal An appraisal may be required for one of the following reasons: to assess possible site constraints Environmental appraisals as part ofan Environmental Statement to accompany a Planning Application. Introdudion The initial assessment that needs to be made for any In the latter case, an acoustics assessmentcouldbe oneof development takes accountof its location in the environ- several issues to be covered or it may be required as an ment. Thus environmental acoustics needs to be con- independentstudy. sidered at the outset, whether it is the consideration of The route taken to identify the need for an appraisal is planningissues which take accountof the possible effect shown on Diagram 1.1. of a development on its surroundings or whetherit is the effect of an external noisy climate on that proposed Specialist help Once the need for an acoustic appraisal has been agreed, development. The need to considerenvironmental acoustics has been specialist advice is available from a number of acoustics given more emphasis now that environmental issues consultants. These can be found via professional bodies generally are ofuniversal concern.The publication of the such as the Institute of Acoustics or the Association of Government's White Paper on the Environment [1] Noise Consultants. Often the local authority will keep a added weight to this consideration by requiring an register ofacoustics consultants ableto undertakeappraisenvironmental assessmentfor significant schemes. als within their area.
Effect on External noise
or vibration
I construction, mineral extraction sources
e.g. Transportation, industrial,
Diagram 1.1 Acowstic appraisal:need
Site survey/inspection
J
Set design criteria
Acoustic appraisal
______
Predict noise/vibration climate
Assess climate against criteria
details. Although it would be possible to undertake prediction withoutmeasuredsite data in situations where there is sufficientlyreliable publishedinformation, e.g. noise due to road traffic, a site inspection would provide site-specific factors which would assist in the exercise. Prediction ofvibration on a site is extremely complicated and measurement must always be the preferredmethod. The differences between the predictednoise or vibration climate and the design criteria will identify the scale of any potential problem. An assessment will need to determine whether any additional control measures are necessary and practicable. Obviously, small differences may not warrant huge expenditure and agreementmust be soughtwith all interested partiesto determinethe best courseofaction. Wherecontrol methodsare required,the appraisal should identify the best methods.
Identify noise control
Diagram 1.2 Acowstic appraisal: requirements
Site analysis Site inspection
Theappointmentofanacoustic consultant canbedirect The site survey is probably the most importantpart of an to theclientoron asubcontract basisto thelead consultant acoustic appraisal, whetherit is only a site inspection or a full measurement survey, since it will determine the (often the architect),as part ofa design team. location of noise-sensitive areas and noise sources and other local factors needed to make an accurate assessMethod ofacoustic appraisal The basic requirements ofan acoustic appraisal are shown ment, e.g. local shielding. If a full survey is being in Diagram 1.2. undertaken, the initial site inspection or pilot survey will The site survey or inspection will enable importantsite- identify the preferred measurementlocations. The items that needto be considered in undertakingan specificinformation to be obtained, suchas whetherthere are any local noise and/or vibration sources which may inspection are identified in Diagram 1.3. Diagram 1.3 also affect any new development, e.g. transportation routes or gives a checklist of the likely aims of an inspection. This industry, or whether there are any nearby noise-sensitive includes reference to local topography, particularly embankments or cuttings, which would provide significant areas, for example housing. In setting design criteria for a development, reference acoustic shielding but the details ofwhich would not easily will need to be made to such documentationas British be determinedfrom maps or plans. In determining noise Standards, to establish acceptable intrusive noise or from transportation routes,data suchas type andgradient vibration levels in a development, or possibly planning ofroad or type ofrailway trackproximity to airports civil conditions, which ensure that a development will not or military need to be obtained. affect a nearby noise-sensitive area. In some cases, Measurement locations need to be selected to be researchstudies may need to be referred to in addition to, representative of the local noise or vibration climate and or in the absence of, relevant standards. take account of site practicalities. This would include A prediction exercisewould, in the majority ofcases,be whether noise measurements need to be made at heights based on measured data taking account of site-specific greater than 1.5 m to obtain appropriate data. Short-
Site inspection to determine:
Obtain base data including up-to-date plans identifying site location
location Development Location of nearestdwellings or otherbuildings and Contact local authority to discuss local factors i.e. Noise-sensitiveareas periods of operation --. noise/vibration sources in area Noise-producing activities near the site Vibration sources Major Complaints received Local topography Transportation routes Measurement locations Indicative noise levels by short measurement Organize site access and check that abnormal
activities such as site investigations will not be taking place
Diagram 1.3 Site inspection
Environmental acoustics
period indicative measurements taken during a site inspection are helpful and can establish the preferred monitoring locations. The siteinspection also serves to identif'whetherthere are any local activitieswhich couldaffecta fullsurvey, e.g. transportation maintenance or industrial down-time period.
Contact with local authority
Measurement locations
Contact with the local authority, normally the Environmental Health Department (EHD), to discuss acoustic appraisal is necessary at some time during the contract. It is desirable therefore to agree any local factors that could affect the survey, including planning conditions. The EHD can identif' the nearest noise-sensitiveareas and/or any major noise/vibration sources in the area. It is also beneficial to know the pattern of complaints arising from noise nuisance.
Activities affecting the site
It is necessary to obtain, preferably before a full survey, the likely operating hours of a nearby industrial development or the likely movements on a transportation route, e.g. for railways the number of passenger and freight trains during certain periods should be obtained from Rail Track or the local railway, since the information collected on a particularday may not representthe total
picture.
Prior to any site visit, access to the site must be ensured possible. This will normally be by contact with the landowners or estate/lettingagents. This contactwill also need to be made before a site survey is undertaken to ensure that there are no other siteactivities taking place to invalidate the measurements, for example a clash with any site investigation must be avoided.
Once site access has been arranged and the presenceof any activities either on or close to the site has been checked, the basic survey requirements are as illustrated in Diagram 1.4 and as discussed below.
Survey procedure
Select noise and vibration measurementlocations, preferably in agreementwith the local authority Determine duration of the survey, e.g. 2 h or 2 days or 2 weeks and sampling, e.g. 1015 mm or continuous
[ Check weather to avoid windy or rainy conditions

Select measurementsunits
[ Select equipment types

Keeping records of results and events Analysis of results Reporting
1
I
Measurement locations should be agreed between all parties. Their selection will be basedon the site inspection and take account of site practicalities. For example, it is notalways best to set up equipment close to houses where dogs are present (although it could be argued that they couldbe considered as partofthe environment, it is likely thatbarkingis caused by the presenceofthe surveyor) but to selecta representative equivalent location. Temporary shielding of a potential noise source may also affect the measurements, and locations should be avoided if they screen a noise source. An example of temporary shielding is a builder'sstockpile of materials. A noise measurement location should always be selected with an unobstructedview of the proposeddevelopment and preferably at least 3.5m from a reflecting surface. In the case of nearby housing, it is often the first floor windowsthat are the most sensitive, i.e. bedrooms. Typicallythe heightsofmicrophones will be set at 1.2 m or 1.5 m above ground which correspond to a reception point at the ground floor level of a building. For a receptionheight at first floor level, a microphone height of 4.0 m or 4.5 m above ground using a stand extension may be more appropriate. If greaterheightsneed to be considered for a reception point, e.g. to representthe third floor height ofa building affected by road or railway shielded by a barrier at ground floor height (see Figure 1.1), then a hydraulic mast, which can typically go up to lOm to 12m in height, may be required. In order to reduce the amount of measurement equipment needed to measure at several locations, a primary location could be selected where continuous monitoring is carriedout, togetherwith satellite locations where regular but not continuous measurements are obtained. Typically, the primary location would be unmannedand the satellite locations manned. It may be possible, if a refurbished development is proposed, to use the existing building and position a microphone out of a window, at a distance of about 1 m from the facade. In this case an allowance for facade reflection will need to be made of approximately 3dBA. Once the distance is greater than 3.5m from a reflecting surface, the measurements obtainedat these locations will berelativelyfree-field.Sometimesa distance of10m from a reflecting surface is adoptedforfree-field measurements. Determination of groundborne vibration would typically be in order to assess its impact on a proposed development. Monitoring would need to take place at the part of the proposeddevelopment nearest the sourceand then at regular distances awayfrom the source. Vibration measurements should be made ensuring that the transducer is coupled effectively with the ground, or the surfaceto be measured. A heavy block placed in the soil is typically used to fix a transducer for ground measurements with the ability to allow measurements in the vertical, radial and transverse directions. Duration ofsurvey
Diagram1.4 Survey procedure
To determine the measurement periods required, it is necessary to identify the periods of operation of the proposed development and any noise/vibration sources nearby. For example, the likely operation of different
10
Acoustics
in the Built Environment
*Preferred microphone position

Second floor unshielded First and ground floors shielded
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
BARRIER
e.g. fence or earth bank
NOISE SOURCE
e.g. road or railway
Figure 1.1 Elevated monitoring need
mechanical services plant for an office development will affect the noise climate at different times of the day. The use of a development 24 h/day, 7 days/week, would also identi1' the need to survey at weekends. Typically, consideration needs to be given to assessment at night and the lowestambient/backgroundnoise levels normally occur between 02:00and04:00 hours. However, if the background noise levels are very low between 02:00 and 04:00 hours, it may be acceptable from a sleep disturbance pointofview to take 22:30to 00:00 hoursand 05:30 to 07:00 hours as the most sensitive periods. In describing noise/vibration climates, the Department of the Environment's Report of the Noise Working Party 1990 [21 defined the period 07:00 to 19:00 hours as 'daytime', 19:00 to 23:00 hours as 'evening' and 23:00 to 07:00 hours as 'night-time'. The subsequent publication of the Departmentof the Environment's Planning Policy Guidance (PPG 24) Planning and Noise [3] recommends the period 07:00 to 23:00 hours as daytime when considering the impact of general noise levels on
area. A small housing development affected only by a single industrial noise source known to maintain a continuous noise level may only take 23h at one location. The durationofsamples will be dependent on the noise climate; 1020 mm/h at different locations is normally sufficient. Vibration monitoringwould typically be of short duration since it is normally only the effectofvibration on the proposeddevelopment that is of interest. Thus measurements only need to take account of the maximum levels that would occur during, for example, train pass-bys or quarryblasting and the number ofoccurrences in a given period.
Weather
The preferred monitoring conditions are on a dry and clear day or night with a light wind blowing from the source towards the measurement location, or when it is calm. If the monitoringperiods are over a long duration then the effect of weather should not be important, dwellings. The durationof the survey will be dependent not only provided reasonably accurate information relatingto the on the hours of operation but also on the site of a weather can be obtained, and it will only be necessary to areas andasurvey avoid long spells ofwindy and rainy weather. development and/or the noise-sensitive carried out over a numberofdays would average out any High winds and heavy precipitation must be avoided differences occurring due to weather conditions. For during surveys. High or even moderate winds result in example, to establish the existing noise climate for a increased background noise levels dueto leavesrustlingin development on the scale of the ChannelTunnel Project trees or hedges and wind noise in fences. Even with a [41! required monitoring twice per year over a 2-week windshield, there can be wind 'roar' effects at the period including weekends at approximately 1520 loca- microphone itself. Therefore, conditions where wind tions surrounding the proposed Terminal development speeds are greater than 5 rn/s should be avoided. Rain
11
Table 1.1 Measurement units

Parameters to be determined Noise source Rail Noise unit Other data
SEL (to determine L&eq)

LMO, T LAeq, T
Road Aircraft Industrial
L
SEL
Number and type of trains

Traffic counts, light and heavy vehicles Number and types Occurrences of different activitiesand periods of operation
L L
(to determineLAeq)
LAeq,T
LA9O, T
LApeak (if impulsive)
Construction
UK:
LACq, T
LAI,T
Occurrences of differentactivitiesand periods and likely duration of events
varying with time.

LA9O, T
LAeq,TA-weightedequivalent continuous sound level over
a stated time period, T, the preferred measure of environmental noise
soundlevel exceeded for 90% of a measurement period, T, widelyused as the descriptor ofbackground, or ambient, noise. used for road traffic noise measurement. LAb, TA-weightedsound level exceeded for 10% of a measurement period, for of a measurement used to describe the maximum noise climate. sound level exceeded 1% T; period, LAb, TA-weighted A-weightedmaximum sound level
L,.,
USA: LDN Used widelyto assesscommunity noise. To determineLDN, LAeq. Tmustbe monitoredduring both daytime (07:0022:00
hours) and night time (22:0007:00hours).
could affect the measurement equipment and would create higher noise levels due to its impact on roofs or trees or causing the surface of a road to become wet (in wet conditions, tyre noise increases). Temperature inversions could also affect monitoring where long distances are involved but it is likely that variations due to wind would have more effect. Reasonably reliable and up-to-date information can always be obtained from regional weather centres. Weather information should always be recorded during any environmental survey and include wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and cloud cover.
Measurement units
range of units, it may be preferredto discount unwanted parameters at a later date. If vibration levels that are to be measured are steady then r.m.s. acceleration and/or r.m.s. velocity should be determined. Where the vibration levels are caused by intermittentor impulsivesources then the peakacceleration and/or peak velocity should be measured. For subsequent analysis, frequency spectra should also be
obtained.
Equipment
The various units and parameters for measuring environmental noise are definedin Chapter5. In undertakingan environmental noise survey the values identified in Table 1.1 shouldbe determinedfor differentnoise sources. The table also suggests additional parameters that should be
obtained. Consideration may need to be given to obtaining frequency spectra ofdistinctnoise sources, e.g. industrial plant, for subsequent design development purposes. When the impact of a particular noise source on a development is being assessed in isolation it may be possible to limit the range of parameters measured (see Table 1.1) but since most equipment records the full
The basic instrumentation for noise or vibration measurements, together with a checklist of requirements for instrumentation, is given in Table 1.2. Measurement equipment must be regularly calibrated, at least once every 2 years, and this calibration must be traceable via a for testing by the National Measurelaboratory accredited ment Accreditation Service (NAMAS). To determine environmental noise levels, a calibrated sound level meter complying with the requirements of preferably type 1 butatleasttype 2 as given in BS 6698 [5], or BS 5969 [6] should be used. The microphoneselected should always be protected by a windshield and shielded from heavy rain. In additionto usingequipmentcalibrated to a National Standard, the equipment should always be calibrated on site before and after any survey and at the beginning and
12
Acoustics in the BuiltEnvinmment
Table 1.2 Equipment selection

Basic instrumentation Noise
Vibration
Record keepingand reporting
Microphone Pre-amplifier Sound level meter Calibrator Windshield
of events, weather information, measurement locations and sample periods, in addition to the measureddata. Data need to be summarized and sound level histoare a good visual method of achieving this. Charts Accelerometer, suitably fixed grams sound/vibration level versus time can also be showing Chargeamplifier useful. The results offrequency analysescan be described Recording device, e.g. meter more effectively on a sound pressure or vibration level versus frequency (octave band or 1/3 octave band)
graph.
An important part of the survey procedure is to keep records ofall necessary data.This couldincludeatime log
Requirement checklist A Traceability: has equipment been calibrated for compliance with relevant standards within past 2 years, e.g. BS 6698 or BS 5969 Type 1 or Type 2? B Does equipmentcomply with specifications for required precision/type for measurements needed? C Could equipmentbe used in damp or windy conditions? D Power supply? E Frequency? F Time history?
If it is necessary to show all results, they can be provided in appendices. During a site survey, the types of environmental noise andvibration that are likely to be encounteredare dueto transportation, construction or industrial sources.A brief description ofeach is given belowwith relevant legislation criteria, suggested methods of prediction and noise control. A flowchart summarizing the process of acoustic appraisal is included in Diagram 1.5.
survey. Transportation noise Road traffic Noisesources Fighting Noise
A report shouldclearly identify the main results of any
end ofany tape recording, usinga reference soundsource typically either an electronic calibrator or
pistonphone. Where noise levels are being monitored over a long period of time and are therefore unmannedsome of the time, a reliable data logger coupled to a calibrated sound level meter or equivalent is required. Detailed consideration will need to be given to the power supply of long term monitoring equipment, and batteries may need to be regularly changed in colder weather. Where frequency spectra need to be obtained from a steady sound source this can readily be achieved on site usinga filter set coupled to the sound level meter. If the source is intermittent and/or impulsive, it may be necessary to tape record the occurrence for subsequent analysis or to use a Real Time Analyser for on-the-spot should be selected so as not to affect the accuracy of the measurements. Tape recordings should ideally be made linearly, i.e. not A-weighted, in order to improve the signal at low frequencies. Vibration levels can be recorded directly onto meters and time history records kept using chart recorders. Any frequency analysis of intermittentand/or impulsive sources ofvibration should be undertakenusingeither a tape recorder, or a real time analyser which ideally has a lower limiting frequency of 1 Hz or below. On-site calibration is normally achieved using an electronic signal, but it is preferable to use an accelerometer calibrator.
analysis.
The tape recorder or other recording device
in the 1990s [7], an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development publication, observes that road traffic noise is a major source of disamenity as between 32% and 80% of OECD populations were exposed to 18-h levels above 55 dBA. Noise sources of individual road vehicles can be basicallybrokendown to power train noise, which include the engine and transmission, and rolling noise, which is due to aerodynamics andtyre/road surface interaction. The effect of speed on the contributionof the power train noise androlling noise to the overall noise level from a single vehicle is shown in Figure 1.2. For light vehicles, engine noise in low gears at low road speeds dominates up to about 30 km/hwhere at higherrevolutions/mm rolling noise starts to become dominant. For heavyvehicles,noise from the diesel engine, exhaust and cooling fans dominatesup to about 50 km/h,before rolling noise becomes asignificant factor. Above50 km/h, rolling noise increases at a rate of about 9 dBA per doubling of speed for all vehicle categories. Thus the noise level due to a single vehicle can be determinedif its speed is known. The noise level due to road traffic with a mixed flow of light andheavy vehicles can be determinedfrom Cakulation ofRoad TrafficNoise [8]. It is basicallydependent on the flow of vehicles during a period of either 1 or 18 h
heavy vehicles. Additional factors are the texture of the road surface which affects rolling noise and the road gradientwhich affects enginenoise. Inwet conditions tyre noise increases; however, road traffic noise assessments assume dry road conditions. In addition to the engine/rolling noise there may be occasions when noise from refrigeration equipment or reversing signals need to be considered. Data for modern
(06:0024:00
hours), their speed and the proportionof
Eiivironmeatal acoustics
LIAISON PLANNING SURVEY
13
ON SITE
RESULTS
Diagram 1.5 Summary ofacoustic appraisalprocess refrigerated vehicles, i.e. not diesel engine powered, traffic noise is currently described in terms of LAeq, but it indicates that noise levels from equipmentwould typically has been converted from LAb levels. For most situations: LAeq,T LAb,T dB. In 95% of be 65dBA at lOm. suchconversions the estimated LAeq,TLSlikelyto be within Measurement unit 2dB of the 'true' value.
The measurementunit that has historically been used to described road traffic noise is LAb. LAb is the A-weighted soundlevelwhich is exceeded for 10% ofthe time period. The period normally used is 18h (06:0024:00 hours). The LAb,18 h noise level is the basis for determining eligibility under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 (see Legislation and criteria, below) [9]. LAeq, Tis the preferredunit formeasuring environmental noise generally and is the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level. However,in manyinstances, road
Legislation and criteria
In the UK, the main legislation dealingwith road traffic
3.axl, commercial v,hicl.s
3. axlecommercial vehidex E 2- axle commercial vel,icles

Buses and coaches
N
> 0 C
a-
2- axle commercialv.hlc*es
OOkg u.w.
Private cars and
litvse
S,eed(km/hI
Figure 1.2 Generalizedsound level/speedcharacteristicsfor

different vehiclecategories
noise is the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 [9]. This is issued under the Land Compensation Act 1973 [10]. These regulations were brought into force to compensate residents subjected to additional noise due to the use of new roads. Road construction noise is also included. If additional noise is at or above a specifiedlevel the affected residents receive a grant for acoustic double windows, supplementary ventilation, and, where appropriate,venetian blinds to control solar gain in south-facingwindows, anddouble orinsulated doors. The specifiedlevel is 68dB LA10 b8h These regulations do not apply to new housing. New housing or development should be appraised by PPG 24 [3]. The guidance proposes the followingnoise exposure categories (NECs) based on a 15-years-ahead predicted traffic flow: NEC D Planningpermission shouldnormally be refused where externalfree-fieldnoise levels are in excess of 72dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours), or 66dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) NEC C Planning permission should not normally be grantedwhere external free-field noise levels are in excess of 63dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours), or 57dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) but less than those in NEC D.
14
given then conditions requiringadequate protection against noise should be imposed. NEC B Noise should be taken into accountwhen determining planningapplications and, where appropriate, conditions requiringadequate noise protection should be imposed where external free-field noise levels are in excess of 55dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) or 45dB LAeq (23:0007:00) hours butless than those in NEC C. NEC A Noise need not be considered as a determining factor in granting planning permission where externalfree-field noise levels are below 55dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) and 45dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) However, noise levels just below these limits should not be regardedas desirable. For dwellingswith windowsopen for ventilation the noise levelsin NECA indicate that 45dBLAeq is acceptable internally during the day and 35 dB LAeq at night. There are no regulations governing acceptable noise levels in offices. However,BS 8233 [11] suggests that for private offices 4045 dB LAeq,- and in open-plan areas 4550 dB LAeq, T should be the aim. This indicates that where external noise levels are in excess of60dB LAeq or 63dB LAb, then a sealed office building with some form of mechanical ventilation is likelyto be required.
Prediction
Where it is considered that permission should be
An accurate procedurefor the prediction of noise due to freely-flowing road traffic is given by Calculation of Road
Stage 5 Combine contributionsfrom all seaments
Table 1.3 Typical road traffic noise levels based on BS 8233

Situation
LAiO, 18h LAeq, 16h
At 20 rn from the edge of a busy motorway carryingmany heavy vehicles,average traffic speed 100rn/h, interveningground
grassed
Diagram 1.6 Flow chartforpredicting noisefrom road

schemes
80
78
At 20m from the edge of a busy main road through a residential area, average traffic speed 50 rn/h, intervening ground paved On a residential road parallel to a busy main road and screenedby the houses from the main road traffic
70
68
60
58
Traffic Noise (CORTN) [8]. To determine noise levels in accordance with CORTN, it is necessary to know detailed information about the road geometry andsurface, topographyand likelyfuturetraffic parameters. The traffic flow 15 years after the date of interest should be considered. Depending on the road geometry and topography, the road is brokendown into segments and the resultantnoise level at a reception point is calculated for each segment and then combined to give an overall level. A flowchart showing the process is shown in Diagram 1.6. This calculation method is available as a computer program such as RoadNoise by W. S. Atkins & Partners (Epsom, Surrey) or HFA Noise by Halcrow Fox (London), and a large number of acoustic consultants have their own inhouse programs. Table 1.3 taken from BS 8233 gives an indication of traffic noise levels fordifferentroad types.Figure 1.3 from
Environmental acousbcs
15
90
85 -
......
. . . .
80-C
..
.
j75 70
> a
a)
65
. .
I::
50
10
I I I
Iii
50
100
500
1000
5000 10000
TRAFFIC FLOW, VEHICLES PER HOUR
Figure 1.3 Mixedflow road traffic noise at 10m (based on Reference 8)
20 ILLUMINATED ZONE SHADOW ZONE
0
C
15
0 0
Diffracting edge
10
Illuminated
zone
Effectiv
--
Shadow
b
zone
R
(
5
8=a+bc
point
Reception
1.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
Path difference, (m)
Figure 1.4 Barrierattenuation for road traffic noise [8]
CORTN gives the basic noise level at 10m from the nearside carriageway edge for traffic containing about 10% heavygoods vehicles (those over 1.5 tonnes) at up to 60km/h. This also assumes that the road surface is bitumenandrelativelylevel (gradient less than 3%). Ifthe traffic speed exceeds 60 km/h then the noise level will increase at a rate of approximately 6dBA/doubling of speed. If the percentageof heavyvehicles is greater than 10% then an approximate factor of 2dBA/doubling of heavyvehicle content could be used.
The propagation of traffic noise with distance is predominantly based on distance to the source, angle of view of the road, interveningground cover, andwhether any barriers exist between source and receiver. Typically, over ground covered with vegetation and a reception point not more than 4m above ground, the reduction in noise level could be as much as 7 dBA/doubling of distance. Over hard ground or an acoustically reflective surface such as concrete or water, the reduction in noise level will be 3 dBA/doubling of distance.
16
Acoustics
in the Built Ezivironment
100
95-
9075
70 65 60 20
Heavy vehicles
40
Speed (km/h)
60
80
100
120
Figure 1.5 Single-event road vehicle noise level at d!fferentspeeds
at a distance of10m [12]
D
a) > a) a)
U, U)
a)
-D C U)
100 95 90 85 80 75 70
65 60 55
50
63
125
250
500
Interrupted flow
1000
2000
Free flowing
4000
8000
Octave band centre frequency (Hz)
Figure 1.6 Frequency spectrafor dfferent road traffic flow conditions equivalent to 76dB LAb, 7-
The effect of barriers depends on the path difference Figure 1.5 provides an estimate of the single-event and it is importantto checkthat the line ofsight between exposure level at a distance of 10 m for light and heavy source, 0.5m above road surface, and receiver, typically vehicles for different speeds. This can be used to 1.5 m or 4.0 m above ground (ground and first floor determinethe overall noise level in terms of LAeq at 10m reception heights respectively) cuts the barrier (Figure for a number of vehicles. The overall level at a distance 1.4). The sourcefor light and mixed traffic is taken to be greater than lOm can then be estimated based on 0.5 m above the road surface, and for heavy vehiclesonly attenuation of 37dBA/doubling of distance depending can be taken to be typically 1.5m above the road surface. on the ground cover. There are also occasions when a The barrierneedsto extendasignificantway alongside the predictive exercise may become complicated anda measroad to provideeffective screening but if this is achieved urementis the only availablecourse ofaction, suchas at a the reduction canbe determinedfrom Figure 1.4. traffic-lightedjunction or a roundabout. The resultant noise levelsare normally given in terms of Alternatively,ifvehicle flows are low and measurements difficult to make, it maybe preferable to use the following a level at a particular point. However, provision of method based on the Noise Advisory Council guidance contours, particularlyon a site where the best location for [12]. a building is being determined, can be helpful. The
17
100
V
a)
>
a,
0
E
60 50
Figure 1.7 Noiselevels ofpassenger trains at dfferentspeeds
100
Speed (km/h)
150
200
at 25m [14]
predicted levels for road traffic noise will be overall speeds get higher, aerodynamic noise may become sigA-weighted single figures which can be converted to nificant, but that stage has not yet been reached in the typical octave band levels using the graphs shown in UK Figure 1.6. Measurement unit Train noise is measured in terms of the A-weighted Railways Noise sources equivalent continuous noise level,LAeq,T Although in the The predominantsources ofnoise dueto train movement past the period T has been taken as the full 24-h daily are propulsion equipment and wheel/rail interaction. period for railway noise, The NoiseInsulation(Railways and The propulsion equipment includes diesel locomotives Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1995 [15] anddiesel multiple units; noise from electric locomotives identif' the daytime (06:0024:00hours) and night-time andelectric multiple units is significantlylower than from (00:0006:00hours) periods. PPG 24:1994 [3] identifies diesel equivalents. In addition, auxiliary equipment,such the daytime (07:0023:00 hours) and night-time asventilation systems and othercarriage-mounted compo- (23:0007:00hours) periods. nents, can be sources of noise, and elevated structures, In order to determinethe LAeqovera given time period, such as bridges, tend to increase noise levels but both are it is often preferred to undertake a calculation using typically insignificant in the UK compared to diesel individual train pass-by levels. Thus the sound exposure locomotive and wheel/rail noise. In the US there are level (SEL) is measured for different train types; typically many steelelevated structures causing high noise levels. A this is at a distance of 25m. In addition, the maximum similar situation also occurswith Docklands LightRailway noise level is often measuredin order to assess the effect but it is predominantly at low frequencies [13]. The of train pass-bys on conversation and telephone use, for maximum noise level at 25 m from diesel locomotives is example. typically8595dBA [14]. Wheel/railnoise is due to the vibration ofboth caused Legislation and criteria by the action of one rolling over the other. The para- The Railway Noise Insulation Regulations [15] operate on meters that can affect this noise are the type of track, i.e. a similar basis to the Noise Insulation Regulations [9] for continuously welded rail (CWR) orjointed (+5 dBA), the road traffic noise. The specified levels are 68 dB LAeq 18h type of braking system, i.e. disc- or tread-braked, and (day time) and 63dB LAeq6h (night time). If new or maintenance of track/wheels, i.e. removal of corruga- additionalrailway noise togetherwith railway noise in the tions. Noise due to tread-braked rolling stock can be vicinity is at or greater than these specified levels at the 10dBA higher than disc-braked, and badly corrugated facade ofa dwelling, the residents are entitled to a grant track could cause increases of 10 dBA. Therefore rolling for noise insulation to habitable rooms. The noise stock with discbrakes on CWRthat is regularly maintained insulation grant is for acoustic double windows, supplewill result in the lowestnoise levels. Typical noise levels of mentary ventilation and, where appropriate, venetian the different train types hauledby electric locomotivesare blinds to control solar gain in south-facingwindows, and shown in Figure 1.7. Noise control measures to railways double or insulated doors. are being brought in, in the form of 'Hush' rails, The Regulations are based on the findings of the beneficial through their smaller cross section, and wheels DepartmentofTransport's Railway Noise and the Insulation which are damped to reduce 'ringing'. In future, as train ofDwellings [16]. These Regulations do not apply to new
18
Acoustics in the Buift Environment
-6
25
50
Distancefrom train (m)
100
150
200
Figure 1.8 Attenuation oftrain noise with distance over grassland [14] housing; PPG 24 proposes the following noise exposure categories. NEC D Planningpermission should normally be refused whereexternal free-fieldnoise levels are in excess of 74dB LAeq (07:0023:00 hours) or 66dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) NEC C Planning permission should not normally be granted where externalfree-field noise levels are in excess of 66dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) or 59dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) butless than those in NEC D, or where individual noise events regularly exceed 82dB (maximum SPL on 'slow' meter setting) at night. NEC B Noise should be taken into accountwhen determining planning applications and appropriate conditions requiring adequate noise protection should be imposed where external free-field noise levels are in excess of 55dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) or 45dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) but less than those in NEC C. NEC A Noise need not be considered as a determining factor in granting planning permission where externalfree-field noise levels are below 55dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) and 45dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) However, noise at the high end should not be regardedas desirable. For dwellingswith windowsopen for ventilation the noise levels in NECA indicate that 45 dB LAeq is acceptable internally during the day and35 dB LAeq at night. suggested in guidance given by the US Environmental Agency [17]. This relates to an external free-field noise level of 6570 dBA unless it is a sealed building.
Prediction
Procedures for calculating noise from trains are given in the Department of Transport's Calculation of Railway Noise 1995 [18]. This calculation method requires the number and types of trains in an 18-h daytime or 6-h night-time period. Typical sound exposure levels, SEL, for a variety of train types are given where measured data is not available. In addition the type of track and any bridges or viaducts crossed by the rail and the topography need to be known. The railway is then broken down into segments, where necessary, and an overall noise level is determined for a reception point. The process is shown in Diagram 1.7. The overall LAeq noise level on a specific site can be determined from the sound exposure levels (SEL), as described in Chapter 5. In order to assess noise levels at other distances over grassland, the chart shown in Figure 1.8 can be used. Typically this is 5dBA/doubling of distance. Intervening properties such as semi-detached and terraced housing could provide the following noise reduction: single row of semi-detached houses 8 dBA subsequent rows, each 4dBA terraced housing 13dBA
Cuttings orinterveningground barrierscould be assessed in a similar way to that described for roads. These procedures can also be used to determinethe 07:0023:00 and 23:0007:00h period noise levels for PPG 24 assessments. Although the barrier corrections for railways are slightlygreater, see Calculation ofRailway Noise, the barrier attenuation in Figure 1.4 can be used. BS 8233 [11] Fordevelopments with generalofficeswhere the impact contains estimated noise levels for a track carrying dieselon communication, either verbal or by telephone, must be hauledpassengers andfreighttrains at differentdistances considered, a maximum internal level of 5560 dBA is over open grassland andis reproducedhere asTable 1.4.
STAGE 1 Divide railway into segments
19
STAGE 2 Reference Noise Level (SELREF)
No. of vehicles correction structure correction Track/support
For each segment calculatethe reference noise level (SELl for each train type on each track
STAGE 3 Propagation Distance correction
Air absorption correction

Ground correction Ballastcorrection
Angle of viewcorrection
STAGE 4 Reflectioneffect Facade correction Reflectioncorrection
Screening correction
the correction factors for each train type at the receiver position for each track
For each segment determine
STAGE 5 Convert SEL to LAeq Correction for time period Correction for number of trains
} }
For each segment calculateSEL at reception point and convert SEL to LAeqfor each train typeon
each track
more segments? No
STAGE 6 Calculatethe total LAeq for the railway For each time period combine the
LA8qS
there any
Repeat calculation
for
each
segment
for each segment
Sum LAeq to obtain predicted level from railway
Diagram 1.7 Flow diagram for the calculation ofnoisefrom railways Table 1.4 Noise levelsfor a typical railway'
Distancefrom track over open grassland
(m) LAe9,18 h
(1B)
The typical octave frequency band levels can be determined either from on-site measurements or the typical noise spectra given in Figure 1.9a and b for both diesel electric locomotives and tread- or disc-braked rolling stock hauled by electrically-poweredlocomotives. Aircraft
Sourcenoise
25 50 100 200
aBased
67 64
59
54
on BS 8233. Typical railway traffic is assumed to consist of a mixture ofa total of90 high-speed diesel-hauled
passenger and freight trains, per 18h day (06:0024:00hours).
The main concern relating to aircraft noise is associated with take-offs and landings near an airport. In addition, ground operation noise may also need to be considered. In termsofnoise dueto flying operations, the mainfactor is the type of aircraft. The maximum noise levels for various types of aircraft under different operating condi-
20
100
Acoustics
95 90 85 80
Planning guidance andcriteria PPG 24 [3] identifies the following noise exposure categories for aircraftaffecting new dwellings.
63
260
Octave band centre frequency (Hz)
linE
500
1000
NEC D Planningpermission should normally be refused where externalfree-field noise levels are in excess
of
2000
4000
8000
or 66 dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) NEC C Planning permission should not normally be grantedwhereexternalfree-field noise levels are in excess of or 57dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) butless than those in NEC D, orwhereindividual noise events regularly exceed 82dB at
night. NEC B Noise should be taken into account when determining planningapplications and, where appropriate, conditions requiringadequate noise protection should be imposed where external free-field noise levels are in excess of 57dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) or 48 dB LAeq (23:0007:00 hours) but less than those in NEC C. NEC A Noise need not be considered as a determining factor in granting planning permission where externalfree-field noise levels are below 57dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours) and 48dB LAeq (23:0007:00hours) However, noise levels just below these limits should not be regardedas desirable. For dwellingswith windowsopen for ventilation the noise levelsin NECA indicate that 45dB LAeq is acceptable internally during the day and35dB LAeq at night. 66 dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours)
72 dB LAeq (07:0023:00hours)
100
95 90 85 80
75 70 65 60 56 50
63
125
Ib)
itii
250
H
8000
I
500
1000
2000
4000
Octavebandcentrefrequency (Hz)
:::
8580'-
t5Li
63
125
c)
I!IiI
250 600
1000 2000
Ha)
4000
8000
Octave
bandcentrefrequency
Figure 1.9 Frequency spectra for trains: (a) diesel locomotive at 25 m; (b) tread-brakedpassenger train at 25m with electric locomotive at 100km/h; (c) disc-braked passenger train at 25 m with electric locomotive at 100km/h
dons are given in Table 1.5. Data are given for the UK reference distance of 152m used to determine the Reference Noise Level. Military airfields may also need to be considered not only for noise near the airfield but Prediction sometimes due to other operations suchas lowflying.Data Although a simple calculation can be carried out using in this case needs to be obtained from the Ministry of the sound source data (SEL) from Table 1.5, the number Defence. of aircrafttypes and a correctionfor distance, the error in accuracy is likely to be great. In reducing the error, Measurement units reliance will have to be placed on published contour Historically,the Noise and NumberIndex (NNI) has been maps which are based on accurate flight profile data. used as the noise unit for measuring aircraft noise. It takes However, consideration may need to be given to the into accountthe maximum perceived noise level of each maximum noise level on a site from a design point of aircraftfor the number of aircraft movements during a view. Measurement is obviously the easiest method of 12-h period (06:0018:00 hours). However, in September determining maximum noise levels, but if this is not 1990 the Departmentof Transportchangedto the use of possible, then the maximum noise level at a particular location can be obtained by calculating the slant distance LAeq to describe aircraft noise over a 16-h period as shown in Figure 1.10 and applying the correction (07:0023:00 hours).
There are a number of airport grant schemes under which grantsare paid towardsthe cost ofsound insulation in existing dwellings within defined areas around major airports. The sound insulation package is similar to that offered under the Noise Insulation Regulations [9] for road traffic noise, plus increased roofinsulation.
EnnthI acoustics
Table 1.5
Aircraft type Typical noise levels ofaircraft
at a distance of152 m
Example Operation Take-off (dB) 126 116 107
112120 105112 99102 111115 107110 9499
SEL (dBA)
Supersonic long range
Concorde
Departure Approach
Old technology long range

Old technologyjet
B707 DC-8 VC-10

Trident
Take-off
120
107
Departure
Approach
Take-off Departure
113115 97100
B727 B737
BAe1-11
DC-9
Approach
New technology long range New technology medium range
B747 DC 10-30
Take-off Departure Approach

Take-off
103107 99104 9196 96104 93100 8592
110 108
97
Tristar
B737-300 B757
DC1O-10
Departure Approach
Take-off
B767-200
New technology feeder/commuter Hushedjet

STOL medium/large STOL small
BAe146-100/200
BAe1-11
Departure Approach Take-off

Departure
92 87 85
108110 102106 9193
400/500 Dash 7
Approach
Twin Otter
Take-off Departure Approach Take-off Departure Approach
82 79
7378
91 80 76
Table 1.6 Frequencyspectrafor typicaljet aircraft movements at approximatelySmfrom ailport

Octave band centrefrequency
63Hz
Take-off:
125Hz
94
85
250Hz
96 86
500Hz
95 84
1 kffz
92 82
2 kHz
84 83
4 kHz
68 80
8 kffz
56
71
96dBA
Landing: 89dBA
92 79
dB dB
8 dB/doubling of distance. An indication of the fre- NNI contours are available it is possible to estimate the quency content for typical jet aircraft types is shown in approximate equivalent LAeq 16 h value within 2dB from Table 1.6. the following table: contour are available from the Civil Aviation maps LAeq NNI 35 40 45 50 55 60 Authority or via the local authority or airportauthorities; examples are Gatwick, Heathrowand Manchester. If only LAeq, 16h 57 60 63 66 69 72
22
Acoustics

FIightpah of aircraft
Actual distance to aircraft
d=V h2+O
0
Reception point
Figure 1.10 Estimation ofslant distancefrom an aircraft flightpath
Ground operation noise can be taken to be approximately 85 dBAat 300 m andto reduceat a rate of 12 dBA/
doubling of distance.
Control oftransportationnoise sources
Unless a newtransportation route is under discussion, the design of the route cannot be influenced and noise control can only be achieved by increasing the sound
insulation of the building under consideration or by the introductionof a noise barrier. The introductionof noise barriersin the case ofaircraft noise where ground running is a potential problem will only be of limited benefit if the development is near an airfield. Appropriate mufflers or noise testing pens/hush houses will be needed to control noise from engine testing. A noise barrier should ideallybe located as close to the noise source as possible. In some cases this may lead to maintenance problems since it may need to be sited on someone else's land. For the determination of the preferred location for a noise barrier, if it cannot be positioned close to the source, sections across the site will be invaluable. Using a sight line between the source height, for example for roads it will be 0.5 m above the road surface, and the reception point, typically at a window on the highest floor of a building, the most effective position of a barrier can be decided upon. The performanceofa noise barrieris given by the path length difference as illustrated in Figure 1.4 forroad traffic noise. In order to takeaccountofthe differentfrequency spectra oftrain noise comparedto trafficnoise,Figure 1.11 canbe used. The noise reduction achieved by a noise barrier along a road or railway is typically between 5 and 10dBA and to achieve greater reductions is often quite difficult. The effect of excess attenuation due to soft ground, which was probably included in determining
SHADED AREA PREDICTED BARRIER ATTENUATIONS UNLIKELY TO BE REALIZED IN PRACTICE
>-
0 z
w ci w
U-
0
(b)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
PATH DIFFERENCE(m)
Figure 1.11
(a) Path dfference; (b) attenuation provided by noise barriers at dfferentfrequencies
23
Table 1.7 Typical construction plant noise

Equipment Approx.
'eq
Tracked loader Tracked excavator Dozer Piling: Diesel hammer Drophammer + wooden dolly
109 109
111
Augerbored
130 115 112 116 110 110
In addition to the above equipmentwhich is operating normally out in the open, structureborne noise due to drills or breakers maycause potentialnoise (dB) hand-operated in problems buildings coupled to the construction under consideration. The noise level due to structureborne noise varies significantly depending on local site conditions and an estimate of the noise level likely to occur cannot easily be provided, although noise levels of 5560 dBA in nearby areas during percussive drilling could be anticipated.
Measurement unit The A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level,
Pneumatic breaker Concrete pump Truck mixer Concrete mixer Batching plant Poker vibrators plus compressors Compressors:
95
105 102
is the preferred unit for describing construction LAeq, noise. However, in addition, to take account of isolated events and impulsive sources such as piling, it is recommended that the maximum noise level, is also considered. In describing sitenoise, the particularperiod of the day should always be stated.
4m3/s 7m3/s
98
101 111
17m3/s
Generator
Pump Crane
104
103 103
Noise from construction sites is specificallyreferred to in Sections 60 and 61 of Part III ofthe Control of Pollution Act 1974 [19].
Section 60
Under Section 60 ofthe Act, a local authority may serve a Notice on the contractor specifyingone or more of the
following:
plant or machinery which is, or is not, to be used the noise level on site from transport, is negated in hours during which works may be carried out determining the overall performance provided by a noise limits unless it is on earth barrier, mounding with shallowsloped sides. The design of the barrier should ensure However, in specifyingany of the above, a local authority that the length of the barrier is sufficient to protect the should have regard to: whole development. relevant Codes of Practice issued under this part of The barrier need only be relatively lightweight and the Act, viz. BS 5228: Parts 14 [201; normally a close-boarded timber fence is quite adequate. the need to ensure that the best practicable means Other barrier types include metal sandwich construction ('practicable' meaningreasonably practicable having or precast concreteunit assemblies. The performanceof regardamongstother things to local conditions, the barriersalongside railways can be reduced by as much as current state of technical knowledge, and the finan5 dBA where the side closest to the track is acoustically cial implications; 'means' includes design, mainreflective.Consideration shouldbe given to a barrier type tenance and manner and periods of operation of with an acoustically-absorbentsurface facing the track. plant and machinery and the design, construction There are barriers, of metal sandwich construction and and maintenance of buildings and acoustic strucprecast concrete faced with woodwool slabs, which will tures; this is provided safety and safe working achieve this requirement. conditions are met and regard paid to any provision of BS 5228) are employed to minimize noise; the interest of the recipient before specifying any Construction noise particular methods or plant or machinery, i.e. where alternative methods or plant more acceptable to the Sources construction operatorwould be substantiallyas effecMajor noise sources involved with construction activities tive in minimizing noise as those proposed by the include pilingrigs, earthmoving equipment suchas dozers local authority; and excavators, and concrete pouring plant such as the need to protect any personsfrom the effect of concrete pumps and truck mixers. A range of construcnoise. tion equipment is given in Table 1.7 which includes the approximateaveragesoundpower level during the activity Any person served with such a notice may appeal to a of each item. In most cases, diesel engine noise predom- magistrate's court within 21 days from receipt. The inates but consideration needs to be given to piling and grounds for appeal and form of notices are outlined in material handlingnoise. Departmentof the Environment's Circular 2/76 [21].
24
Acoustics
The other approach, outlined in Section 61 of the Act, places the onus on the contractor or other responsible persons. In this section, the contractorcan notif'the local authority of his methods of working and noise control procedures, and apply for a consent. The local authority may grant such a consent or have the power to apply conditions to the consent. Thus the contractors can have some certainty about their position and the risk of interruptionto worksthat have started is removed as far as possible. The local authority should reply to applications for consentwithin 28 days. Ifthis reply is not forthcoming, or the conditions attached are not acceptable, the contractor can appeal to a magistrate's court within 21 days from the endofthatperiod. Applicationsfor consent should be made at the same time as or, where it is necessary, after application for Building Regulations approval. However, this couldhave certain implications on normal tendering procedures, and it is being suggested that local authorities shouldbe preparedto giveadvice as early as possible in respect of their proposed noise limitations. It is essential to the working ofthis legislation forboth contractors and local authorities to have consultation prior to any formal procedures occurring.
Section 61
Hours of work: certain periods of the day are more indicationof the differthan others; as an encebetween daytime andevening time working, the noise level mayhave to be up to 10 dBAquieterin the evening. Even during the daytime period, certain times are likely to be more sensitive than others in offices andother workplaces. The code states that at noise sensitive premises the LAeq may need to be as low as 4045 dBA during night-time. It is possible, however, that the level may need to be even lower to
sensitive
sleep avoid Attitude of site operator: noise from the site may be is all
disturbance.
more readily accepted ifthe siteoperator doing he can to avoid unnecessary noise. The acceptability of the projectitselfmay also be a significant factor. Noise characteristics:impulse or tonal characteristics may make the site noise less acceptable. There is no detailed information available on assessing the acceptability ofsite noise.
Construction site noiseprediction
If the contractor or other responsible person knowingly allows work to be carried out, in contravention of either any conditions attachedto a consentor any requirements of a notice, theywill be guiltyofan offence against Part III of the Control ofPollution Act.Itshouldbe noted that the contractorwould also be responsible for a subcontractor operating on the project and their attention must be drawn to any requirements of a consent or notice on that
project.
Code ofPractice
Contravention
The relevant Code of Practice relating to construction noise is BS 5228. The aim of the Code is to recommend methods of noise control in respect of construction and other open sites and to enable developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, site operators and local authorities to control noise. One of the factors which complicates any assessment is the relative sensitivity of different individuals in the same neighbourhood to the
same noise. Site noise is normally described in terms of the equivalent continuous A-weightedsound level LAeq over a stated time, for example 1 h or 12 h. In addition to LAeq, the site noise may be described in terms ofthe maximum sound level, or the one-percentile level LA1. Whichever measure is selected to describethe site noise, the period of the day to which the particularvalue ofthe measureapplies must also be stated. In assessingwhether noise from a site is likely to constitute a problem, in addition to site location and the existing ambient noise levels, consideration should be given to the following:
Once a practical noise limit has been specified by the local authority, it will be necessary for that local authority and also the developer, architect, engineer and contractor to know whether the intended site operations will cause problems. The noise levels for different operations will have to be predicted at tender stage so that appropriate allowancescan be made in the tender for noise control. Once those site operations that exceedthe noise limitare known, the contractorwill be required to include for the necessary noise control to achieve the limit. The noise limitwould normally be quotedas a site boundarylevel in terms of LAeq over a given time period, typically a 12-h working day, and/or in terms ofeither an overriding short period, e.g. 5 mm, or maximum levels measuredwith a sound level meter set at slow or fast response. In order to estimate the noise level at a given location, the procedurebasicallyconsists of the followingfactors: sound power outputs of processes and plant distances from source to receiver presence of screening by barriers and the reflection of sound periods of operation of processes and plant. Anexample ofthe dataneeded is shownin Table 1.8. In this case the LAeq, 12h level would be:
LAeq, 12 h
= 10 log2[4 X 10' + 1 X 10 + 8 X 10'0 + 6 X 10'] = 73dB (to the nearestdB).
The method of prediction can be represented by a diagram takenfrom BS 5228,reproducedhere as Diagram

1.8.
Information from local authorities in the UK indicates that noise from road-works,andconstruction and demoliDuration of site operations: higher noise levels may tion sites causes relativelyfew cases of noise nuisance, i.e. be accepted by local residents provided they are between 5 and 10% of the total nuisances confirmed. aware that the work is only of short duration; good However,the effectofconstruction site noise as a possible nuisance must not be overlooked. There are three public relations are importantin this.
Setting suitablecriteria
Environniental acoustics
25
Table 1.8 Example of construction site noiseprediction based on BS 5228 [2011

Operating soundpower
level,
Resultant Distance (m) 50 50 30

15
Plant and size Compressor 7m3/min Pneumatic breaker Tracked excavator Tracked loader
'WAeq (dB)
Distance attenuation (dB) 42 42 38 32
Screening attenuation (dB) 0 5
Mobileplant
correction
soundpower
level
On-time
in 12 h
(h) 4 8 6
(dB) 0 0
(dB)
100 116 109

109
58 69
71
0 0
0 4
73
different approaches available to local authorities in dealing with construction noise:
encourageapplication for prior consent serve a Notice andif any cases ofnoise allow work to be carried out with them either under
Although there is no requirementto set a noise limitfor any ofthe three approaches, noise limits can be set based on those aspectsdescribed earlierin the 'Code ofPractice'
nuisance arise dealing Section 58 or Section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act. Although construction noise nuisance should be dealt with under Sections 60 or 61, individuals may complain to local authorities, who could then serve a Notice under the Environmental Protection Act to abate the nuisance.
section above. Noise nuisance caused byconstruction noise is normally ofshort duration.Often, there are no means availableto apply control, e.g. structurebornenoise due to hand-held tools, and so it is very important that the contractorhas a good public relations policy. If a noisy activity has to take place which could affect neighbouring properties, the neighbours should be warned, particularly with regard to the durationofthe activity. Itmay evenbe possibleto agree to periodsofoperationthat are acceptable to both parties.
STATIONARY PLANT
MOBILE PLANT
Activity LAeq
Plant LWA
On site
On haul road
Select LWA for stationary plant and obtain on-time at maximum level Select LAeq at lOm distance
Select LWA for mobile plant
Correct for actual distance and allowfor screeningand reflection
creening
Correct for distance and allowfor and reflection
Correct for minimum distance between plant and assessment location. Allow for screeningand reflection Calculate LAeq from haul road
assessment
Combine levels with percentage on-time
Estimate distance ratio and correct for equivalent on-time
allowing for screening and reflection
______________ Estimate the on-time for each
activityduring the _____________ period of assessmentand applycorrection

Calculate combined LAeq
Diagram 1.8 Predictionofsite noise (afterBS 5228: Part 1) [2011
26
preferred by both authorities and site operators because Noise from construction equipment can be controlled at specified requirements can be easily monitored. source or by controlling the way it propagates or spreads. Controlat source is by:
Noise control
Substztution. Noisy plant and operations including
plywood prescreeded Use and siting of equipment. Plant should be used in
piling should be replaced by less noisy alternatives Industrial noise is caused where reasonably practical. by a wide variety of sources. Some Mod?fication. Machines can be made quieter by other general noise-producing activities are quarrying or mineral extraction, material handling, metal fabrimodification, but this should only be carried out cation, and building services plant operation. after consultation with the manufacturers. The situations and modes of operation of the sources Enclosuresand screening. In designing an enclosure to can also vary widely, and it can be a single machine or an control noise from a machine, consideration must be of machines, operating either internally within a array given to the ventilation requirements in order to or externally,which are ofconcern.The sources building prevent overheating. Suitable materials and some even emit noise levels which fluctuate with time, for examples ofenclosure design are included in BS 5228. may mobile plant, machines on- and off-load. ExamAlternatively,screens around the noisy area can be example used or, if screening cannot be provided by site ples of the various types of industrial noise sources are: mineralextraction: blasting and mobile earthmoving buildings or by earth mounds, temporaryscreening can be constructed with materials such as externaltype equipment with reversing signals, truck
Industrial noise Noise sources
quality
or
woodwoolslabs.
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In situations where operation is intermittent, plant should be shut down or throttled down to a minimumwhen not in operation. Care should be taken to position noisy equipment away from noise-sensitive areas, and in caseswhere an item ofplantis known to emit noise strongly in one direction, it should be orientated so that the noise is directed away from noise-sensitive areas. Engine covers should be kept closed during use. Maintenance. Regular and effective maintenance of plant is essential and will assistin keeping noise levels to a level similar to that from a newitem of plant. It is particularly important to effectively maintain the silencing systems, for example engine exhaust silencers. Periods of use. It may be possible to operate certain items of noisy equipment to avoid sensitive periods. In some cityareas, agreements have been reachedfor piling not to take place during the periods 10:0012:00 hours and 14:0016:00 hours, thus enablingnormal officeactivitiesto take place during these hours for a limited period without any likelihood of disturbance.
loading; materials handling: fork lifts or cranes, loading/
units; building services plant operation: this could serve an office or

Due to the varietyofsources, typicalnoise levelscannotbe
given reliably.
Measurement unit
unloadingtruckswith associated impact noise which can take place internally or externally; metal fabrication: cuttingof steel sheet by guillotine, press operation and associated material handling including wastedisposal into bins possiblyvia cyclone
building industrial premises with the plant sometimes mounted on the roof.
Prajectsuperthion Noise control should be considered at each project stage in order to meet the necessary requirements. Early consultation between developer, architect or engineer, and the local authority should be held to ascertain the likely noise limitations. Processesandequipmentinvolved with the site operations should be considered in order to keep those particular noisy operations to a minimum. Issues include planningthe hours ofworking, ensuring the use of the most suitable plant, economy and speed of operations, on-site monitoring, and the provision of prominentwarning notices where high noise levels exist. Local authorities may wish to lay down requirements relating to the work programmes, plant to be used, siting of plant, and working hours, rather than (or in addition to) specifyingsitenoise limits. This approachwill often be
BS 4142 [22] identifies the A-weighted equivalent continuous noise level, LAeq, as the preferred measurement unit, althoughif the industrial noise is reasonably steady, an average A-weighted noise level measuredwith a sound level meter set to 'slow' time weighting is acceptable. It is necessary to obtain the background noise level when considering the impact of industrial noise and this is defined as the A-weightednoise level exceeded for 90% of a time period, LAOO T This should be measured by a noise analyser operating with a fast time weighting. Although detailed consideration is not given in BS 4142 to the likely impact of impulsive-type noise sources, except in applying a fixed correction, the maximum noise levels of a process should always be obtained for subsequent assessment.
For industrial development, Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [23], as amendedby the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 [24], is relevant. Planning guidance is given in PPG 24 paragraph 19. The likelihood of complaints about noise from industrial development can be assessed using guidance in BS 4142 [22]. Basically, the noise level likely to be generatedbythe development, corrected where appropriatefor its character, is compared to the existing backgroundnoise levels. This process is described in more detail later. The resulting difference gives an indication of the likelihood
27
ofcomplaints. If by this method, noise from the proposed Appropriate conditions will need to be imposed to meet then these requirements and examples are given in Annex4 of development 'is likely to give rise to complaints' the PPG 24 is to be In [3]. Appropriate conditions have subsequently determining permission unlikely granted. it will been noise level from a proposeddevelopment, published in Appendix A of the Departmentof the predicted be necessary to take account of the plant operating at its Environment's Circular 1/85 [26] and are reproduced
maximum capability. Planning guidance on noise from surface mineral extraction or landfillsites is given in MPG 11: The Controlof Noise at Surface Mineral Workings [25]. These guidelines recommend a noise prediction model representing a proposedmineral development anda methodfor settling noise limits. They also provide adviceon noise monitoring and noise control. If plant associated with the mineral extraction or landfill is fixed on site it seems appropriate for this plant to be assessedon the basis ofBS 4142 [22]. If a local authority gives permission for the development, theywill need to ensure that:
here in Table 1.9. Although conditions relating to the physical characteristics of the development, the type and intensity of activity to be carried out, and hours of operation, are preferable, in some instances a condition laying down a maximum noise level at a particular locationor possiblydifferentlevels for different periodsof the day may be appropriate. If a proposed development were shown by a noise assessmentto be acceptable during normal working hours but not at other times, it would be reasonable to apply a condition restricting operation to certain specified hours rather than rejectthe application altogether.
than those proposedby the devel noisierprocesses oper are not allowed, and of the submitted plans which all physical features levels are in the finished
control noise development. incorporated
Using this guidance, permission will be given for developments against which the local authority is unlikely to find it necessary to serve a noise abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act. However,it will not necessarilyprovide protectionagainst legal action by private citizens.
Table 1.9 Suggested models of acceptable conditions relatingto noisefor use in appropriate circumstances. Extractedfrom Appendix A ofDepartment ofEnvironment Circular 1/85 [261
5
place.
[activities] shall
nottake place anywhere on the site exceptwithin
building[s].
The condition shoulddescribe precisely the activities to be controlled as well as the particularbuilding(s)
in which they areto take
6. The building shall be so [constructed/adapted]as to provide sound attenuation against internally generated dB averaged over the frequency range 100 to 3150Hz. noise of not less than 7. Noise emittedfrom the site shall not exceed [A] dB expressed as a [B] minute/hour LAeq between [c] and [c] hours Monday to Friday and [A] dB expressed as a [B] minute/hour LAeq at any other time, as measuredon the [D] boundary [boundaries] of the site/atpoint[s] [E]. Specify: A noise level
- period D boundary (boundaries) E - points.

B
C
times
am on weekdays and am 8. [No {specfied machinery] shall be operatedon the premises] before on Saturdays nor after pm on Saturdays [nor at any time on Sundays or pm on weekdays and bank holidays]. 9. Before [any] [spec!fied] plant and machinery is used on the premises, it shall be enclosed with sound-insulating material in accordance with a scheme to be agreedwith the local planningauthority. This condition might be varied where the need was to secure the satisfactory mountingofthe machinery to prevent conductednoise and vibration. Adviceshouldbe appended to the permission, indicatingthe attenuation aimed at. 10. Development shall not begin until a scheme for protectingthe proposeddwellings from noise from the road has been submitted to and approved by the local planningauthority; and all works which form part of the scheme shall be completed before any of the permitted dwellingsis occupied. Authorities should giveapplicants guidance on the extent of noise attenuation to be aimed at within or around the dwellings, so as to provide preciseguidelinesfor the scheme to be submitted. and 11. Aircraft shall not take off or land exceptbetween the hours of
NB. Additions and amendments
to these conditions are given in Annex4 ofPPG 24 [3].
28
Diagram 1.9 Industrial noise assessmentprocedure
nuisanceby serving a Noise Abatement Notice. three-dimensional model taking into account different BS 4142 Methodfor rating industrial noise affecting mixed heights above a ground level datum. residential and industrial areas [22] describes methods for The sound power level data may need to be estimated determiningnoise levels from factories, industrial prem- by converting,anticipated internallevels within a building ises, or fixed installations and sources of an industrial to those radiating from an aperture or from wall elements nature in commercial premises. The noise level deter- or obtained for external sources such as transportation mined in terms of LAeq,1 is corrected for tonal and from references. impulsive character to establish the rating level. This rating level is then compared with the measured batk- Noise control ground noise level. Even wherethe noise climate is always There are a numberofalternative methods ofcontrolling affected by the industrial noise, it is possible to measure noise from an industrial development including: the background noise level at another location whereit is attenuators in ductwork of ventilation or extraction presumed to be equivalent. The process is shown in systems 1.9. Diagram enclosures around mechanical plant like fans and The difference between the rating level and the motors, selection of low-noise components background noise level indicates the likelihood of comcladding on ductwork plaints. A difference of around 10 dB or more in LAeq T silencers in pipework serving valves or engine indicates that complaints are likely. Adifference ofaround exhausts 5dB is of marginal significance. At a difference below orientationduring design to avoid openings building 5dB, the lower the value the less the likelihood that like doors facing sensitive areas will occur. A difference of 10 dB is a positive complaints construction building indication that complaints are not at all likely. In assessing hours of operation to avoid night-time/evening whethera particularprocess is causinga noise nuisance, periods if possible the local authority would normally use BS 4142: 1990. methodsof operation to avoid high levels of impact
Prediction
Under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act, computer model. This will require data relatingto sound the local authority is empowered to deal with noise power levels and directivity and is likely to necessitate a
As stated earlier, industrial noise sources can be ofvarious forms and prediction of industrial installation noise requiresa clear understandingof the processes involved. Ideally, noise levels should be measured during the operation of similar processes elsewhere. It may be necessaryto takeaccountofan increase in size or capacity ofan operation.Onlyin the case ofmineralextraction are there suitable data to enable reasonably accurate predictions to take place and these are provided in BS 5228, particularly Part4. Data obtained in this way can make the prediction exercise easier since it will normally only require a distance correction to be applied. Where a large number of sources are identified it may be necessary to preparea
noise lining bins collecting metallic waste material
Implementation of any noise control needs to take account of other parameters, for example cooling needs and fire ratings, so requirements need to be checked for overall practicality with the manufacturers and/or the suppliers.
Leisure noise
Noise due to leisure activities can be considered as an extension to industrial noise. Leisure activities include discotheques, night clubs, cinemas, ten-pin bowling and clay pigeon shooting. In addition, certain apparently quiet activities such as ice skating can be a potential noise
EnvhnmeiitaI acoustIcs
29
problem due to the accompanying use of a sound

system.
Vertical
PPG24 [3] identifies that these activitiesposeparticular not least because associated activitiesare often at their peak in the evening and late at night. It is also necessary to consider traffic and associated car parking
difficulty,
Vibration source Line or point
resulting from leisure activities. Units are as those described for industrial noise, but due to the nature of leisure activity noise, it can be the maximum levelwhich is the most important. Legislation is primarily as given for industrial noise. Additional guidance in assessing and setting criteria is given for certain leisure activities in the form of draft codes of practice, some ofwhich are being considered by the Departmentof Environment. Examples include: clay pigeon shooting [27] discotheques [28] water skiing [29] The Noise Council has prepared a code on pop concerts[301. Guidelines are intended to minimize annoyance at noise-sensitivepremises: The LAeq music level during any 15-minute period from events held on no more than 3 days/year should not exceed 75dB near urban stadiaorarenas, or 65dB near other urban or rural venues. Where between 3 and 12 events per year are held, the LAeq music level during any 15-minute period should not exceed the background noise level by more than 15 dB. For indoorvenues used for up to 30 events per year the LAeq music level should not exceed the background noise level by more than 5 dB. No music noise should be audible within noisesensitive premises between 23:00 and 09:00 hours. However, in some cases it may be necessary to set additional limits to control low-frequencynoise levels. Prediction of noise due to various leisure activities is best dealt with by using data from existing activities and making corrections to take account of site-specific factors. As well as those methods identified for industrial noise control, including building construction and orientation to avoid doors andwindowsfacing sensitiveneighbours, it may be possible to electronicallycontrolthe sound system output.
Z9
Longitudinal (horizontal) Human responseconsideration Foot head Right left Back chest
Radial (horizontal)
directions Figure 1.12 Three ofvibration measurement
velocity (millimetres per second) or acceleration (metres per second per second). Where sources are impulsive or intermittentit is the peakparticle velocity or acceleration which is measured and this is the maximum value
Groundbornevibration is typically measured in terms of
Unit,
recordedduring an event. General advice on the measurement of vibration in buildings is contained in BS 7385: Part 1 [31]. Vibration can either be considered in termsof the cause ofpossible building damage, where peak particle velocity is the preferred unit, or the effect on people where either velocity or acceleration can be considered. In determiningthe overall vibration value, it is necessary to take account of the vibration levels in the three perpendicular directions, updown, side-to-side, and
frontback, as illustrated
in Figure 1.12.
transportation, construction and industrial sources discussed above, thereis also the generation of groundborne vibration to consider; this can lead to structureborne noise, perceived vibration or, in rare instances, building damage. Typical causes of vibration are trains, vibratory rollers, piling equipment and possibly industrial presses or blasting. Unless there are any irregularities in the road surface (for example, 'sleeping policemen' or expansion joints), road vehicles cause relatively low levels of vibration. The ground conditions are important since the vibration levels can be amplified significantlyif the soil is marshy/soft.
[31]. The guide values are given in Table 1.10. Prior to 1993, the guidance given in German StandardDIN 4150: Part 3 [32] was often used; DIN 4150: Part 3 values are Groundbonie vibratiou more stringentthan BS 7385: Part 2 values. As shown in Sources In addition to the airborne noise levels caused by Figure 1.13 from Reference 14, vibration can be felt at
Legislation and criteria Guidance on acceptable vibration levels to avoidvibrationinduced damage in structures is given in BS 7385: Part 2
levelswell belowthose that could cause structural damage. BS 6472 [33] provides guidance on satisfactory magnitudes of building vibration with respect to human response. The factors used to specii' satisfactory magnitudes are given in Table 1.11. (Curves relating to these factors are shown in Figure 3.2.) Complaints from building occupiers about excessive vibration are normallydue to the beliefthat ifthe vibration canbe feltthen it is likelyto cause damage. Door closure or footfall within buildings often cause levels wellabove those measured from thesourceunder investigation. Considerationofstructurebornenoise is onlylikelyto be neededfor very sensitive areas such as auditoria, studios and con-
30
Acoustics
in the Built Envimnment
-40
under consideration. It is very difficult to obtain accurate data on the above andit is essential to undertakemeasurements on siteor in a location representative of site conditions. Reasonable data are availablefor such activities as blasting from the US Bureau ofMines withoutmeasurement but this should be added to by checkmeasurements if possible. Unless there is a similar building located at the same distance from the vibration source, it is not possible to measure the response of the building. A finite element analysismaybe necessaryto determinethe likelyresponse of the building.
the likely response of the structure of the building
If there is a
Control
obviously, an alternative form of the source of vibration needs to be found or possibly the structure could be reinforced. However, only rarely is it shown that structural damage is likely to be caused and the method of control normally available is the isolation of the recipient, (H typically:
likelihood of structural damage then,
Figure 1.13 Criteriafor subjectivelimits and building

damage
small sensitive equipment, for example balances entire buildings, for example concert halls individual rooms, for example studios.
optical
ference meetingrooms. Spaceswith windows to outside are unlikely to be of concern since there will be a reasonably high level of low frequency noise breakinginto the space viathe windowswhich will mask any structurebornenoise. Establishing acceptable levels of structurebornenoise in sensitiveareas will need to be site specific.
Onlyoccasionallyis it possible to isolate the source, since it is out of the control ofthe developer, although this has been undertakenwith railway tracks and some industrial sources such as presses. It may also be possible to control the operating time of the vibration source to avoid
sensitive periods.
Iedidion In predicting the likely vibration levels from a particular New developments as a noise source source, consideration needs to be given to: In assessing the new development as a noise source, the type of source and its interaction with the consideration may need to be given to undertaking an Environmental Assessment or simply to meeting a planground, transmission through the ground, ning condition.
Table 1.10 Transient vibration guide values for cosmetic damagefrom BS 7385: Part 2 [31].
Peak componentparticlevelocity in frequencyrange of predominant pulse Line
1
Type ofbuilding
4Hz to 15Hz
15Hz and above
Reinforced or framedstructures Industrial and heavy commercial buildings Unreinforcedor light framed structures Residential or light commercial type buildings
50mm/sat 4Hz and above to 20mm/sat 15Hz

15mm/s at 4Hz increasing
20mm/sat 15Hz increasing to 50mm/s at 40Hz and above
Note 1. Values referredto are at the base ofthe building. Note 2. For line 2, at frequencies below 4Hz, a maximum displacement of 0.6mm (zero to peak)
should not be exceeded.
31
Table 1.11 Multiplyingfactors used to specify satisfactory magnitudes of building vibration with respect to human response (fromBS 6472) [33]. Extractsfrom BS 6472 are reproducedwith the permission ofBSI. Complete copies ofthe standard can be obtained by postfrom BSI Publications, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE Multiplyingfactors Place
Time
Continuous vibration (see note 2)

1 1
Intermittent vibration and impulsivevibration excitation with several occurrencesper day

1
Critical working areas (e.g. some hospital operating theatres, some precision laboratories, etc.) Residential
Day
Night
Day
1 (see note 3)
(see note 4)
1.4
2 to 4 4 4
8 8
60 to 90 (see notes 4, 5, 6)
20 128 128 (see note 7) 128
Night Office Workshops

Day
Night
Day
Night
128 (see
notes 7 and 8)
Note 1. This table leads to magnitudes of vibration below which the probability of adverse commentis low (any acoustic noise
caused by structural vibration is not considered). Note 2. Doubling of the suggested vibration magnitudes may result in adverse comment and this may increase significantlyif the magnitudes are quadrupled(where available,dose/responsecurves may be consulted). Note 3. Magnitudes of impulse shock in hospital operating theatres and critical working places pertain to periods of time when operations are in progress or critical work is being performed.At other times magnitudes as high as those for residences are satisfactoryprovided there is due agreement and warning. Note 4. Within residential areas people exhibit wide variations of vibration tolerance. Specificvalues are dependentupon social and culturalfactors, psychologicalattitudes and expected degreeofintrusion. Note 5. The 'trade off' between number of events per day, their magnitudes and durationsis not well established. In the case of blasting, and for more than three events per day, the followingprovisionalrelationship can be used to modify the factors for residences in column 4 of this table. This involves further multiplying by the factor F= 1.7 N5 where: Nis the numberof events in a 16-h day; Tis the duration of the impulse and decay signal for an eventin seconds. The duration of an eventcan be estimated from the 10% (20dB) points of the motion time histories.
T'
d = zero for Tiessthan 1 s.

Forshortdurationstimulithereis evidence that forwooden floors the human response d=0.32 and forconcrete floors d= 1.22. This 'trade off' equation does not apply when values lower than those given by the factors for continuous vibration result. Note 6. The root mean quad (r.m.q. = (l/Tf, a4(t) dt)"4) of the weighted acceleration signal a(t) may be used as an alternative methodof assessmentfor impulsiveevents. The same relation between duration and acceleration maybe used to accumulate the exposure to intermittentvibration occurring throughoutthe day (i.e. accumulated value = a4 (t)dt). The value obtainedby this method, which shouldbe related to the boundaries for continuous vibration, allows greater magnitudes with shorter and/or less frequent periods ofintermittentvibrations. Note 7. The magnitudes for impulsive shock excitation in offices and workshop areas should not be increased without considering the possibilityof significantdisruption ofworking activity. Note 8. Vibration acting on operators ofcertain processes such as drop forges or crushers, which vibrate working places, maybe in a separate category from theworkshop areas considered in this table. The vibration magnitudes specified in relevant standards would then apply to the operators of the exciting processes.
Environmental assessments
There is a formal requirement in the UK and the rest of Europe for an Assessment of Environmental Effects and the preparation of an Environmental Statement to be undertakenfor certain projects. The projects that require an assessmentin every case are listed in Schedule 1 ofthe
Town and Country Planning (AssessmentofEnvironmental Effects) Regulations 1988 [34] andinclude oil refiner-
ies, power stations, waste disposal and chemical installations, andlarge transportation schemes. Schedule 2 ofthe Regulations identifies projects which require an assess-
ment if they are 'likely to have significant effects on the environment byvirtue offactors such as their nature, size, and location' and include developments such as mineral extraction, industrial complexes, food industry, infrastructure projects, and holiday villages or hotel complexes. If the project under consideration is deemed by the local planning authorities to be included in either Schedule 1 or 2 then it is likely that an acoustics appraisal would need to be included as part of the assessment. In some cases, the local authority may considerthat only an acoustics appraisal is needed. The method ofapproachis
32
Acoustics
in the Built Euviroument
Establish baseline conditions during period representativeof development use Predict/estimate noise and/or vibration due to development use during both construction and operation phases Assessimpactof development by comparing existing and predicted levels Discuss situation with local representative Determine appropriate mitigation measuresif
necessary
] ] J
1
I
Presentoutcome of environmental assessment
shown in Diagram 1.10; Schedules 1 and 2 are summarized in Table 1.12. There is a proposal to amend the Regulations by extendingSchedule 1 by 14 new categories andclarifying those projects requiring environmental assessment in Schedule 2. It is likely that these amendments will come into force at the end of 1997. Included in Schedule 2 are wind farms and theme parks. The assessment guide for noise from wind farms was published in September1996 by ETSU [35]. The assessment for an Environmental Statement will need to consider the construction andoperationalphases of the development, including likely transport movements. It will also need to include those elements of acoustic appraisal identified earlier, particularly a site survey. Some site uses in sensitive areas will not be acceptable even with noise control measures, and planfling permission for a new development may be refused on environmentalgrounds.
Diagram1.10 Environmental Assessment: acoustics appraisalprocedure
Planningconditions Noise emission from the development, or, in the case of affected dwellings, sound insulation measures, will be issues covered by conditions imposed as part of the grantingof planningpermission. Table 1.12 Descriptionsofdevelopment Conditions imposed upon a planning agreementmay also refer to the construction andoperational phases and Schedule 1 will vary from district to district depending on local parameters. Local planning authorities may impose Those developments requiringassessment: 'standard' conditions as part of the issuing of planning Refineries permission. Table 1.9 identifies model conditions which Power stations were briefly discussed under 'Industrial Noise'. These Radioactivewaste stores should be checked carefullyand the questions that need Works for initial meltingof cast iron and steel to be asked are: are theyclear in intent or too 'catch all'? Asbestosextraction or processing installations Is the local authority being reasonable in allowing normal Integratedchemical installations activity and plant noise related to the site use for which or roads, tracks, Special long-distance railway airports permission is granted, or related to existing site noise levels, or is it impossible to operate normally without Trading ports Waste disposal installations falling foul of noise limits set arbitrarily too low? Has the Land-fill sites design team to demonstrate by a prediction statementthat the limits set will be met? Does a Condition apply only to Schedule2 'fixedplant' oralso to traffic movements and activity noise (for example, discotheque sound systems)? Do the same Many projects require assessment in the following standards apply to intermittentnoise sources like standby categories: generators? The setting of noise control standards at the planning Agricultural processes Extractiveindustries stage and their subsequent observance by the developer or owner does not preclude an individual taking legal Energy industries Metal processing action in common law to abate noise nuisance arising Glass making from the development. The developer who undertakes a Chemical industries 'shell' major development with subsequentfitting-out by Food industries tenants, should be careful in obtaining consents for the total development and agreeing contracts that tenants' Textile, leather, wood and paper industries Rubber industries plant complies with any planning condition and indeed has been allowed for as a contributing component of Infrastructure projects including industrial estate noise breakoutto the local community. development, urban development, and road, harbour, or airport construction not falling into Schedule 1 projects Construction phase assessment Other projects including holiday villages or hotel Reference earlier to dealing with construction activities complexes shouldprovide sufficient information to enablea suitable Modificationsto any projects previouslyin Schedule 1. assessment to be made. However, once the hours of working and the type ofmachinery to be used are agreed,
33
i.e. the best practicable means have been employed, there couldbe a requirementfor a substantial degree of public relations activity to satisf' potentialcomplainants.
Operationalphase If the development is industrial then adequate guidance may be obtained from earlier guidance dealing with industrial noise. This is also likelyto be the case for those developments with mechanical plant for building services as their only noise source a topic covered in detail in Chapter 3. Suitable criteria have to be set at the most appropriate locations, normally the site boundary, and discussions with the Environmental Health Departments of the local authorities should lead to an agreement. In the case of steady noise from mechanical plant, a noise level criterion matching the existing background noise level is normally appropriate. Consideration may need to be given to a criterion 5dBA below the background noise level in some cases to avoid any significant increase in a particularly sensitive area, but 10dBAbelow the backgroundshould never be necessary. Noise from other activitiessuchas leisure, for example night clubs or ten-pin bowling, will need to be carefully considered since music or impulsive noise can be annoyingeven at noise levels below the existing background. In some cases the only means of control may be a restriction on hours of use. If there are noise problems once a development is operational, the first line of complaint is frequently the local authority Environmental Health Officer. He may have been asked to commentby the planningauthority at planningstage on whethera noise condition should apply, and reacts to the later complaints by carryingouthis own checks. If he agrees that the complaint is reasonable and may constitute a Nuisance, he can issue an 'Abatement Notice in respectofNoise Nuisance' under the provisions of the Environmental ProtectionAct 1990which gives 28 days to remedy, restrict, or stop the noise. The action to improve matters mayvary from 'best practical means', i.e. achieving as much as costs and practicalities allow to provide some amelioration, to radical noise control measures or proscribing activity or plant noise during certain times or even altogether. Once a Notice is served, an Appeal can be made against the basis of the alleged occurrences constituting the statutorynuisance. However, the Notice provisions are not suspended until the appeal court so decides. Alternatively, a Court Order to restrain a continuation of a wrongful act or omission may be initiated. This is the most common legal action in private nuisance claims. Failure to comply could mean fines and even imprisonment. Unlike a Notice, the restraint requirement is immediate. Further details can be found in Garner's Environmental Law [36].
3. Department of the Environment Planning Policy Guidance PPG 24 Planning and Noise, HMSO, 1994. 4. Wimpey Laboratories Ltd Residues and Emissions: Sound and Vibration, Report No. 15, CTG Channel Tunnel Project Environmental Impact Assessment, Hayes, Middlesex, September 1985 5. BS 6698: 1986 (amd 1991) Specffication for integratingaveraging sound level meters, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 6. BS 5969: 1981 Specficationfor soundlevel meters, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 7. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Fighting Noise in the 1990s, OECD Publications Service, Paris, 1991 8. The Department of Transport Calculation of Road TrafficNoise, HMSO, London, 1988 9. Statutory Instrument 1975 No 1763 Building and Buildings NoiseInsulationRegulations, HMSO, London,
1975 10.
1973 11. BS 8233: 1987 Codeofpractice for sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 12. The Noise Advisory Council A Guide to Measurement and Prediction ofthe Equivalent Continuous Sound Level Le:j, HMSO, London, 1978 13. Shield, B. M. and Zhukov, A. N. A survey ofannoyance caused by noisefrom the DocklandsLightRailway. Institute ofAcousticsProceedings, 13(5), pp. 1523 (1991) 14. Nelson, P. (ed.) Transportation Noise Reference Book, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1987 15. Statutory Instrument1996No 428. The NoiseInsulation (Railway and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations. 16. DepartmentofTransportRailway Noise and the Insulation of Dwellings, Mitchell Report, London, HMSO, 1991. 17. US Environmental Protection Agency Office ofNoise Abatement and ControlInformation on Levels ofEnvironmental Noise Required to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety US Government Printing Office, March 1974 18. Departmentof Transport Calculation ofRailway Noise 1995, London, HMSO, 1995. 19. Control of Pollution Act 1974 20. BS 5228: 1992/1997 Noise control on construction and cpen sites, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 21. Department of the Environment Control of Pollution Act 1974, Implementation ofPart 3: Noise, Circular 2/76, HMSO, London, 1976 22. BS 4142: 1990 Method ofrating industrial noise, affecting mixed residential and industrial areas, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes [BS under review] 23. Environmental Protection Act 1990 24. Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993. References 25. Department of the Environment Mineral Planning 1. This CommonInheritance, Government White Paperon Guide MPG 11 The Control of Noise at Surface Mineral the Environment, 1990 Workings, HMSO, 1993. 2. Department of the Environment Report of the Noise 26. Departmentof the Environment The Use ofConditions Review Working Party 1990, Batho Report, HMSO, in Planning Permissions, Circular 1/85, HMSO, London, 1985 London, 1990
Land Compensation Act 1973, HMSO, London,
34
27. Code
28. 29. 30. 31.
of practice on Noise from Clay Pigeon Shooting, Midland Joint Advisory Council for Environmental Protection, 1989, revised 1991 Noise AdvisoryCouncil Draft Code ofPractice on Sound Levels in Discotheques, HMSO, 1986 British Water Ski Federation Code ofPracticefor Water Skiing and Noise, 1989/Consultation draft for revised Code October 1996. The Noise Council Code of Practice on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts, The Noise Council, 1995. BS 7385: Part 1: 1990 Evaluation and measurementfor
32. Deutsches Institutfr Normunge.V. 4150: 1986: Part 3 Structural vibration in buildings: effects on structures,
Berlin 33. BS 6472: 1992 Guide to evaluation ofhuman exposureto vibration in buildings (1Hz to 80Hz), British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 34. Town and Country Planning (Assessmentof Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988, SI 1988 No. 1199, 35. ETSU The Assessment & Rating ofNoisefrom Windfarms,
HMSO, London, 1988
vibration in buildings: guidefor measurementofvibrations and evaluations of their effrcts on buildings, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes. Part 2: 1993 Guide to damage levelsfrom groundborne vibration.
The Working Group on Noise from Wind Turbines,
36.
July 1942, updated three times p.a.
ETSU-R-97, Final Report September 1996. Garner,J. E, Harris, D.J. (eds) Garner'sEnvironmental Law, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford,first published
Chapter 2 Design acoustics

Duncan Templeton
Sound insulation
Sound waves in the air on the source side impinge on the partition and 'drive' it (i.e. cause it to vibrate), and in turn the barrier radiates sound into the receiving space. The main issues are the transmission path, the soundreducing capability of the separating structure, and the components making up this structure. The practical reduction ofairbornesound energy is not only dependent on the direct path via the wall, but also on flanking
paths. Flankingpaths Flanking paths occur at the edges of the physical barrier, its junction to floors, other walls, ceiling, or ductwork common to source andreceiving rooms (Figure 2.1). The indirecttransmission via a flanking path can be reduced by increasing the massofthe flanking walls, increasing the partition mass and bonding it to flanking elements, or introducing discontinuity to side walls in the adjacent rooms, for example by independentwallliningor floating floors. Sound level difference The soundlevel difference between two spacesis dependent on the sound-reducing capability of unit area of the partition,the area of the partition, the acoustic properties of the source and receiving spaces, and flanking effects (Figure 2.2 and Diagram 2.2).
Airbornesoundinsulation Airborne sound insulation entails the separation by a physicalbarrierofthe space containing a noise source from an adjacent space requiring protection. The physical barriermaybeapartitionorwallbetween rooms orfloor for rooms above each other (Diagram 2.1). The term 'partition' implies dry construction (modular panels or clad studded frames) or lightweight,non-loadbearing masonry; 'wall' implies a masonry structuretied into other wallsand supportingfloors or roofabove.There is, however, overlap between the terms. The two systems have differing characteristicsacoustically. Partitions may be more subject to edgecracking,flankingandresonance effects. Walls can transmit structurebornesound more than studding-type partitions, or pass re-radiated energy,andwithoutspecial detailingare moredifficult to make discontinuous.
Area of
TRANSMISSION PATH
partition
SRI
Stiffness Coincidence Partition resonances Composite

WaIIs
construction
Roofs Floors
COMPONENTS
Doors Ceilings Partitions

Diagram 2.1 Sound insulation: considerationsin design
36
0 0
LU C-,
0 U)
A = Sourceroom
B
= Receiving room z 0
II-
4
Via other rooms 2 Via flankingwalls 3 Via ceiling 4 Via floor 5 Direct path through wall
1
0 0
Figure2.1
Commonnoiseflanking paths
z >
LU
U LU
Diagram 2.2 Separation between rooms
A, Absorption units
Partition Area, s = h x I m2
A where 0is sound level difference A is sound reduction index for unit area of partition.
0= R1O log
Figure 2.2 Soundlevel difference between rooms
37
Facade Area (SI
separate calculation
for sound via other facadesand openings

Inside-to-outsidesound level difference
OL1L2
= R lOlog S+ 14 + 20 log r
Figure 2.3 Inside-to-outside sound level dfference
Facade Area (SI
A, Absorption units
separate calculation for sound via other facades and openings
SRI (A)
Outside-to-insidesound level difference
o = L1 L2
= R 10
log 6 dO
Figure 2.4 Outside-to-inside sound level dfference sound level dfference. This is defined in Chapter 5. It is often useful in a sequence of measurementsfor spacesat differentstagesoffit-out to have a level difference standardized to a reference half second reverberation time. The Weighted Standardized Level Difference (DflT,W) is defined in BS5821 [1] and referred to in the Building Regulations Part E [2]. Iftwo spacesare similar in acousticalcharacter, i.e. have the same amount of absorption in both the source room andreceiving room, the measured level difference will be the same whichever is the source room, If one space is much 'deader' than the other,or the spaces are ofsimilar reverberation timebutgreatly different involume, the level difference will be greater with the deader (or larger volume) space as the receiving room. This is not an anomalyalthougha partitionapparently more effectivefor sound insulation in one directionthan in the other can requiresome explanation to a client. In fairlydead spaces, forexample cinemaauditoria orstudios,a truereverberant field in the receiving room may not be generatedby the source in the room adjacentand there will be agradientof soundlevel awayfrom the separating partition.
Room-to-room
receiving point, or in other situations as defined in Chapter5 (Figure 2.3).In practice, an assessmentofnoise break-out from say a factory building requiresa sequence of calculations involving the contributions of sound via the roof, other facades, doors and windows. Little useful informationexists aboutsoundradiation viaangled roofs. In mostcases,itis the openings in industrial buildings that determine the noise break-out to adjacentsites.
Outside-to-inside sound level dfference. This is given by: D R 10 log S/A 6dB
This assumes that the measuring microphone is well away from the facade. As with break-out, break-in calculations shouldanalyse components ofnoise from the other faces and roof (Figure 2.4). While separate checks follow for break-in and break-out, both may be of concern on some jobs; for example, a hospital may be considered a noisesensitive building type but has significant 24-hour noise from plant and activity, which may upset nearby housing (Diagrams 2.3 and 2.4). Sound reduction index The sound reduction index (SRI) is the basic measureof sound insulation andis the number ofdecibels that sound power is reducedby transmission through the barrier. The average sound reduction index is usually expressed over 1003150Hz one-third octavebands, andwill be similar to the single value at 500 Hz (see Chapter 5).
Inside-to-outside sound level difference. This is given by:
D=R 10 log S+ 14 + 20 log r for facade radiation to hemisphere, where Sis the outside wall area and ris the radius from the facade centre to the
38
Diagram 2.3 Comparing buildinguse and external noise climate

NOISE BREAK-IN
Compare
to
criterion
NOISE BREAK-OUT
Neighbourhood
properties or site boundary
Diagram 2.4 Noise break-in and break-out theoretically increases by 6dB per octave. It may be seen from Figure 2.5 that the empirical mass law curve based on results is below the theoretical curve due to coincidence and resonance effects, and approximates to 5 dB per mass doubling. The theoretical soundinsulation over the frequency range 1003150 Hz is given by: R = 7.6 + 20 log MdB acuity at lower frequencies. where M is in kg/rn2; alternatively, to determine the theoretical performance at a particularfrequency: Mass law The mass law indicates that in theory sound insulation R= 20 log (JM) 47dB increases by 6dB for every doublingofweight ofdividing element per unit thickness. The sound insulation also where is the frequency of the incidentsound.
Averagesound insulation index rating,
The average sound insulation index rating, R, is the weighted single-figuredescriptordefined in Chapter5. As with the A-weighting, greatersignificance to midandhigh frequencies is given than for, say, the direct arithmetic average of the SRIs. This more accurately reflects the subjective effect of insulation due to the ear's reduced
Design acoustics
39
Table 2.1 Sound reduction indices

OBCF (Hz) kg/m2 Single glazing (mm) 125
250
500
1000
2000
4000
Mean'
4-mm glass in aluminium frame, 100-mm opening
4mm 6mm 6.4mmlaminated

12mm 19mm
10 15
30 49
10 20 18 22 26 25
10 22 25 24 30
31
11
12
12
28 31
34
36 36
30
35
34
32
30
34 30 33 39 45
13 29 38 38 47 47
11
28 29 30 35 35
Doubleglazing: glass/air space/glass (mm)
Sealed units
4/12/12 6/12/10 6/20/12 6.4 lam/12/10 Separate panes 6/150/4 6/200/6 4/200/4
3/12/3 4/12/4 6/12/6
21
22 20 25 26 26 27 29 37 27 15 10 36 34 34
41
20 17
19
22
22 26 34 29 35 41 33 23 16 37 37
24 29 33 34 40 37
45
29 37 38 41 40 42
41
35
41
36 44 39 40 42 52 47 46 28 27 54 58
73
25 38 46 44 48 50 53
51
25 30 30 35 34 39 38 44 46 39 27 22 45 47 52 51 41 43 45
4/200/4,opposite sliders open 25 mm 4/200/4,opposite sliders open 100mm

240 480 480
125
48 39 34 27 40
41
56 54
42 32 25
47 44 32 27 56 60 76 60 57 57 52 58
61
Masonry/blockwoi* 102-mm single-leaffairfaced
46
51
Single-leafplastered both sides
Cavitybrickwork with ties Double leaf brickwork plastered both sides 100-mm lightweight blockwork fairfaced 100-mm blockwork plastered both sides 100-mm blockwork with plasterboard on dabs both sides 200-mm fairfaced lightweight blockwork 200-mm blockwork plastered both sides 200-mm blockwork plasterboard on dabs both sides Three-leaf brickwork plasteredboth sides Two leaves of 100-mm dense concrete blocks, 50-mm cavity, 13-mm plaster both sides, cavity ties 9-mm plasterboard on 50 X 100mm studs at 400mm centres 13-mm plasterboard on 50 X 100mm studs at 400mm centres 13-mm plasterboard on 50 X 100mm studsat 400mm centres, 25mm mineralwool between studs 6-mm ply on 50 X 50mm studs at 600mmcentres Double 13-mm plasterboard on 146-mm steel studs at 600 mm centres 9-mm ply on frame 25-mm T&G timber boards 5-mm ply/1.5-mm lead/S-mm ply composite sheets Two layers of 13-mm plasterboard 1.2-mm steel sheet, 18 g 6-mm steel plate
Sheetmaterials/boards Stud partitions
34
45 32
250 720
32 32 28 35 37 33
34 34
38 39 39 43 41
44
35
40 48 33 37 45 43 46 50 49 49
56 56
41 45
53 49 53
55
58 49 52 55
54 57 56 66 67
46
49 49 55 52
57 58
60 70 75
15
31 32 37 14 41
13 17
35 34 42 22 47
19
37 47 49 28
49 25
45
39
46 50 59 42 58 22 36 44 35 39 46
35 38 43 26 47
18
25 25
10
46 42 53
19
32
5
14
7
21
25 22
10
50
26 24 13 27
30 29 20 35
22 34
31
24
38 32 29 39
24
41
30 42 30 33 39
25 36 30 26 38
40
Table 2.1 Sound reduction indices continued

OB CF (Hz)
kg/rn2
125
18 14
250 20
17 13
500
21 18 12 7 30 32 14 26 32 44
1000
21
2000
25 29 12 7 33 33 18
31
4000
25 31 21
Mean
Profiled metal sheeting 0.8-mm steel trapezoidal section, 50-mm deep cladding panels Duct cladding: plaster/mineralwool Duct cladding: lead foil/mineralwool 50-mm woodwool slabs, screeded to source side 100-mm woodwool slabs, screeded to source side
Docirs
22 22
12"
7b
20
12 7
30 12 28
11
50
9 28
7 26 28
12
8
28 28
13 21
7
36 38 24 34 39 57
32 34
16
30
31 16
43-mm flush, hollow-coredoor, normal hanging 43-mm solid core door, normal hanging 50-mm steel door with good seals Acoustic metal doorset, double seals
Roors 235-mm T&G floorboards, floorjoists, 13-mm plasterboard and skin 235-mm T&G floorboards, floorjoists with 50-mm sand between, 13-mm plasterboard and skin 100-mm reinforced concrete slab 200-mm reinforced concrete slab 300-mm reinforced concrete slab 200-mm o/a: 125-mm concrete slab and screed on 13-mm nominal glass fibre 'Average 1254000Hz octaves. SRI (1003150Hz) 02dB lower. b+ value on duct performance.
17 21
36
27 39
29 34 49
26
32
36 54
47
31
18
25 40
36 41
37 45 45 50 52 48
39
45 60 59 60 63 61
45 64 62 65 67 63
35 49 49 53 54
51
250 460 690 420
35 37 42 40 38
45 43
50 52 57 59
54
An example of the effect of increasing weight may be seen bythe performance ofa brickwall.A single-leafbrick wall may be rated 45 dB average, a 225-mmwall 50dB, but it takes a thickness of 450mmto achieve 55dB, and this performance may well be compromised by edge flanking effects. The performances of typical constructions are scheduled in Table 2.1. A schedule ofdensities (kg/m3) of common building materials may be found in BS 648 [3].
tion is typically at lower to mid frequencies, 200800Hz. However, there may be a high frequency benefit in practice also, because the quilt has an attenuatingeffect on sound via weaknesses at partition leafjunctions.The schematic sound insulation related to frequency is increased from single-panel6dB per octave slope to 12 dB by double leaves plus absorption, so the overall effect is greater improvement at higher frequencies. The sound reduction index will never rise to the arithmetic sum ofthe Sills ofthe individual leavesbecause Double leaves the two leaves canneverbecome totally isolated. However, Double leaves with a gap between allow greater sound it is usual to obtain a higher SRI from a double-skin insulation than a single layer ofequivalent weight. There construction than from the equivalent-weightsingle skin. are two main means of transmission: The principle applies for horizontal or vertical dividing i.e. roofs and floors as well as partitions. For a radiation from the first panel into the air space elements, of two leaves of like mass (inkg/m2) with partition excites the second panel, which radiates energy into of separation leaves d (in metres), the receiving room; structureborne transmission between the two leaves 85 by mechanical links, the second leaf radiating the
transmitted vibrational energy.
rnd
Sound-absorbing quilt in the gap improves the sound insulation. A relatively small provision of absorption is effectivebecause it suffices to ensurethat the transmission via radiation is less than the structurebornetransmission. Although it contributes little to the total surface mass, it soaks up sound crossing the gap and standing waves of soundwithin the cavity. The improvement due to absorp-
The resonantfrequency can be arranged to fall below the frequency range of interest, say below 50Hz, by choosing a high value of din relation to rn. Some estimate of the average field sound reduction index can be obtained from the expression:
R = 34 + 20 log rnd
41
70
0
(/)
a) a) C) co a)
60
x 0)
40
>
0
U
30
-D 0)
20
10
Figure 2.5 Mass law: averagefield SRI

60 55 -D 50
U) a) C)
Ct
ii;ft/ ,ii
100
1000
U)
Surfacemass (kg/rn2)
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 5000 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000
()
rd octave bandcentrefrequency(Hz)
(2)
/
57
45
40 35 30 10 100 1000
.-.
3
10
4
-.-1
125 5 3
Surface mass (kg/rn2) variation
partitionwith total surface mass 1 200 mm cavity 2 100 mm cavity 3 50 mm cavity 4 25 mm cavity
of average SRI of double-leaf
125
construction: Figure 2.6 Double-leaf effect on SRI
The effect is shown graphically in Figure 2.6. The minimum useful gap is 50mm and wide cavities improve
the low frequency performance. Different characteristics (weight, thickness) to one leaf offers a further improvement, as the many tests on double glazing combinations demonstrate. Cavity walls in brickwork with ties offer Figure 2.7 Dry liningversus masonry negligible benefit to solid 225-mm construction. A good example of the performancepossible is the use of widecavityseparating wallsin multiplex cinemas where double 15-mm plasterboard either side of a 250-mm gap with fraction of the weight, to achieve 50dB average SRI, but 100-mm quilt inside consistently achieves 6570 dB more care is required at the edge and at penetrations. In DflTW. dry construction, if substantial acoustic doors are used, a structural steel 'H' subframe bolted to the floor and the underside of the floor above shouldbe used to hold the Dry construction versus masonry
0.7 mm steelskin 2 60 mm mineral wool (90 kg/rn3) 3 2 x 13 mm plasterboard 4 Metalstuds at 600 mm Cs 5 25 mm glassfibre 6 Single-leaf common brickwork, plasteredboth sides (1920 kg/rn3)
1
Dry construction versus masonry is a frequent design doorset firm; standard partition metal studs allow too comparison (Figure 2.7). A plastered block wall can be much flexing. This has to be borne in mind in any cost replacedby double-layer plasterboard with quilt inlay at a comparisons between systems. The acoustic integrity of
42
Acoustics
dry partitioningis more easily compromised by services penetrations, sockets and fixtures.
Discontinuity implies the separation of structural elements so thatvibrations are not easily transmitted around the mainstructure to cause intrusive noise in other areas Stffness by re-radiation. The ingredients for 'box-in-box' rooms The stiffness of thin panels is important because of the employing a consistent standard of discontinuity are susceptibilityof leaves to be more easily driven by a noise double or even treble walls, a floating floor, and a source on one side at certain frequencies. The effectcan substantial ceiling and slab above. be seen in duct systemswhere thin duct walls may easily transmit low frequencies of in-duct sound. Composite construction Composite construction is that consisting of surface areas Coincidenceeffect ofdifferentsound reduction indices, for example a brick The coincidence effecthappenswhen soundwaves falling wall containing a door and a window. The total sound on a panelexcite bendingwaves in it, the velocityofwhich power through a composite structure is the sum of the depends on frequency. Sound transmission is greater at components of sound power transmitted by each compothe frequencies where the coincidence effect is greatest nent separately (see Chapter 5). and the theoretical R is reduced by as much as 10 dB below the level derived from mass law calculation (see Sound leaks Sound leaks can have a serious deleterious effect on the Chapter 5 for full description). performanceofa partition, wall, floor or roof. The effect Partitionresonances is more marked at high frequencies. Figure 2.8 shows that Partition resonances happen when standing waves are a hole of 0.001 m2 makes the composite SRI 40dB for a formedwithin the partition.At the frequencies at which 45-dB-rated SRI wall of 16m2. Gaps at door edges are a this occurs the resonances will reduce performance.In a typical example of sound leakage. single-leaf partition or wall, the fundamental resonant frequency is determined by its stiffness. At higher fre- Buildingenvelope:rooft quencies, there are other performance 'dips' at har- Roofs are typically oflighter construction than outer walls monics ofthe resonantfrequency. For many partitions the and of relatively large area compared with walls and resonances occur at low frequencies outside the range of openings. The exposure to road, rail or industrial sources usual interest and the effect can often be ignored. is less, but a building can be vulnerable to aircraftnoise or However, it may be of interest when, for example, checking a specific curtain wall glazing arrangementfor low frequency components of traffic noise. The most 1:1 000000 importantis the fundamental resonantfrequency, calculated from: 1:500000
f=-where
tr \;
11 1 I+
1:250 000 0
CD
[a2b2
1:125000 1:64000
1:32 000
thickness (m), E its Young's Modulus (Pa), and p density (kg/rn3) (Table 2.2).
a and b are the partition dimensions (m), t is its
1:16000
-c 0)
C
a)
1:8 000
1:4000
1:2 000 1:1 000 1:500 1:250 1:125 1:64
1:32 1:8
1H1N-n-I
Discontinuity
The discontinuity of rooms within a building can get complicated at junctions and is most practically implementedon smaller studiospaces than on majorauditoria.
Table 2.2 Values of Young'smodulus and density
Material
Young's modulus, E
0
CD
II
IIILltIIi
(a
a)
'II1
0
I
0
Cd, CD
a)
Cc? _______.'.1'-H-I-rtuInhIlC 1:16 ________
(Pa) 1.6 2 7 4 2.4 1.6 1.9 4.3
Density, p (kg/rn3) 11 300
CD
0 0
cc
CD
ftHNII1'WIIi'JtI 1:4 _________ ##f H 1:2

1:1 2:1
Lead Steel Aluminium

Glass
Concrete
Brick
Plasterboard
Plywood
X 1010 X 1011 X 1010 X X 1010 X 1010 X iO X io
l0
8000 2 700 2 500 2 300

1 900 750 580
4:1 8:1
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Loss of insulation : deduct from higher insulation (dB)

5
I II
'IJ
Figure 2.8 Compositeconstruction sound insulation
Design acoustics
43
roof-mounted items ofplant. Traditional slated roofs have a reasonable surface mass, butgaps up the lapping slates and the need to ventilate under the lapping slates make such roofs poor insulators (27 dB average) on their own. The usual use of a roofvoid with its thermal insulation and plastered ceiling increases this to 38 dB average. Flat roofs Flat roofs of built-up felt on thermal insulation on metal decking or composite construction of profiled metal, insulation and liner tray metal sheeting, achieve only 3035 dB. Roofs of similar surface mass to floors screeded topping to precast concrete, for example, with asphalt and insulation above manage 4550 dB. For performance exceeding 50 dB, the roof will have to be supplemented by a barrier ceiling below. A conventional lay-in grid mineral tile ceiling will be of little additional value to the roof,particularly if open grilles in the ceiling allow its use as a supply or extract air plenum. Lightweight roofs with a profiled metal outer face are subject to rain and hail drumming, and can also 'click' and bang during thermalmovement. Damping the outer skin by having quilt directly behindit muffles the sound to a degree. Composite metal roofswith a soffit ofperforated metal are often used in sports halls gymnasia,ice rinks and swimming pools to absorb soundwithin the space, butthe position of the vapour barrier above the perforations needs considering carefully.Too thick a membrane will blank offthe absorption capabilityof the quilt above; some systems have the membrane embedded in the thermal/absorptionquilt, but special fixings through this arrangementare needed. Cethng To uprate the sound reduction capability of a roof, the suspension of a barrier ceiling can be included. The performance of a timber floor can be altered from 42dB to 58 dB by the addition of a British Gypsum M/F ceiling as shown in Figure 2.9. The system uses straightforward metal straps; some other specialist systems use resilient hangers, and any design will have to address problems of suspending ductwork or further decorative ceilings below the barrier ceiling. Ceiling voids are familiar transmission routes for sound between rooms, where partitions are not carriedthrough to the roof or floor above. Carrying the partitions up not only breaks the ceiling but inhibits moving them and affects ventilation arrangements ducted supplies need the cross-talk attenuationdiscussed in Chapter 3. Ceiling manufacturers should be able to quote room-to-room transmission characteristics as measured in BS 2750: Part 9: Laboratory testing [411. Suspended ceilings tend to be selected for their light weight (hence economy) andfor absorption, rather than sound insulation: the level difference through a ceiling is limited to 1015dB. For greater performance a closed plasterboard ceiling can be used but recessed lights must
Suspended ceilings Ceiling voids Lightweightroofs
be cased and absorption is reduced compared to the

proprietarytiled grid.
Walls Blockwork
Blockwork performs reliably if well constructed and of adequate mass. Lightweight thermal blockwork (350700 kg/m3) frequently usedin the absence ofadvice otherwise, is poor. Unplastered blockwork loses sound insulation by its fissures and movement cracks: plastering can improve this. The best blockwork is 2000kg/m3 solid no-voids dense concrete masonry (dcm), a thickness of 190 mm achieving 50dB SRI. Target densityvalueswill have to be set outas there is no set definition of 'dense' except in terms of blockwork strength.Some strong blockwork (7 N/rn3) is not necessarily very dense at 1400kg/rn3.
Brickwork
Brickwork is usually better than blockwork; the smaller units can be built around partitions more easily and movement cracking is less. The heaviest (2300kg/rn3) construction is obtained by using solid engineering bricks; an acceptable everyday use is commons laid with frogs up (17002000kg/rn3). Mortar density is typically 1800kg/rn3.
Partitions
With care, lightweight construction can outperform masonry, certainly mass-for-mass, andsometimes even for similar thicknesses. In plasterboarded partitions, metal studding has largely replaced timber studding and gives better SRI performance because the leaves are coupled across the studs more resiliently. Plasterboard itselfis used less often as the range of metal-skinned modular panel partitioning diversifies and becomes more competitive. The panels take the form of50-or 100-mm-thick elements with absorption material in a core, for offices.For studios, noise havens or music practice rooms, panels can be perforated on the inner face for absorption and fixed to isolated floor and ceiling panels. A strong combination is masonry plus independent lining, with quilt in the cavity Some examples are shown in Figure 2.10. Care must be taken not to make the cavity too small, otherwise low frequency resonances can render the dry lining disadvantageous rather than advantageous to insulation.
be avoided if possible. Theyare frequently installed and then complained of in places where low background noise levels and need for
Folding partitions. These should
confidentiality exist, e.g. solicitors' offices and boardrooms. Because of gaps around the suspension gear, the level difference either side is similar to a door's: 1520 dB average. Folding panel rather than concertina types are marginally better, but beware of the claims of suppliers who quote high sound insulation values, even supported by tests, that relate only to the body ofthe panels and not to the total assembly. The best types have some closure seal pneumatic or mechanical which can lock the panels in place. A robust ceiling at head and a division of ceiling void are necessary. By care,separation in the order of around 35dB can be obtained: this can be related to
44
Acoustics

100
9C
8C
/ N

0 U)
E
N
3 0.
71
-.-..
a)
0 z
20 125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500
rd octave band centre frequency (Hz)

3 4
(b)
1 Timber floor 2 Timber floor and suspended ceiling
Impact sound
III
1
200mm
(a)
18 mm chipboard 195 x 45 mm timberjoists 600 cs 3 13 mm gyproc 4 150 mm mm. spacing/ceiling void 5 80 mm gypglas 1000 6 13 mm gyproc on M/F suspension system
2
V
x
C C 50
0 V a,
C)
Figure 2.9 Sound insulatingsuspended ceiling. (Courtesy of

British Gypsum)
U)
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 5000 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000

(c)
2 Timber floor and suspendedceiling

Airborne sound insulation
Timber floor
Design acoustics
45
Table 2.3
division
Speech privacy
Table 2.4 Conversationprivacy taking account of SRi" ofdividing

element (dB) 20 25 30 35 40 45 background noise
Whether conversation overheardother side of
Sound as heard by occupant
SRI + background
noise dBA NR
Normalspeech easilyoverhead Loud speech clearly heard Loud speech distinguished during normal activity Loud speech heard but not intelligible Loud speech can be heard faintly but Loud speech or shoutingheard with great difficulty
"Average sound reduction
not understood
Intelligible Occasionallyintelligible Audible but not intelligible Inaudible
70
7580 8090
65
6570 7585
90
85
index, 1003150 Hz.
speech privacyneeds as shownin Table2.3. An alternative method is to add the background noise level and the partitionSRI and workto a total exceeding 65 (Table 2.4). Sound insulation performance is particularly important for speech privacy in the frequency range 5002000Hz.
Doors
'
X- 3
'4
\ \I N
200 ri,rr
The typical domestic door, hollow-coredwith a loose fit, achieves 1520dB average. A solid-core door with fire ratingrebatesto the frameimproves this marginally. The fittingofintegralblade or compression seals to edgesand the threshold help the value up to about 30dB. Purposemade timber or metal doorsets can be selected in the range 3545 dB average. The weight of acoustic doorsets is substantial and they must either be well fixed directly
x a,
C
C
0
C,
a'
C
U)
___
100
111111111
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000
single-leaf common brickwork 48 mm glass fibre (24 kg/rn3) 13 mm plasterboard (wallboard) on 48 mm. 'I' section metalstuds at 600 mm cs 4 2 x 19 mm Gyproc' plank, adhesive between layers 5 2 x 13 mm plasterboard
1
2 3
--1 Rw=44dB
*3 Rw=55dB
2 +4
Rw=58dB Rw=59dB
masonry/dry-lining combinations
Figure 2.10 Masonry dry lining combinations. (Courtesy ofBritish Gypsum)
Design acoustics
47
Floor boards fixedthroughGyproc to flange 19 mm, Gyproc 3 Overlapping ledger channels on foam strip 4 Floor joists 5 100 mm Gypglas 1000 6 13 + 19mm Gyproc 7 Resilient bar 8 Sealant 9 Perimeter seal strip
1
III
0
11111
200 mm
V
a) V C C U
0 V V C
U)
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 5000 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000

Source: British Gypsum Impactsound
(c)
rd octave band centre frequency (I-lz)

Source: British Gypsum Airborne sound insulation
Figure 2.13 Timber floors: Gyproc SIfloorsystem. (Courtesy
ofBritish Gypsum)
48 Windows
Acoustics
Windows are the weak link element in the building envelope for shielding interiors from intrusive external noise. If noise levels are high, 6SdB(LAeq), opening windows may have to be avoided by the use of full mechanical ventilation. The various factors in the performance of the total assemblyare as follows. Thickness. Increasing the glazing thickness increases the mass and stiffness, improving performance and changingthe coincidence 'dip'. Stiffness. Toughening the glass does not affect the bending stiffnessand so has no effect on its sound insulation properties. Air space. Very small air spaces do not help appreciably (compare 6-mm glasswith 6/12/6 in Table 2.1, for example); larger spacing with differing glass thicknesses improves the insulation. Lamination. 'Platedamping'reduces the transmission ofsound througha windowby transforming resonant vibratory motion in the glass,excited bysound on the incident side of the window, into heat energy. Laminated glass comprises two thin layers of glass bonded by a clear viscoelastic material with high damping characteristics. When laminated glass is combinedwith air space and a second glasslayer in a double-glazed unit, a significant improvement in performance is achieved over a single layer of equivalent mass. Edge damping. The size of the glasspanelandhowwell it is framed has a bearing on the performanceof a curtain wall. Assuming the glazing is well gasketted, mechanical interaction between the glass panels and muntins leads to an improved soundinsulation effect for an assembly of many individual panes and muntins. Gas filling. Some insulating double glazed units are filled with argon, sulphur hexafluoride or xenon. These improve the sound insulation at higher frequencies, but below 250 Hz the reduction in performance outweighs this. As traffic noise has a strong low-frequencycomponentof noise, gas-filled glass is not beneficial compared to conventional double glazing for acoustic protection. Inner windows.Wide air spaces and decoupledframes allow good performance, although maintenance access and cleaning is a disadvantage. Separate windows can also incorporate off-set opening lights or trickle vents, without a total loss of insulation for
opened lights. Frame to masonry. Frames should be on continuous
to around 8dB. grounds and well edge-sealed to inside and outside in order to avoid water as well as noise reveals, ingress. A weaknessoften occurs at the frame head Sound absorption eaves closure detail, because of relative movement.
resilient surface layer, floating screed or a floating slab. Examples of the different types are shown in Figures 2.15 and2.16. The isolating layer and the slab or screed form a mass-springsystemwith alow resonantfrequency.Effective isolation is only possible at frequencies about two or three times higher than thisfrequency. Care in application is requiredas isolation battens like those illustrated have impact isolation geared to meet Building Regulations, primarily damping footfall and normal domestic activity. However, there is little static deflection inherent in such systems (otherwise there might be too much 'give' in the floor in normal use). In a recent instance of a school dance floor above other teaching rooms, the heavy impact of group rhythmical movements make the total floor system act as one, overcoming the limited deflection isolation system. Semi-sprung timber floors as developed for dance and sports surfaces, rather than systems developed for apartments, are the correct choice. The type of floor shown in Figure 2.16 is a proprietary floor by Sound Attenuators Ltd, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex. Usuallyfloor-to-floorheightsare at a premium so a deep floor zone cannot be afforded. The system consists of 13-mm ply with a grid of resilient pads 50mm thick and absorption quilt between the pads. The ply serves as permanent formwork for 100mmofconcrete to be laid as the upper floor slab layer, isolated at the edges. At this 50-mm spacing ofslabs, the air gap determines the spring-mass resonance at around 15Hz. The floor is not intended as a substitute for adequateantivibration mounting of plant, as the floating floor system is only effective for frequencies above 30Hz. Another proprietarysystem avoids ply by having isolatorsjackable so that the upper slab is initially laid directly on top of the lower and then raised and levelled. The improvement given by a floating floor is such that the nett separation will be determinedby flanking effects (for example, viawallsorcolumns commonatboth levels) rather than by airborneperformanceas shown in Figure 2.16.Without attentionto the flanking routes, the average improvement in the sound reduction indexwill be limited
vertedresidential properties. Thereare severalproprietary isolation systems. Concrete floors can be disappointing if the lightest-weightprecast units andnominal-onlytopping are used. Solid rather than cored units with a generous structural topping are better, achieving 4850dB. With floors the impact soundinsulation aswellasairbornewill be ofconcern.Impactsound happens when a shortimpulsive blow to a structure 'drives' it andthe sound is carried and re-radiated elsewhere. Isolation can be given by either a
17oom
Absorptionand insulation
Timber floors as used in dwellings perform as shown in Figure 2.14. Between flats, Building Regulation Part E recommended detailsare a reference source [2]. The 1992 version increased newparty floorstandards, e.g. abase floor slab in a composite system is increased from 220kg/rn2 to 300 kg/rn2, and brought in onerous provisions for con-
Absorption and insulation are not to be confused. The application ofsound-absorbing finish to a separatingwall will not have any discernible effecton its sound insulation properties at all. All surfaces absorb sound to a greater or leser extent: bare concrete or marble have a low sound absorption coefficient, and hence absorb little sound and reflect back almost all incident energy.
50
Acoustics in the Built Environment 70 N
-J
0
Ct
C-)
aE
-a a)
0 z
'
10 125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500
x6
/
1
rd octave band centre frequency (Hz) Durabella Westbourne flooringwith 22-mm battens on a 200-kg/rn2 concrete floor (b) Impact sound
Figure 2. 5 Floatingtimberfloors. ((a) Courtesy of Contiwood(Durabella) Ltd; (b) courtesy ofPheonix Floors Ltd)
2 3 4 5
8mm isolating semi-rigid foam
19mm chipboard
(a)
fused to base of battens Concrete subfloor Cover moulding on mastic 19mm chipboard on hardwood/foam isolation battens Existing floor construction
0
a)
C-,
a
a)
Absorption coefficients
a) -J
>
Absorption coefficients are not considered dependent on the angle of incidence of sound striking the medium: randomincidence is assumed. Absorption coefficientsare normally given for the frequency range 1254000Hz (Table 2.5). Third octave band values of absorption coefficients will not differ much from octave band values (octave bands average the third octave values, as opposed to NR values where one-third values are additive in producing octave bands); NRC and dBA are correspondingly different in derivation.
Types of absorber
10 100 125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000
(1, structural floor; 2, structural and floating floor) Types of absorber include fibrous absorbers, fibrous Airborne sound insulation absorbers with impervious membrane facing, and fibrous absorbers covered with perforated panelling. An Figure 2.16 Increase ofairborne sound insulation by use of of the first is batts mounted concrete example type quilt directly floatingfloors. (Courtesy ofSoundAttenuators Ltd)
Design acoustics
51
Table 2.5 Absorptioncoefficients OBCF (Hz)

125
250
500
1000
2000
4000
'Hard'finishes Water or ice Smooth concrete, unpainted Smooth concrete, sealed or painted Concrete blocks, fairfaced Rough concrete Brickwork, flush-pointed Brickwork, 10-mm-deeppointing Plastered walls Painted plaster Ceramic tiles Marble, terrazzo Glazing (4mm) Double glazing Glazing (6mm)
0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.08 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.30 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.75 0.50 0.13 0.40 0.14 0.30 0.40 0.20 0.13 0.60 0.30 0.08
0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.09 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.20 0.05 0.06 0.25 0.70 0.70 0.27 0.40 0.10 0.20 0.35 0.15 0.09 0.60 0.12 0.11 0.10
0.01 0.02 0.01 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.12 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.10 0.03 0.04 0.70 0.65 0.80 0.55 0.70 0.06 0.15 0.20 0.10 0.08 0.60 0.08 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.60 0.35 0.55 0.80
0.01
0.02 0.02 0.08 0.03 0.04 0.16 0.04 0.02 0.02

0.01
0.07 0.03 0.03 0.85 0.85

1.0
0.02 0.02 0.02 0.14 0.04 0.05 0.22 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.70 0.85 1.0 0.90 0.70 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.11 0.60 0.06 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.08 0.05 0.50 0.74 0.97 1.0 1.0 0.89 0.96 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
0.02 0.05 0.02 0.20 0.07 0.07 0.24 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.60 0.80 1.0 1.0 0.80 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.11 0.60 0.05 0.03
mineraltile, direct to floor slab mineraltile, suspended 500mm below ceiling Metal planks, slots 14% free area, mineralwool overlay and
13-mm 13-mm
Ceilings
void Metal tiles 5% perforated, 20-mm quilt overlay andvoid Woodwoolslabs

Panels
0.79 0.70 0.08 0.05 0.15

0.05
Solid timberdoor 9-mm plasterboard on battens, 18-mm air space with glass fibre 5-mm ply on battens, 50-mm air space with glass fibre Suspended plasterboard ceiling Steel decking Ventilation grille (perm2) 13-mm plasterboard on frame, 100-mm air space with glass fibre 13-mm plasterboard on frame, 100-mm air space 2 X 13-mm plasterboard on frame, 50-mm air space with
0.09 0.60 0.06 0.03 0.04

0.05 0.09 0.15 0.40 0.71 0.89 1.0 1.0 0.77 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
mineralwool 22-mm chipboardon frame, 50-mm air space with mineral

wool
0.15 0.12 0.25 0.05

0.05 0.12
0.05 0.05 0.07 0.10 0.50 0.83 0.94

1.0 1.0 0.91
16-mm T&G on frame, 50-mm air space with mineral wool 22-mm timber boards 100-mm-wide, 10-mm gaps 500-mm
0.04 0.15 0.25

0.15
air space with mineralwool

Treatments
Curtains in folds against wall 25-mm glass fibre, 16 kg/m3 50-mm glass fibre, 16 kg/m3 75-mm glass fibre, 16 kg/m3 100-mm glass fibre, 16 kg/m3 25-mm glass fibre, 24 kg/m3 50-mm glass fibre, 24 kg/m3 75-mm glass fibre, 24 kg/m3 100-mm glass fibre, 24 kg/m3 50-mm glass fibre, 33 kg/m3 75-mm glass fibre, 33 kg/m3 100-mm glass fibre, 33 kg/m3 50-mm glass fibre, 48 kg/rn3
0.28
0.45
0.17 0.30 0.43

0.11
0.69 0.86
0.32
0.94
1.0
0.27
0.28
0.54
0.79 1.0 0.55 0.85 0.92 0.80
0.56 0.94
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
0.96
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
0.46
0.20 0.37 0.53 0.30
52
Acoustics
in the Buift Environment
Table 2.5 Absorptioncoefficients continued

OBGF (Hz)
125 75-mm glass fibre, 48 kg/rn3 100-mm glass fibre, 48 kg/rn3 25-mm acoustic plaster to solid backing 0.43 0.65 0.03 0.02 0.30 0.15 0.30 0.35 0.11 0.34 0.10 0.50 0.20 0.05
250
0.97 1.0 0.15 0.08 0.30 0.60 0.85 0.95
500
1.0 1.0 0.50
1000
1.0 1.0 0.80 0.60 0.80 0.90 0.85 0.92 0.94 0.82 1.0 0.90 0.85 0.20
2000
1.0 1.0 0.85
4000
1.0 1.0 0.80 0.90 0.75 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.82
perforated steel
Floorfinishes
9-mm acoustic plastic to solid backing 9-mm acoustic plasteron plasterboard, 75-mm air space 50-mm mineralwool, 33 kg/rn3 75-mm mineralwool, 33 kg/rn3 100-mm mineral wool, 33 kg/m3 50-mm mineral wool, 60 kg/rn3 75-mm mineral wool, 60 kg/rn3 25-mm mineral wool, 25-mm air space 50-mm mineral wool, 50-mm air space 50-mm mineral wool (96 kg/rn3) behind 25% open area
0.30 0.60 0.90

0.95 1.0 0.96 1.0 0.70 0.90 0.65 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.10 0.10 0.07 0.03
0.80
0.75
0.60 0.95 0.40 0.70 0.35 0.05 0.09 0.08

0.11 0.15 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.24 0.40 0.40 0.38 0.50 0.60 0.66 0.74 0.53 0.70
0.90 0.90 0.90 0.92

0.87 1.0 0.90 0.90 0.45 0.70 0.75 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.05 0.81
0.86
1.0
0.80 0.80
0.65 0.72 0.80 0.07 0.10 0.07 0.05 0.10 0.78 0.87 0.45 0.45 0.50 0.70 0.70 0.85 0.80 0.20
Cord carpet Thin (6-mm) carpet on underlay Thick (9-mm) carpet on underlay Wooden floor boards onjoists Parquetfloor on timberjoists and deck Parquetlaid concrete Vinyl or linoleum on concrete Vinyl and resilientbacking on concrete
Miscellaneous
0.03 0.08
0.15
0.20 0.04 0.02

0.02 0.16 0.24 0.33 0.15 0.40 0.44 0.49 0.60 0.27 0.80
0.54 0.60 0.07 0.10 0.06 0.04

0.05 0.69 0.98 0.45 0.43 0.61 0.89 0.88 0.96 0.93 0.50 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.45
0.04 0.56
0.78
Audience on timber seats (1/rn2) Audience on timber seats (2/rn2) Audience per person, seated Audience per person, standing Seats, leather covers (per m2) Upholstered seats (per m2) Floor and upholstered seats (perm2) Areas with audience, orchestra, or seats, including narrow Orchestra with instruments on podium, 1.5 m2/person Shading factor (apply to finishes under seats, x coefficient) Air 30% RH (per m3 at 20C) Air 50% RH (per m3 at 20C) Air 70% RH (per m3 at 20C) Office furniture (perdesk)
Valuesexceeding 1.0 have been roundeddown to 1.0. aisles
0.96
0.45 0.45 0.58 0.82 0.82
0.44 0.42 0.58 0.77

0.80 0.88 0.67 0.60
0.93 0.87 0.40

0.01 0.009 0.009 0.60
0.04
0.03 0.02
0.50
0.40
0.45
0.70
on a wall surface, or carpet on a floor. An example of is 5% or less, the panels are reflecting except for the third type is metal perforated suspended ceiling myriad Helmholz resonators formed by the holes. 'Bass tiles with quilt inlay above; provided the open area of traps' are used in studios to provide broadband absorpthe perforations exceeds say 20%, the quilt and air tion right down to very low frequencies. They consist of cavity behind the metal tiles is almost as efficient at a lined labyrinth air space within which negligible soaking up sound as if the tiles were not present. In reflection results. An extremecase of absorptive materials installation is studios, deep boxes with thin membranes can be puror selected to even out the reverberation the semi-anechoic and anechoic chambers in acoustic pose-designed characteristics at different frequencies. Resonance laboratories (Figure 2.17): deep wedges of foam above, absorption can be produced by selecting appropriate below andto all sides reduces the reverberation time to a perforation and air space depth. If the perforation rate very low value at all audible frequencies.
53
Parallel pattern
II
(1/rn2
Figure 2.17 Anecho chamber

1-
4 Cross pattern
(1/rn2)
A featureof absorption is that the more that is put into a room, the less effective it is, because new absorption is 'competing'with the absorption already presentto absorb incidentsound. The maximum absorption effect is in a
diffuse field,i.e. whensound is incident on the absorptive material from all around. There is also a slight 'drawing in' of sound at the edges. For a specific area of surface absorption in a room, the maximum absorption effect is obtained by distributing small areas all around.
Reverberant soundpressure level
The reverberantsound pressurelevel is given by:
L=SWLlOlogA+6+lOlogN
where SWL is the sound power level of a noise source within the space, Nis the number of sources, and A is the absorption present. As 10 log 2 is 3, it may be gathered that each doublingof the absorption in a room reduces the reverberantSPL by 3dB.
Reverberation time
0.9
0.8
C 0.7
C.)
The reverberation time is the finite time it takes for the sound source energy in a space to decay 60 dB when switchedoff. For enclosures in which a diffuse sound field existsandwhere the average absorption coefficient is less than0.1, the reverberation timecanbefoundbytheSabine Equation. Where the average absorption coefficient is greaterthan 0.1, the Norris-EyringEquation can be used. Both methods are described in Chapter 5. Air absorption effectsmustalso be accounted for in larger volumes.
0 0
C
U)
0.6
0 0.5 0
.0 0.4 0.3
Largerspaces 0.2 Larger spacesproducesound decay characteristicsin poor with Sabine or In agreement Norris-Eyring. 'amorphous 0.1 space' areas, such as shopping malls or industrial halls, thereisnot atrue reverberant fieldacross thespace and the sound characterwill vary in different parts ofthe space. On 0 theother hand,suchspacesare not 'free-field' and the SPL 125 250 500 1000 2000 will decay at something less than 6dBforeach doubling of Octave band centre frequency(Hz) distance from the source. Empirical data suggest 4dB/ 1 parallel pattern doubling of distance across typical industrial halls. Alter2 cross pattern native forms of calculation have been proposed for industrial halls. Complex spaces can sometimes be sub- Figure 2.18 Overheadsound absorbers. (Courtesy of divided into individual coupled volumes: if alcoves off a Rockwool)
4000
54
electret/capacitormicrophones. There are a number of computer systemswith powerful graphical presentations, emanatingfrom Japan, USA and Europe. Other systems are suited for sound systems design, having been developed by internationalsound equipmentmanufacturers. Ar X S A room acousticsmodelling programshould allow basic A= evaluation of rooms of any shape and complexity. The Ar + S calculation methods are intended to combine the best of where A is the absorption contributionfrom the recess to both ray-tracing and image-source methods. Desired the mainspace, Ar is the absorption in the recess, and Sis features in such a programare: the area of the openingbetween the recess and the main fast estimation of room volume and reverberation mainspace have significantabsorption suchthatsignificant energyis notreturnedintothe mainspace, the surface area ofthe alcove openingcanbe countedas a = 1. Alternatively, a simplified calculation is given by:
space.
Finishes
Finishes, then, can be designed to affect room acoustics in three different ways: absorption, reflection and diffusion.
Absorption
reflectograms with 'sound rose' graphical displays 3D tracingof individual reflection paths maps of energy parameters over chosen surfaces fast recalculation in response to altering receiver
absorption position easy operation: menu-driven, warnings, and data displays project file management which allows consistent and records of the
conditions
and
materials
Absorption can either be integral in a space (e.g. by virtue of blockwork faces or a suspended ceiling) or added as a design analysis thorough decorative finish (carpet, wall linings, curtains and furniapproach ture), and then, of course, there are the occupants. multiple source capability Absorption is more effective spread around rather than compatibilitywith CAD systems concentrated all in one area. Some elements show the source directivityfactors 'perfect' absorption coefficient 1; 'space absorbers', hanglink to audible simulation of acoustic conditions ingbafflesorbannersare absorptivelyparticularlyeffective RASTI map calculation because they soak up incident sound from both sides. In industrial premises,arrays ofoverhead absorbers, one per ODEON, a system derived for acousticians by the of Copenhagen, is an example of a program can be used to soak levels of metre, up high process University square that includes a number of the above features, although noise in bottling plants orprintinghalls (Figure 2.18). there is no one ideal system for all purposes. Figure 2.19 shows the use of ODEON for remodelling the Royal Reflection Reflectionofsound atsurfaces notabsorptivein naturenot Albert Hall, London, contrastedwith physical modelling. only increases the reverberant sound level but also directs Figure 2.23 shows an ODEON CAD model used by Arup the sound to other surfaces. Rooms of particular propor- Acoustics on the new Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. The tions can give cross reflection effects, impairing speech geometry of a room is typically defined by coordinates for intelligibility. Curved walls can focus sound, and by so its corners,plus cornersto surfaces within. AcousticsCA]) doing starve other parts of a space of sound. Strong models typically comprise perimetersurfaces, the size of directedsound is afeaturedesiredbymusicalperformance individual surface files being not less than a couple of with square metres, otherwise edge effects render analysis less audiences inmodern hallsbut this has tobecombined diffusion; the methodsofproviding adequatesurface area accurate. Curved surfaces have to berepresentedas facets. Other systems for auditoriainclude Renkus-Heine's Elecare discussedunder 'Concerthalls'. tro Acoustic Simulators for Engineers (EASE) acoustic modelling software, and Swedish acoustician Bengt-Inge Diffusion Diffusion is an effectwhereby the complexityof reflecting Dalenbck's Computer-Aided Theatre Technique (CATT) surfaces results in an even dispersion of sound in a room: -Acoustic. The latter can import files directly from the modelling of reflecting surfaces can ensure this by AutoCAD. Any system should be validated to 'stock' breaking up incident sound. In order to break up low auditoriawhich have known characteristics, for example frequency components of sound as well as middle and the RoyalFestivalHall, or to physicalmodelstestedin the upper frequencies, the modelling ofsurfaces has to be on laboratory, a technique which has proved comparatively a large scale, e.g. projections exceeding 300 mm and reliable in the past. The latest tool to demonstrate conditions is auralization, whereby a CAD model is element areas exceeding 0.5 m2. detailed enough to allow orchestral set-pieces to be heard Auditoriamodelling as if in the real hall at a specific seatlocation. For auditoria modelling of interiors considering the effects of sound-absorbing or sound-reflecting surfaces, there is a choice between physical and computer predic- An example of CAD and physical modelling tion techniques. Physical models (1:50 or even much larger scale) are still the most reliable for the most TheRoyalAlbertHall, London important projects, e.g. major concert halls, with wave- A 58m refurbishmentwill include the interior remodellengths scaled up accordingly, spark sound sources to ling of the 1871 5500-seatceremonial hall (Figures 2.19a, produce the high frequencies needed, and miniature b, and f), to tame the famous echoes for orchestral and
Design acoustics
55
(b)
(d)
(f) Figure 2.19 Sound decay analysis: ODEON ampiffied music events: these included stalls examples of +3dB on direct sound after 300 ms time delay. A fabric velarium was the original means of acoustic control, removedin 1949. The replacement suspensions were 102 grp 'mushrooms' at 25 m height and a cumbersome orchestral canopy at 11 m height, installed in
1969.
Initial investigation, by BDP Acoustics, consisted of extensive baseline measurements at 14 receiver positions andtwo source positions, for unoccupiedhall andduring events. Results were validated to an ODEON model (Figure 2.19e). Balcony seating with tiering existing and proposed werelaboratorytestedprior to installation and remeasurement in the hall.
56
Acoustics

90
14
80
-O
12
w
C.)
70
a,
i
-:
0
60
50
C
Co
I: I 1 1
1H
1Z
U,
5
40
30
125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 ,rd octave band centre frequency (Hz)
Sound Insulation between typical auditoria
Figure 2.20(b) Multiplex cinemas: sound insulation

between typical auditoria
Since mid-1996, acousticians Peutz & AssocisBV have studied the Hall's behaviour in a walk-in 1:12 physical scale model 3.6m high and 5.5m long (Figure 2.19c). The acoustic 'evolution' of the Hall has been re-created, Figure 2.20(a) Multiplex cinemas: Separating walls including the original dome profileand the mushrooms. section. (Courtesy of UCI(UK) Ltd/BDP) New solutions are being developed to give back the visual character whilst improving, or at least 1. 13-mm plasterboard on 13-mm plywood (for ease of cable original a practical modern acoustic quality. maintaining, in fixing projection room) Measurements were taken using microphones in the 2. 146-mmmetal studs, beddedin acoustic mastic at wall ears of 1:12 'Barbie' dolls, to auralize the various interior boarding 3. 50-mm glass-fibre quilt cavityinlay configurations by interpreting the binaural impulse re4. 2 X 13-mm plasterboard, acoustic mastic andjoint taping sponses as a modification ofanechoically-recorded music at corners andother signals. 5. 2 X 15-mm plasterboard, lappedjoints, face joints taped and filled 6. 100-mmglass-fibre quilt Criteriafor differeivtbuilding types 7. 2 X 92-mm metal studs at 600-mmcs
15
8. 50-mm rock fibre bans, black tissuefaced, as absorption
9. 50mm X 50mm timber batten beddedin acoustic caulk 10. Blockworkinner leaf to outside walls: structural break at
behind screens
Cinemas
separating wallswhere possible 11. 2 X 92-mm metal head studs fixed to metal plate at underside of tie beam 12. Double angles at head to allow up to 25-mm roof deflection/uplift without losing acoustic integrity 13. 40-mm Vicucladbedded in acoustic mastic and with profiles packedwith mineralwool 14. Built-up chippings/feltroofing! thermalinsulation on metal decking 15. 2 X 92-mm metal base studs and plasterboards bedded in acoustic mastic 16. Bracing to separate studs at max. 3500 Cs. support to quilt by 25 X 25 metal angles running between studs
Multiplexes are a new form imported from the USA, involving typically a group of auditoria with a common projection room and concourse/foyer. Often new developments are 8- or lO-plex but versions ranging from 3- to 24-plex have been attempted. The key design issues are sound insulation between auditoria, isolation to outside, good soundsystems, 'dead' room acoustics,andmoderate ventilation noise. Adequate separation can be provided (DflT, 6570+ dB has been achieved on 10 such projects to date by BDP Acousticsfor UCI (UK) Ltd, Manchester) by as low a specification as two layers of 15-mm plasterboard on separate studs, significant cavity with 100-mm quilt inlay, and careful head, base and edge detailing
Multiplexes
57
PROJECTION
ROOM
3
4
dB
6574
(variance over 10 projects>
Figure 2.22 Odense concert hall, CarlNielsen Hall
There are more sophisticated sound systems, for exampleTHX, which are moredemandingon sound insulation between cinemas (masonry wall added between the separate studs) and low ventilation noise levels (NR25). IMax, OMNI and MotionMaster cinemas require specialized attention including vibration control to some of the cinematic effects.
Conversion of older theatres and cinemas results in satisfactoryresults, althoughit is less common now. Multiboard dry construction linings to form, as far as possible, separate auditorium 'shells' is important; concrete rather than timber floors should be used. Results will not be as good as for a purpose-built multiplex because offlanking via the existing walls; DflT, achievable may be around 55dB.
Concert halls
Conversions
liii iii I II
100
200 mm
Figure 2.21 Multiplex cinemas: separatingwalLc plan (see Figure 2.20for key). (Courtesy of UCJ (UK) Ltd/BDP)
Concerthalls requirespecialistdesign advice so only a few principles are offered: the acoustics can be made to work (Figures 2.20 and 2.21). Research and investment by for a number of differentgeneric hall types. suppliers, for example British Gypsum Ltd, has led to a proven range of high-performance assemblies [51. The Hall shape head detail to a lightweight roof is a problembecause of Hall shapes can vary from the traditional 'shoebox' and roof deflection effects either buckling the partition or coffin-shape halls, to geometric halls. 'Shoebox' halls causing a gap; this is overcome by a closure angle have enjoyed a renaissance, as offering good cross reflection characteristics between side walls. They put the movement joint. Outside noise will come in via escape doors (these audience centre-front to the orchestraas far as possible shouldbe 40+ dB rated,light- and sound-proof), orviathe for the best sound blend. Recent examples at Dallas and lightweight roof. The surface mass ofthe roofmay have to Birmingham are attracting publicity.The problem is that be uprated or a barrier ceiling included ifthe multiplex is the admired nineteenthcentury shoebox halls like Musidirectly under a flight path or close to an elevated kvereinsaal,Vienna, are by modern standards only recital motorway. Individual entrances into auditoria should be hall size. Even a hall like the 2206-seatConcertgebauw, by acoustically rated (30+ dB) doors in lobby configura- Amsterdam, would be much larger if replanned to tion. Some ventilation noise (NR 35) is welcomed as it current standards of safety and seating. For a full-sized masks residual intrusive noise from the adjacentauditoria concert hall (20002500 seats) to suit a full orchestra soundtracks andaudience sounds. The standardsystem is and choir (up to 120 musicians plus 250 singers) the a dedicatedunit to each auditorium with ducted supply arrangementcan lead to a large template Birmingham and extract via the ceiling void. In some leisure centres, is over 60 m long and has a very generously-sized cinemas are located above or below noisyfacilitieslike ten- platform focussed in amphitheatre style on the conpin bowling and discotheques; tenancy agreements on ductor's rostrum. Shoebox halls do however still work maximum sound levels and double floors are required to well for lesser occupancies, as Jordan Akustik's 1377-seat avoid operational difficulties. Odense hall testifies (Figure 2.22). Some concert halls
58
Acoustics
Figure 2.23(a)(d)
The BridgewaterHall, Manchester
are not even axial to the platform: Aalto's concert halls put more seating on the 'keyboard' side of the piano soloist; Segestrom Hall, Orange Free State, California, interlocks two narrow halls as a means of avoiding the disadvantages of fan-shaped auditoria. In the UK there are impressivenew semi-surround major concert halls in Manchester (Bridgewater Hall) and Belfast (Waterfront Hall). Figure 2.23 shows the 2400-seat Bridgewater Hall during design and at completion. Figure 2.24 gives similar coverage of the 2250-seat Waterfront Hall. Reference can be made to a number of case study collections,for example AcousticalSurvey ofElevenEuropean
Concert Halls [61
Seating is a key issue as there are so many constraints sightlines, travel distances, aisle steps, seats per row and balance of seats at different tiers. 'Vineyard' seating as pioneeredat the Berlin Philharmonie workswellin milder form: 'seating trays' of several hundred can be optimally set to face the platform and have local side-reflecting surfaces (Figures 2.25a and b).
Seating
and Halls for Music Performance: 19621982 [7]. Excellent recent works are Beranek's Concert and Opera Halls: How They Sound [8], Barron's Auditorium Acoustics andArchitecturalD [91, andAndo and Noson's iVlusic and Concert Hall Aoustics [10].
Table 2.6 Optimum volumesfor performancespaces

Optimum volume (m3/occupant) Minimum 2.5
Recommended
Maximum
Theatres Rooms for speech The volume should be adequate for a full-bodied sound: Opera houses the old rule of 'RT X 4 equals volume per person' is if Concerthalls anythingon the low side and 10 m3 per person even in a Churches full-size hall is advisable (Table 2.6).
Volume
4 8 6
3 3 5 10 10
4
5 6 12 14
Design acoustics
59
(f)
Figure 2.23(e)(g)
The BridgewaterHa14 Manchester
Reverberation time is still a fundamental measure in concert hail design although in recent years design concern has extendedto not only RT but also to the ratio ofearly to reverberantenergy and to lateral efficiency, i.e. the adequacy ofearly lateral reflections. A strong, precise and clear sound is the current taste; live music that is expected to match the quality of the living room CD player. The approachneedsgreat careas, ifreflections are too strong, tone colorations to sound quality can result. There may even be a loss of reverberance if significant sound energy is directedstraight to absorbentoccupants
Reverberationtime (RT)
classical,symphonic, choral, and organ music. The Halle is its resident orchestra. Other performance types will utilize the house high-quality sound reinforcement
systems.
Thegeometry ofthe auditorium, conceived and refined jointly by Arup Acoustics and Renton Howard Wood Levin, is a synthesis oftwo concerthall geometries known to provide excellent symphonic sound, the 'shoebox' and 'vineyard' forms (Figures 2.23b and 2.23d). The volume, 24000 cubic metres, was determined by the target midfrequencies reverberation time of 2s. The designdeveloped usingboth CADandphysicalscale and seating. models. The ODEON model (Figure 2.23a) had 500 surfaces defined, with over a third ofa million acoustic ray paths calculated and analysed. The 1:50 scale model Two recentexamples (Figure 2.23c) was used to look at acoustic parameters, applying MIDAS software, for ray tracing using a laser The Bridgewater Ha14 Manchester sourceandcalibrated mirrorsystem, for volume estimates The 2400-seat hall was designed and built without byinfill technique, andas a visualizationaid to the design compromise to be excellent for the performance of team.
60
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) The WaterfrontHall, Belfast
Figure 2.24(a)(d)
Building services and lighting noise were designed to PNC 15, with main plant in an isolated tower (Figure 2.23e). The entire 25000-ton concert hall is supportedon 280 steel springs to prevent disturbance from adjacent Metrolink tranis, External noise break-in is minimized by wrapping the ancillary accommodation around the auditorium. Where the auditorium rises above these buffer
zones, there are massive twin wall and roof structures to exclude noise (Figures 2.23fand 2.23g).
The WaterfrontHall, B4fast
The 2250-seat elongated hexagon concert hall results from a collaboration of acousticians Sandy Brown Asso-
Design acoustics
61
WATERFRONT HALL
AUDITORIUMLOWER CIRCLE
WATERFRONT HALL
AUDITORIUM UPPER CIRCLE
(e)
(f)
AUDITORIUMSECTION
0
IOU
(g)
Hall, Belfast Figure 2.24(e)(g) The Waterfront ciates, with architects Robinson and Mcllwaine.A largevolume reverberant space has evolved from St David's Hall, Cardiff, in arrangingseating trays for good diffusion and local soundreflections. Overhead reflectors, galleries, and platforms provide local reflections for performers, to assistensemble andbalance. Early use of a 1:50 physical scale model led to design modifications and further testing. Flexibility of use is accommodated by removal of stalls seating to allow a central arena format, and acoustic adjustment by the movement ofhigh level areas offabric. The fabric reduces reverberation timesfor events where speech intelligibility or amplified music are the main consideration. Ancillary accommodation foyers, dressing rooms, offices cocoon the auditorium from external noise. The
roof comprises two concrete slabs, the outer domed to

form a significant void between the slabs.
A displacement ventilation system includes very low air velocity supply air via special terminals under the seats. Special flexible bellowsintroduce air to stage elevators to accommodate the range of elevator movement. Early objective measurements and subjective tests indicate an excellent acoustic for orchestraluse, a warm wellbalanced yet intimate sound. Further acousticparameters
time Early decay
The early decay time (EDT) is the most important criterion in evaluating a hall's acoustics, followed by
62
Acoustics
Figure 2.25(a)
Vineyardseating: Berlin Philharmonie (Sharoun Main Hall)
Figure 2.25(b) Seating trays: Berlin Philharmnie (morerecently built Recital Hall)
Design acoustics
63
Figure 2.26(a) and (b) Hall, New Zealand
Directedsound: Wellington Town
Lateral Efficiencyand Clarity. The EDT should not differ from the Sabine RT more than 10%; for a concert hall, values between 1.8 and 2.3s should be sought. It is the decay time measured over the first 10dBofenergy fall-off, equivalent to the slope of energy curve measuredwithin the first 500 ms. Due to the nature ofmusic performance the final part ofthe sounddecay ofnotes is seldom heard. The later part of the reverberant decay from a specific impulse (transient) is masked by subsequent signals after approximately 10dBofdrop, i.e. peaks in music performance only rise about 10 dB above the average level during that passage. EDT involves measuring the first 10 dB of decay and multiplyingby 6 to correspondto RT values.As EDT is sensitive to room geometry, in particularto strong early reflections to reinforce sound in the first 100ms, the EDT will vary with location around a hall (see Chapter5). In huge halls, the EDT can vary spectacularly, highlighting the remoteness ofsurfaces: the Royal Albert Hall, London (86 650m3), has in its stalls EDTs of 11.25s compared to Sabine RTs of around 2.5 s, across middle frequencies. Ratioof early-to-late energy The ratio of early-to-late energy is the measure of the balance between clarity and reverberance in music; different types of music, for example Romantic compared to Mozart, suggest different balance values.
64
Early lateral energy fraction
The early lateral energy fraction defines the relationship between a sense of spatial impression or envelopment for the listener and the arrival of reflected sound from sidewalls relative to the listener. It is the fraction oflateral energy arriving between 5 and 80 ms after the arrival of directsound compared to the total sound energy arriving at the listenerwithin the first 80 ms ofdirect sound arrival. The maximum values found in auditoria are around 0.3.
D50, C50 and C80
Ventilation in halls can serve both energy-efficientlyand quietly by underseat supply and overhead extraction (Figure 3.11 type 2). As exposed ductwork at a high level in halls presents an unpredictable source oflow-frequency absorption and duct-noise breakout, its presence in the hall shouldbe minimized or set behind an acoustic 'shell' ceiling. A sensible approachto adoptinga criterion is NR 20 for concerts, andan assured NR 15/PNC15 maximum for broadcasting/recording. Multiuse is a fact of life, even for halls with resident orchestras. Choirseating can be on bleachers extendinga platform back for conference use, seating to the immediate sides can be on towers to be removed to form 'wings'. Stage lifts can alter the configuration for different music settings, dropping to form an orchestra pit for opera. Acoustically, banners can drop within the hall to reduce the reverberation time by up to 15%. This will improve speech intelligibility in the hall. Overhead acoustic 'clouds' to help the orchestra maintainensemble can be flown aside to enable sets or a projection screen to be dropped. Back projection, simultaneous translation, projection room and control rooms will help the operational efficiency. In a number of halls, large acoustic canopies slungover the platform are claimed to adjust the acoustics for different sized events. Multiuse halls are a design challenge and the most demanding use in design criteria terms may only be a prestigious occasional use, so it is realisticto have the most frequent use as a base setting with means of altering conditions for other events.Reverberant sports or concert halls can be made deaderfor dramaby droppingbanners or drapes, small halls or dead halls enlivened acoustically by electronic means. Figure 2.29, Diagram 2.5 and Table 2.7 list some typical events which can crop up: these cluster to particular settings (flat floor, etc.) although inevitablythere are varying requirements within headings, for example 'classicalmusic' can meanconditions ranging from 1.2s for chamber music to 2.5s for majorRomantic and choral works. Acoustic attention centres around the courts themselves, as theywill have to be isolated from other areas by sound lobbies, acoustic doors, and50+ dB walls. Ventilation noise levels shouldbe kept to between NR 30 andNR 35. Good conditions are important as close concentration is demanded over long sessions. To keep out intrusive noise, perimeteraccommodation as well as the courts may have to be mechanically ventilated. Floors under courts and over cells should be 50+ dB, e.g. 200-mm concrete slab plus 50-mm topping (concrete waffle with thin minimum slab thickness or hollow precast units should not be used). Plant rooms should be kept remote from courts. Some rooms with specific needs, as identified in Home Office Room Data Sheets, are identified in Table 2.8. The natural acousticsofa courtroom should allow good To some extentthis is engenderedby speech intelligibility. the reinforcementof direct sound from the speaker by early reflections which combine with the direct sound to
Courts Multiuse
Ventilation
Other measures areDeutlichkeit (D50), Clarity Index C50 and Clarity Index C80. D50 derives from the ear's response to consecutive impulses. A sequence of sound impulses delayed more than 50ms is perceived as discrete impulses, whereas those with less delay combine to enhance the loudness of the impulse before. Good auditoria will have higher D50 values. C50 is slightly differently calculated and is presented in decibel form with values greateror less than 0.5 appearingas C50s with positive or negative values respectively. For a speechorientated hall, positive values of C50 are desirable. C80 uses the limit of perceptibility 80 ms to suit music uses, again in decibels. Positive values resultin a crisp acoustic
suitable for classical music andsome operatic use but will not provide a suitable setting for romantic and choral works which are enhanced by a greater reverberance.
Directed sound
Directed sound has become an issue in acoustic design. Marshall incorporated the idea of supplying early lateral energy when he was appointed acoustic designer for a concert hall in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1972. The lack of lateral reflections at centre seats due to the hall width is compensated for by an array of large reflector panels suspended overhead angled to direct sound into central seats deficient of lateral sound (Figure 2.26). Schroeder-designed reflector panels used in the 1983 Wellington Concert Hall by Marshall are based on a repeated'Quadratic Residue Sequence'ofdifferentdepth wells along the panel surface. Interference due to the pattern selected contributes to a wide diffusing area (Figure 2.27b). Theconceptofusingother reflecting surfaceswithin the auditorium was also used by Cremer in the innovative Berlin Philharmonie; other hallsin whichCremerhas been involved have incorporated 'stepped hexagons' in which seating is split into hexagonal stepped terraces which provide all seatswith localizeddirecting surfaces.Even seat backsto rearmostseats can play their part (Figure 2.27a).
Musicians
Musicians as users have specific needs and the priorities are slightly different to those of an audience. The Musicians' Union stresses the followingneeds: reverberation time (full-bodied); variability (not altered by occupancy); dynamic range; frequency response (balance of sound, no orchestral section or pitch band receiving overor under-emphasis); clarity and separation (between solo instruments and sections). In addition, on the platform there should be integration (sound similar to that perceived in the auditorium),ensemble (ease of hearing between sections), and floor response to instruments.
65
QUADRATIC RESIDUE SEQUENCE
THICK BANNER
DROP GRG
ZONE
I'
III
(a)
(b)
II
Figure 2.27 Concert hail detail.: (a) high-backseats at rear; (b) ceiling reflectors; (c) side-wallabsorberbanners
66
Acoustics
(c)
Figure 2.28 Acoustic model testing: (a) Linkping Concert Ha14 (b) GlyndebourneOpera House, (c) Segestrom Hall (California) and (d) WycombeEntertainments Centre (also shown in Figures 2.40and 2.41)
Design acoustics
67
Public meetings: political, religious Pop festivals
Spectator sports: cricket, rugby,football Participation sports: running
S Snooker, darts, wrestling,

swimming, ice-hockey, skating
I .E
E
a,
a) C5) Wa,
C E
Ca
I I
Trade shows Exhibitions Dances Banquets
Cinema Conferences Pop concerts
o
I
I
I I
j
I I I I
Theatre Staged musical events Ballet Opera TV studiotheatre Classical concerts Choral Chamber
__I
BBC ILR (IBA)
Recording studios
Diagram 2.5 Publicperformance spaces Table 2.7

Activity
0Z
Recommended mid-frequencies reverberation times
RT
0.20.25
Building
te
Broadcast
0.3 L02.0
Speech Drama Amplified sound Multiuse
0.61.2 0.91.4 0.51.2 1.01.7 1.01.6 1.21.7 1.72.2 2.05.0
Sound dubbing, announcerbooths Small speech studios Large classical music studios Council chambers, law courts, lecture theatres, meeting rooms, conference halls Theatres, functionrooms Multiplex cinemas, pop concert venues, discotheques, videowall settings School assemblyhalls, community halls, sports/arts halls Opera houses, theatres with orchestrapits Recital halls, orchestra rehearsal halls, chamber music salons Concert halls Ceremonial halls, organ concert halls, churches, cathedrals
Opera
Soloists, ensembles
Orchestral music
Organ and choir music
68
(C) (C)
0
CD
.0
CD CD
(C)
>
a strong signal. Late reflections (arriving much after 30ms) are however counterproductive as they blur the original message. The desired finishes will therefore be limited local sound reflective surfaces combined with sound absorption to other surfaces: floor carpet (this will damp impact/footfall noise as well as provide general absorption), selectivewall linings and ceiling treatments. To achieve these target values local treatment will be required behind and to the side of the public gallery to absorb intrusive visitor noise,and to the side of the bench, where the confidentiality of whispered briefing needs to be maintained. The important parts for the maximum audibility are witness box to jury, witness box to judge, counseland dock tojudge. Proceedings audibility to the public seating area is a slightly lesser priority. PSA and Home Office guidance advises as a suitable setting for court activity, that the reverberation time calculated for the furnished room shall be 0.8s at 125Hz falling to 0.6s at 250 Hz and continuing at 0.6s for frequencies up to 4000Hz, with tolerance on these values
provide
0.15 s.
0.05
0.1
0.5
1.0
5.0
10.0
Room volume (x 1000) (m3)
times for dfferentspaces. Figure 2.29 Reverberation (Courtesy ofSoundResearchLaboratories, Cokhester Essex)
As far as possible, good natural acoustics should be relied on for proceedings. Thejudge and counsel will be usedto speaking clearly and addressing the court. Speech reinforcement may be considered, however, to reinforce speech from the witness box, particularly to the public galleries at the rear ofthe courts. Security enclosure ofthe dock in some courts may impede reception of speech from this source, so here too speech reinforcementmay be considered. The systemshouldbe high quality andfree from audible hum, noise anddistortion.
Discotheques
The attraction ofdiscotheques is precisely their noise and freneticactivity. The problems associated are noise breakout to neighbouring properties, hearing damage to re-radiated sound to other employees,andstructureborne facilities in the same building. Average sound pressure Table 2.8 Specific needs ofcourts and surroundingrooms levels on the dancefloor climb to the range 90llOdBAas the night goes on, with a high component of low Good include frequency sound. Levels tend to be 810dBA higher by sound the endofthe disco session. Where amplified live music is sound insulation absorption performed,levels can be even higher. Such sound power levels exceedclassical forms ofmusic orchestras in loud passages maybe a more modest80 dBAorso. The Code of Main courtrooms
Juvenile courts Sound lobbies Magistrates' retiring rooms Court hail Duty solicitor's room Social workers' offices Holding/waiting rooms Internal circulation Clerk to the justice's office Deputy clerk's office Secretary's office Legal/administration/accounts areas Public zone counter Interview rooms Consulting rooms Refreshments area
Practice on sound levels in discotheques [11] identifies the hearing risk for staff in particular. The Code recommends an LAeq not to exceed 100dB at the nearestpoint in the premises to operating loudspeakers, the value referred to as the Maximum Permissible Exposure Level. It assumes 25% of the total public area is given to rest areas, otherwise a MPEL of 95 dB would apply. It is not desirable to have direct-to-earsound, diffuse andreflected sound being better to even out exposure. Previous GLC guidance recommended an LAeq,8h not exceeding 93dB, or for external audience protection 93dB at 50m. Discotheques are an obvious candidate for assessment against the Noise at WorkHSE statutoryguidance [12]. In considering an Entertainments Licence, any authority will consider the following:
objection at any public hearing duration and timing of concert
Design acoustics
69
frequency of concertsat the same premises noise complainants at previous concerts location (in relationto noise-sensitive buildings)
Noise-limiting devices on sound systems can be included although commercially it is not realistic to set values below 90dBA. Premises should have full mechanical ventilation (direct-to-atmosphere extracts with no attenuationwill in most cases be unacceptable because of the impact on the environmental noise climate) and lobbied doorset accesses at the entrances. Re-radiated structurebornesound demands great care in design, one using a approach being to isolate the disco walls by drylining 'shell' and effectivelya triple floor a dance floor on a concreteslab on isolators on a secondconcrete slab to alleviate the problem on the floor below.
Education buildings
busy roadsor airports, or in city centres. The main issues will be noise break-in from outside, privacybetween rooms and to public rooms, and ventilation noise.
Windows
Windowsin hotels have openinglights even in the noisier situations; good weatherstripping and double glazing are essential. Some protection to road noise can be given by inset balconies.
Privacy
Draft revised Building Bulletin 51 Acoustics in Education Buildings [13] and Design Note 17 [14] have yet to materialize in final form. Design Note 25 Lighting and Acoustic Criteria for the Visually Handicapped and Hearing Impaired in Schools [15] can be referred to for those with special needs. BS 8233 [161 classifies four groups with sound insulation requirements varying from 25 dB to 45 dB. Classroomconditions should be controlled to 0.75 s at middle frequencies and 40dB average separation between reading areas. More importantly, overhead ceiling surfaces can usefully be sound reflective if side and rear walls are panelledin saypin boardingto dampsoundblurringcross reflections. General mechanical ventilation shouldbe designed to within NR35 in teaching rooms. In primary schools in particular, openingdoors and windows from classrooms are expected, so a consideration of facade aspectwill avoid distracting external noise levels. School theatres are no longer exclusively an adaptation of the assembly hall but mimic public theatres. A reduction in scale, including platform height and size allows for the lesser projection ofchildvoicescomparedto adult. Health buildings Noise control rather than room acoustics is important. Hospitals are highly serviced and reference to Building Notes, Technical Memoranda, Health Circulars and Hospital Data Sheets should be made. Recommended design criteria are shown in Table 2.9, as a more detailed interpretation to rating values included in Chapter 3. Separation between rooms has to be carefullyconsidered given the requirement to stop most partitions offatceiling
level.
Privacybetween rooms will be of a reasonable standard if separating walls and floors are selected with an average SRI of 50dB (for example, plastered 200-mm dcm, blockwork and solid precast concrete floor units with structural topping). Creation of a lobby outside the en suitebathroomwill give isolation to corridor noise. Crosstalk attenuation to bathroom extracts will prevent this being a route for plumbingsounds. If single doors from corridors are used, these should be 35-dR rated, i.e. solid core plus seals, well rebated. Bathroom corridor walls should have an average SRI of 45dB. Partitions must extend full height, structural floor-to-floor, and weaknesses like back-to-backelectrical sockets mustbe avoided. Room televisionandradio sets shouldnotbe fixed directly to the room separating walls. Ventilation noise should be kept within NR 35 in any hotel and down to NR 25 in good-standard bedrooms. It is arguedthat unless a systemis audible, guests will thinkthat it is inoperable. Atmosphere connections andchiller plant shouldbe remoteto hotelbedrooms, or wellscreenedand attenuated.Time clockson, say,kitchen extracts could help byproviding a cut-offtime so plantis not noisyin the early hours. Plumbing noise, particularly 'water hammer', should be avoided by a 'head' to water pipework (307720mmUS practice) or a balloon-typereliefvalve.
Housing A BRE Report, Building Regulations and Health[17], mentions a 1980 survey where 18% of residents of new Ventilation noise
Table 2.9
facilities Facilities
Recommended noise ratingsfor health care
NR
2530
Quiet wards, overnight stay rooms, chapel,

resuscitation
New major hospital developments have considerable impact on the local community and the services centre Children'swards, treatment and recovery with its standby diesels, boilers and chillers needs particrooms, staff rest rooms, staffbases, offices ular attention.Attenuation in the ventilation systemsis by theatres, circulation, utility rooms, absorptive material protected by plastic membrane and Operating rooms, day pharmacy, reception areas perforated sheet to avoid the risk of fibrous particles release. Sound-absorbing ceilings (cleanable) and cush- Kitchens, laundry, changing rooms, OT ioned vinyl floor finishes will contribute some noise exercise areas, X-ray process areas, clean control within wards. rooms Hotels Utilityrooms, stores, cleaners' rooms Hotels vary in their standards, most new-built projects being 2- or 4-star. To serve guests, they will usuallybe near dBA levels approximate to NR + 6.
35 40 45
50
70
houses said they were 'seriously bothered by neighbour noise'. The new Noise Act [22] intended to address this. Understandably, statutory controls centre on providing reasonable conditions in people'shomes. Detailed advice is given in CIRIA Report 127 [18]. The Building Regulations Part E (June 1992 being the last majorupdate of the 1985 version) [2] extend insulation requirements to the conversion of houses into flats and increase significantly the surface mass of concrete in party floors. They determine issues like partywalls and the surface mass of walls that can be taken through party floors (in flats). The minimum sound insulation for party walls is 52 dB (DflTW). The corresponding figure for party floors is 51 dB, and for impact noises the maximum value is 62 dB Lr, Some sample Approved Document Constructions are illustrated in Figures 2.30 and 2.31.
H
p 0
Mean performance
dB D.,
50
o o"o
tl
I
Mean performance dB
54
6 Plastered 1. 18 mm T&G Floor boarding or 22 mm flooring grade chipboard on 50 x 50 mm battens 2. 13 mm/36 kg/rn3mineralfibre quilt resilient layer 3. 75 mm reinforced concrete screed 4. Cored precast concrete units, at least220 kg/m2* 5. In-situ concreteon permanent forrnwork 6. Plastered soffit
brickwork
>415 kg/rn2
53
liii! II Ill 100
200 mm
Plastered
lightweight blockwork >250 kg/m2'
in June 1992 BuildingRegulations
amended
to 300 kg/rn2
52
Figure 2.31 Selectedfloatingfloor constructkms. (Source: ApprovedDocument ofBuildingRegulations [2]; [18]
Plastered dense
blockwork >415kg/rn2
100
200 mm 5. Lightweight blockwork, 100 mm 6. Dense blockwork, 100 mm 7. Plaster or plasterboard dry lining on dabs, 13 mm
1. Solid common bricks,frogs 2. 3.
horizontally; 450 mm vertically 4. Wall plaster, 13 mm
fullyfilled Cavity at least 50 mm wide Wall ties spaced at 900 mm
*amended to 300 kg/rn2 in June 1992 Building Regulations (original specification can still be used with a step or stagger)
Figure 2.30 Selected cavity masonry separatingwalls. (Source: ApprovedDocument ofBuildingRegulations [2]; [18]
A frequent difficulty is maintaining impact isolation between flats where tiled floor kitchens or bathrooms are installed. There have been recent developments in thin isolating screeds. In considering intrusive noise, environmental health officers will bear in mind recommended maxima for steady intrusive noises (BRE Digest 226 [19]/BS 8233 [16]) Of LAeq,T304OdB for bedrooms and 4050dB in living rooms. Forproposedresidential developments, landwhere the existing or predicted LAeq,T within 15 years is 65 dB should be avoided or sound insulation measures should be provided. PPG 24 [20] introduces NEC (Noise ExposureCategories) for assessingnew housing against existing noise climates. Near airports, planningpermission will be refused for a location subject to 72dBLAeq daytime or 66 dBLAeq night-time (see Chapter 1). Developments adjacent to railway tracks will not only experience high airborne noise but also within 30m may experience ground vibration effects, depending on ground strata. The necessity for special foundation design should be avoided ifpossible.A control value for road traffic noise is 68dB (LAo,l8h)/65dB (LAeq,18h). For industrial noise BS 4142 [21] provides guidelines on determining the acceptabilityofbackgroundexternalnoise in an area.The
Design acoustics
71
Noise Act [22] deals with noisy neighbours but has no direct design guidance. Industrialbuildings The main issues are noise break-out (particularly for 24-h operating buildings like printingworks, bakeries and flour mills) and good conditions for workers within. The planningauthority may be expected to set a limiting value at the boundaryof the industrial premises, particularly if housing is involved. Noise break-out may occur via the body of the building, if airborne noise levels are high inside and the building is constructed of lightweight cladding. Break-out will also occur via atmosphere processes and ventilation plant connections, for example flues, smoke andprocess extracts, and via goods doorways (particularly roller shutters) and personnel doors. The traffic flow to industrial buildings may itselfbe a noise source problem, for example vehicles parked outside a dairy-produce factory with refrigerator plant
established at definedfrequencies. In setting noise hazard limits the following should be considered:
1. continuous noise sources (to avoid hearing loss), 2. impulsive noise sources (to avoid temporarythreshold
running continuously.
sound leakage or externalPA,and occasional soundfrom
Ancillary sources like signal klaxons, public address
tests of emergency procedures standby generators, smoke shutters, valve releases can add to the process and ventilation sources as regards noise break-out. Within industrial premises, the protection ofemployees is afforded by legislation, in particularthe 'Noise at Work Regulations' of the Health and Safety Executive. The effectofthe updatingof this statuteon iJanuary 1990was that three times as many employees became involved. Failure to comply can mean prosecution or even closure for an employer. There is a general duty to reduce risk to employees' hearing, on employers and designers, by reducingexposure to the lowest level reasonably practicable. In known noisy places of work, noise assessments should be made by a Competent Person, and records of assessmentskept until new ones are made. Ear protection zones are designated areas where noise levels will trigger the 'Second Action Level' as defined by the regulations. The unit which applies is the Daily Personal Noise Exposure Levelwhich relates the potentialfor damage to hearing to both level and duration.
1
1T,,
'A(t)l
LEPd=lOlo_J
where
dt
= duration of exposure, = 8h, PA(t) = instantaneoussound pressure(Pa) varying with time, P0 = 20 X 10_6Pa. The trade-off has an additional 3 dBA on noise level offset by a halving of duration, 85 dBA LEP d is the First Action Leveland90dBALEP d is the Second Action Level.
Claims ofindustrial deafness hinge on causation, showing loss of hearing on the balance of probability is due to noise at the place of work. The provision of protection and regard for levels and duration plus a plaintiff's exposure to noise prior to employment by the defendant may show that there has not been a Breach of Duty. Contributory Negligence by the plaintiffmay occur if he has not worn ear protection when it was offered or has chosen to ignore directiveson durationofnoise exposure. The standard method for testing hearing is Pure Tone Audiometry, where the employee's hearing threshold is
shift), 3. perception of danger warnings, signals (fire alarms, machinery start-up), 4. adequacy of speech communication. For only modest local control (up to 91OdBA reduction) a noisy process, for example band resaw machines, can be screenedoff using flexible loaded PVC hung fullheight, of around 5 kg/m2 surface density lined with 25-mm polyurethane. Solid panelling of 13-mm fibreboard with 25-mm bagged rock fibre lining instead can lower the level at operatorposition around by 12 dBA. A modular metal panel system can achieve a 25dBA reduction even with small openings for conveyorsto pass through, whilst full enclosure test cells can obtain a 30 dBAreduction. Modular GRG equivalents are not quite as effective,with a reduction potentialof 20 dBA. Applications are illustrated in the HMSO/Health and Safety Executive publication, 100 Practical Applications of Noise Reduction Methods[231. Another useful reference is SRL's Noise Control in Industry[24]. Often noise in industrial premises is a mixture of high constantnoise (engines, compressors and conveyors)and high maximum noise events (hammering, grinding and stamping). Pneumatic power processes can have intense high-frequency noise components. Localized activity in a large industrial interior forms noise 'hot spots'. If noisy processes are spread out, general treatments will help because workers will each experience noise as a mix of direct sound from other nearby activity and reverberant sound, as well as near-fieldnoise from theirown efforts. If, on the other hand, direct sound from very noisyprocesses nearby dominate, the reduction of the reverberant component ofnoise will be of littlebenefit. Onlyboth a noise survey and an understanding of activitiescan throw light on this. A room treatment of ceiling absorbers can be ofbenefit as follows: sound decay away from industrial noise sources will be greater, perhaps becoming 5dB/doubling of distance rather than 3 dB/doublingof distance; reverberant levels will be lower and there will be a slight reduction of continuous noise, for example from extract fans, due to the added room absorption; reflected sound will be reduced; the 'ringing' character of sound impacts will be lessened. An 'applied' treatment like hung absorbers can be efficient (Figure 2.18) but a built-in inclusion of absorption is cost-effectively dual purpose.The roofsoffit can be rendered absorptive rather than reflective by using a perforated profiled metal deck rather than a plain profiled metal deck, or a lining treatment that is inherentlyabsorptive. The roof offers greater scope than walls because in a large factory, wallsurfaces will be ofrelatively less surface area and perimeters may be remote to
72
Acoustics
working areas. One problem with perforated soffit roof decks is the tendency for a vapour barrier directly behind the perforations to some degree blank off the higher frequency absorption of the quilt behind the vapour barrier. This can be reducedby placing the vapourbarrier as an interlayer between absorption and thermal quilt
layers. Lecture and
Lecture rooms
conference rooms
Lecture rooms, purpose-built for 50 up to 500 persons, are a feature of many education and business centres. Up-todate techniques have revolutionized forms of presentation: video conferencing, simultaneous translation, back projection, video recording (for traininguse) and CCTV, BARCO projection, satellite TV links, and computergenerated images.
Thelecture theatre,unlikesaythe council chamber, has set locations for speakerand listener, so finishes can be tailored to flatter the speaker. The front two-thirds of the ceiling should be sound reflective rather than absorptive, the rear absorbing; better still, reflecting ceiling panels can be optimally tilted to give strong early reflections via the ceiling, reinforcing the direct sound. Goodsightlines are essential for adequate sound reception: a dais at the front and tiered seating rows enable this. Reflectingsurfaces at the speaker endcan be 'hard' but best modelled to avoid local cross reflections and resultant flutter echoes which will be off-putting to the speakerand will lessen speech intelligibilityfor the audience. The rear of the lecture room should be sound-absorbing to damp long sound path reflections from the back (Figure 2.32). In considering whether overhead reflecting surfaces usefully reinforce the direct sound, one can consider a
1.
Front panel height determined by projection requirement
2.
into body of seating
Panel angled to reflect sound
Section
Sound-absorptivefinishes to rear part of ceiling, rear wall and most of side walls
5.
6. 7. 0
Projectionroom Sound lobby

0
Half plan
(202-seat room) 5m
Sound-reflectivesurfacesto front wall and overhead

panels
5m
ceiling panels sections Figure 2.32 Lecture room: Sound-reflecting
Design acoustics
73
limiting ellipse within which surfaces can reflect back without echo, but outside of which surfaces should be either absorptive or reflect incident sound so it remains outside the ellipse. A discrete second image of sound is discerned if the reflected sound energy arrives more than 40 ms after the direct sound, i.e. if the distance travelled approaches or exceeds 14m. The notional limiting ellipse is thereforedefined byAB +AC< 14 BC+ 14 where Cis the source point, B the receiver location, andA the surface of reflection. In a space with good room acoustics for speech (RT 0.50.75s) the following guide applies: up to 15m relaxed listening
reflecting ceilings but edge absorption strips and absorptive wall linings to at least half the wall surfaces (Figure 2.33). PSA and CIBSE recommendations suggest for intrusive/ventilation noise criteria, NR 25 for 'large' conference rooms (>50 persons), NR 30 for rooms holdingmore than 20 persons, and NR35 for the smallest rooms. Soundlobbies shouldbe plannedinto both larger lecture rooms and conference rooms.
Librariesand museums Library activity varies from busy popular fiction and cassette loan areas to quiet reference areas, so the subdivision of the facility by bookstacks and exhibition screening can allow this. Sound-absorbingcarpet,acoustic 1520m good intelligibility ceilings and soft furnishings can help keep reverberant 2125m satisfactory soundlevelslow. Ventilation noise shouldbe controlled to 30m limit of acceptability NR 30, intrusive noise from traffic to 45dB (LAeq,TL Museums should be lively centres of activity and Reading lip movements helps intelligibility,which is of assistance up to 15m. When the distance between the 'interactive'/participatory exhibits may have to compete speaker and farthest listener exceeds 1015m, a speech noisilywith repetitive video presentations. Careful zoning, reinforcementsystem may be considered. sound absorption materials, and good-qualitydirectional sound systems can help. 'Theme tours' are a new Video conferencing derivative. The close arrangementof different 'sets' in a Video conferencing is a newdevelopment entailing voice- tour can allow the effects to be spoiled if noise from one activated cameras and microphone systems to connect area is distracting and intelligible in other areas. specially-adaptedmeetingrooms. Ideally the rooms could be designed to talks studio standards butmore frequently Musicpracticerooms standardconference rooms are adapted. The wall behind The standardoffacilitiesvaries widelybetween the rooms the seated participants should be fully treated with provided in state school music departments little absorptive facing. Intrusive outside and ventilation noise different to normal classrooms and isolated,controlled sources should be kept within NR 25. environmentsprovided for professional, and trainee professional, musicians.The smallestpractice rooms hold rooms Conference only two (instructorand soloist); slightly largerones take Conference rooms vary from meeting rooms to large a small group. Large rehearsal spaces can hold sections of auditoria where massed delegates can attend a conven- the orchestra. Surfaceswithin can usefully be sparse (RTs tion. Ideally, office conference roomsshould have sound- typically 1 s at500 Hz for practice rooms, 1.5s for rehearsal rooms), and non-parallel: offsetting alternate walls in a row of rooms by 7 or more is adequate to prevent absorbers may distracting cross reflections. Low-frequency be useful to balance reverberation characteristics, and velour curtains can allow some user-choice of playing conditions. Ventilation and steady intrusive noise should be controlled to within NR25 and in all but the quietest settings, rooms should be fully mechanically ventilated. Adequate cross-talk attenuationis essential. The critical issue is the isolation afforded to the rooms. School rooms tend to be a lower specification both because ofcosts andthe desire of teachers to know pupils are practising in individual rooms. Single acoustic doors rather than using sound lobbies may have to suffice. Figure 2.34 shows the commissioned results for a school, The isolation from separated wall leaves is not fully Reflected ceiling realized because of the flanking effects of roof and floor plan continuity. The more costly but effective isolating ceiling and floor shown in Figures 2.352.37 show a worthwhile gain in performance, again by carewith acoustic doorsin 1. Sound reflectivecentral ceiling to 'carry' soundlobbies. Even with this degreeofseparation, music speech across the conferencetable 2. Sound absorptive edges to ceiling practice will be discernedin the adjacentpractice room. 3. Sound absorptivewall panelling/piriboard Care in workmanship and supervision is needed, as to at least 50% of wall surfaces contractors find it hard to resist tying structures together 4. Carpetfloor finish for stability during building. An alternative approach, comparable with studio techFigure 2.33 Reflectingand absorbingsurfaces in a small nical facilities, is to use modulardry-construction 'boxes' meetingroom
74
1.
Acoustics
Wall: plastered 140-mm dense solid blockwork/50-mm, cavity no ties) with mineral wool quilt inlay/140-mm block. 2. Roof:slates on battens, sarking, counter-battens, 12-mm ply, roof Joists void, 13-mm plasterboard, 20-mm timber boarding. 3. Floor: 22-mm chipboardon isolationgrade polystyrene, 125-mConcrete slab.
m
a) 1) a)
-J
a) > a)
C
riD
125
0
250
500
1000
2000
4000
im
Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hi) sound level difference between: 1 music practice rooms 2 practice room and corridor
Teaching room
LIP to 30
Isolated masonry construction to walls (although link at foundation and roof). Everyother wall offset 7 2. Sound lobby, doors not opposite in corridor 3. Sealed windows
1.
5m
Figure 2.34 Music practice rooms: !vlanchesterHigh Schoolfor Girls
Design acoustics
75
Subfloor: rc slab Floating floor: 100-mm rc slab on neoprene bearings/ 50-mm air space 3. double ceiling: metal lath + plaster 4. floor above: 200-mm rc slab 5. wall: plastered 110-mm brick leaves, 50-mm quilt, 150-mm cavity (total 540 kg/m2) 6. Wallhead mastic seal
1. 2.
111111
im
erected within
expensive for the same acoustic performance, but have the advantage of fast installation on site and a relocation
ability. Offices
a building
shell. These may well be as
V
0)
U C
0) 0)
C
0)
>
-J
V C
(I,
3 0
Complaints from office workers arise from intrusive outside noise, high noise levels within offices, and poor insulation between cellular offices. BS 8233 recommends LAeq,T values of 4045 dB for private offices and office conference rooms, and 4550 dB for open-plan offices. Above a general level of 57cIBA, occupants have to raise their voices to offsetthe background noise,which further raises internal levels. Outside noise levels can influence the whole form of an office complex: natural ventilation for a 15-m-deep template or naturalventilation plus ventilated core for an 18-m-deep template allows in transportation or industrial noise, but deep-plan sealed fully mechanically-ventilated office buildings offer a more controlled environment; 4/12/6 glazing is usually adequate, but better glazing combinations (6/20/10 or even double windows) may be required in exceptional circumstances. Au-ia form the central features of many large office or mixed development/leisure complexes,wherethe working spaces are clustered around a glazed central area which
Atria Outside noise levels
63
125
250
500
1000
2000 4000
(Hz)
rd OctaveBand CentreFrequency
sound level difference between music practice rooms
Figure 2.35 Music practice rooms:Royal Academy ofMusic,

London. (Courtesy
ofBAP)
76
2
N
3 N
1.
2.
3.
flmr Fr
0
Floors: 50-mm screed on 25-mm polystyrene on 200-mm rc slab Ceiling: plasterboard on joists Walls: 115-mm lightweight block work leaves, 115-mm cavities, 180-mm central structural wall of dense blocks
im
80
a)
C-)
a) a)
-/
/N
1000
0
a)
C (I) a) -J
>
a controlled internal area with some of the characterof an externalspace. Glazing panels act as low frequency absorbers but are otherwise strongly sound reflective. Combined with hard floor finishes and wall characterwill result unless claddings,aclattery,reverberant a proportion, say 25%, of the wall surface is clad in absorptive panelling. Internal modelling serves to diffuse the sound and features like trees, banners, umbrellas, kiosksand other furniture all serve to soak up sound and reduce reverberant sound pressure level. Water features canprovide usefulmasking sound (70dBAatclose range). There is little information on atrium acoustics.Apaper by de Ruiter[25] compares shopping centre, office and hospital examples. In the UK, Gaughan of the Institute of
provides Environmental Engineering, South Bank Polytechnic,has taken extensive measurements in London atria at the Broadgate Centre (two, each 20m X 11 m X 18m) and the SedgewickCentre (35m X 20m X 15m). metal, marble and glass finished interior Broadgate's court, four floors high, has reverberation times of 3s at 125 Hz increasing to 9s at 500 Hz. The average absorption coefficient is only 0.05. Sedgewick'sseven-floors heightby contrast has amean a of 0.2 and diffuse, almost Sabine, characterof RT 3s at 125 Hz, 500Hz and 1 kHz.Both centres haveambientnoise levels around NC 50 due to ventilation plant and continuous escalators operation. Three-dimensional sound propagation contours show greatly varying and uneven decay rates of sound from source position to position, due to multiple andcomplex reflection patterns.
20 63 125 250 500 2000 4000
rd Octave Band Frequency (Hz)

Figure 2.36 Music practice rooms: Birmingham School of

Music. (Courtesy
ofBAP)
Design acoustics
77
225 350
8
225!
9
9
T
6 5
5
2
4
Brass
.3
Percussion
I
0
liii
1. 2. 3. 4.
im
Basementslab 225-mm concrete 225-mm brickwork 100-mm r.c. slab on Neoprene mounts (jack-up type)
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Acoustic wall absorber 25-mm plaster on e.m.l. Flexibleair-tight seal Ground floor slab Services void
120
110
(upper frequencies not measurable on site)
100
a) U C a) a)
fly'
0
-J -o
C
C,)
a) > a,
7C-
11LI / --/ /
125 100 160
--
Internal noise leveLt Internal noise levels can be kept reasonable by including a sound-absorbing ceiling, carpet and screen-basedworkstation arrangement.Reverberation times are not relevant in open-plan officesas the perimeters are remote.Modern office equipment like laser printers and computer keyboards are much quieter than electric typewriters, e.g. laser printers are typically 64 dBA at 1 m compared to 83dBA for mechanical printers. It may be tempting to consider the use of a sound conditioningsystem. This consists of concealed loudspeakers emitting masking white noise. Care is required as the working sound level for efficient use is narrow: too noisy and the sound is objectionable, or at least draws undue attention to the sources; too quiet and the system is ineffective.
Privacy Privacy between work places
6050
200 250
315 400
500 630
1250 800 1000
at 12m2/work-station, and this may be compared with speech privacy needs as set out in Tables 2.3 and 2.4. These reflect the subjective reactions of office workers, recordedin Table 2.10. Screens can be tested for sound absorption (BS 3638) [261 a NRC of 0.6 to 0.8 being
1720dBA between open-plan screen-based work-stations
is only in the order of
rd Octave BandCentre Frequency (Hz)

Figure 2.37 Music practice rooms: CentralLondon Music

College. (Courtesy ofBAP)
There is a hierarchy of privacy in offices as shown in Diagram 2.6. Surveys have indicated that the thought interruptiondueto office noise can amountto significant work 'downtime' for employees, and good privacy arrangements in open-plan officescan increase productiv-
desirable and speech privacy noise isolation class (NIC).
78
Acoustics in the Built Environment 12
Table 2.10 Relationship ofbackground noise and annoyance
in offices
Activity+ ventilationnoise
(dBA)
Staff in an adjacent work-stationannoyed normal speech (%) 65 40 25

16
l
C
10
35 40 45 47
55
Co
C C
Co Co
0
0
4 6 gap width (mm)
10
effectof small gap above an office partition on Sound insulation Figure 2.38 Effrct ofsmall gap above an officepartition on sound insulation
U
a)
a)
C)I C
>-) Ccc) .2 .E
CI
.I
oE -J
C
C
a)
ity by between 3 and 10%. In cellular offices, proprietary 50-mm-thickmetal-skinned panels with mineralwool core (mass <40kg/rn2), can achieve 3035 dB average SRI if well installed or up to 4045 dB if high performance panels are used. The problem arises with relocatable partitions at ceiling and suspendedfloor (this is covered earlier under 'Sound insulation'). The privacy obtained depends on: the background noise level and its masking effect (care should be taken below NR 35), room-to-room sound insulation (aim for 40+ dB on a BS 2750: Part 9 test), 'cross-talk' attenuation (particularly on plenum ceilfully ducted systems preferred), ing or floor void: the partition ceilingjunction. Partitionsshouldbe carried through the ceiling void to prevent flanking; alternatively a jointless plasterboard ceiling can be installed; the effectof a continuous joint at the ceiling partition head is shown in Figure 2.38. It isall tooeasy to drop to around 25dB separation for demount-
able systems.
Diagram 2.6
Offices: zoning forprivacy and quiet
Computer rooms have inherently high noise levels, the acceptability of which will depend on the occupants. If staff work-stationsare within, a background level of NR
Computerrooms
Design acoustics
79
4550should be aimedfor; ifonly intermittentoccupancy
values rather than In some live studios now under construction as fast news centres, background activity is put on show so a standard more exacting than NR 20 is not called for. In control rooms, NR 20 for sound dubbing and control facilities will be adequate; the background levels in such rooms may be determined by equipment casings. cooling fans typically NR25+ rather than ventilation noise or intrusive noise. Sports and leisure Swimming pools are inherently noisy: hard surfaces for Largerstudios may double as theatre audience venues, wear and hygiene and the reflective qualities of water for example for game shows. Ventilation noise control to exacerbate the shouting and splashing. Ice halls have NR 25 will be adequate, provided that for lower lighting similar problems. Good sound systems andbuilt-in sound and occupancy loads a lower ventilation noise value (NR absorption by ceiling or banners will give more comfort- 15 or 20) could be provided for, say, recordingdrama. able conditions to achieve Sports Council recommendations (1.83s mid-frequency values for empty halls). High-quality radio, recording, broadcasting, or live television Swimmingpools and ice rinkshave 24h operational plant facilities of significant duty, so care is needed re environmental Local radio stations met IBA standards by complying with noise break-out to the local community. Ten-pin bowling pass/fail tests. The standards are set out in the Engineerhas made something of a come-back;high impulsivenoise ing Code of Practice for Independent Local Radio, levels occur close to the racking machines during 'strikes' uprated as the IBA Specificationfor Studio Centres [27]. (typically peaking at 1102dBAclose to) andduring racking The document itself should be studied in detail but by the machines beyond. Absorbent surfaces and enclo- covers: sureofthe machine room will containthis, andabsorptive background noise ceiling finishes improve conditions near the lanes. Slab reverberation times isolation under the racking machines and under the lanes performance characteristics for line path, micro(to stop ball-rolling thunder) is required to prevent phone path, and storage media structureborne sound transmission. Indoor or outdoor Acoustic criteria for transmitting equipment are also shooting facilities demand specialist advice. specified. Typically double- or triple-leaf walls and roomTelevisionand radio facilities dedicated floors and 'lids' were coupled with quiet (NR Video production 15) ventilation systems and 'dead' room acoustics (RT Video production demands that the mainstudio shouldbe 0.160.3s). The European Broadcasting Union's Report reasonably isolated to outside and to other facilities, for R22 [28] is an important reference for standards includexample by double-leafwalls, and a roofofreasonable SRI ing preferred volumes of rooms, proportions of spaces (35+ dB average). Acoustically-rateddoorsets should be (avoid single integral ratios between length, width and usedto the control room suite but not necessarilyto other height), monitoringpositions, reverberation times (over rooms. Room acoustics aspects will not be exacting. The one-third octave bands 2002500Hz, the average RT additional cost to standard accommodation of basic should be 0.3 0.1 s). At low frequency one-third octave specification is in the order of 25%. Facilities like this are band 50Hz, the RT should not exceed 0.45s. The RT sometimes built as a fit-out of modern industrial estate/ should not vary by more than 0.04s between adjacentonebusiness park units or conversion of older buildings to third octave bands in the range 20010000Hz, and multi-tenancyunits. In the case of the latter, transmission ventilation noise should be less than NR 15 with no cyclic throughthe floormay needto be checked. Thestudios are variation or pronouncedtones. suitable for promotional orvideo films,centringon sets. Recording studios demandsimilar high standards. The quality criteria here are dynamic range, distortion Commercial television (attenuation, phase or non-linear: harmonic, intermoduCommercial television management inevitably took a lation or amplitude), noise (ambient, system), wow and short term view on capital expenditurereturns because flutter (short-term speed fluctuations) and electronic franchises were, until 1991, renewed on a 5-year cycle. cross-talk. Detailed advice is given in Borwick's Sound Small firms producingprogrammes on the fringes of the RecordingPractice[29]. Recommended reverberation times main networks may have standards no better than for vary from 0.3 to 0.4 s for small speech studios to 12s for video production. Regional franchise holderswill have a classical music recording. Monitor rooms, separated by at range of accommodation from property stores to ware- least 8/200/12 glazed windows, should be designed to houses with larger sets inside, applying standards no 0.20.35s. The introduction of stereo recording and better than for outside broadcast, to control rooms and broadcast imposed furtherdiscipline to studiotechniques. controlled environment studios. Standards in commercial Conditions should not be 'dead'/semi-anechoic, as this television production improved as the value of good- would be unpleasantto work in. The ear is better able to locate an image in a stereo fieldwith some reflections and quality music scores in drama became recognized. The construction standard will be higher than for there is the 'single pass' concept of monitoring: part of smaller facilities. Nevertheless, because the programmes the room is left 'hard' behind the loudspeakers, with the in production are recorded and not 'live', the very area behind the engineers treated with absorption lining. occasional intrusionofa loud noise can be accepted. This Control room ambient noise should match the main implies that design is determined by, say, LAb or LAeq studio conditions.
is involved, for example in machine room areas, NR 60 may be acceptable. Measures to reducenoise in the room airhandling units include lower air velocities, ducted supply and return with silencers, and double-skin
80
Acoustics
The need to have reliably acceptable conditions at all times follows from 'live' broadcast, where a retake cannot be relied upon if some intrusion occurs. British Broadcasting Corporation advicemaybe takenfromRose's Guide to AcousticPractice [30]. The technique of mix ofoffice and technical facilities by installing factory-built rooms-in-
100 ____________________________________100It-iI-100
IJ
rooms also works well for fitting out 'shell' interiorsand consistsofmodularstudios madeofstandardwall,roofand floor panels. These are made of double metal skins with mineralquiltfilling to the cavity between skins. Theroomside metal skin can be perforated: this reduces the sound insulation propertiesbut contributes most of the general absorption within rooms. Low frequency absorber boxes may also be required. Small announcer booths can be installed on a subfloor, each with a standard dedicated room air conditioning unit, either recirculation or connectedto a headersupply and extractducts via attenuators (Figure 2.39). The system is one-third the weight of the equivalent masonry structure, is quickto erect, and can be reconfigured relativelyeasily. BBC checks of background noise are against three reference curves, which very approximately equate to
NR5, NR1O, and NR15: octave band values/octave 63 125 250 500 1 k 2 k 4 k (Hz)
1.
Radio light
-r
1
-r
170
i
2.
entertainment
2 3
100-mm modular floor units on isolating rails with cable voids 100-mm modular wall units: metal skins, inner face perforated
studios 41 31 Other radio studios, control rooms.

Television
24
18
13
absorbentquilt fill Dedicated room ventilation unit, recirculatedair with some fresh air
intake
3.
studios Radio drama studios
36 26
31 21
19 14
13 8
8 3
4
1
1 4
100
90
80
a) a, a,
70
>
-J
60
0 C
U,
-_ - 7 -_ 7
Close matching of curves has been pursued to ensure there is some masking noise without rumble or hiss. This is difficult in practice as attenuator selection to suit low frequency performanceresults in noise levels well below the curve at upper frequencies. Flow noise at secondary attenuators or diffusers can be a means of selectively adding back higher frequency noise. Theafres
::
The term 'theatre' covers a wide range of auditoriafrom community halls (naturally lit and ventilated, mukiuse and small) to large national theatres for resident companies. Traditional theatres and opera houses have a 'hammerhead' plan shape, a proscenium opening between the stage and audience, an orchestra pit, and acoustically comprise a high, bare space (alternatively filled with 'flats') coupled to a 'dead' auditorium. For this reasonit is useful to provide built-in absorption linings to the fly-tower which will balance sound decay in the two parts of the coupled volume, and to some extent soakup residual intrusive noise down from the fire-shuttered fly
tower lantern. Small theatres may seat less than 500, larger theatres seating 1000 to 1200, and the largest exceeding 1500 seats (Association of British Theatre Technicians definition). Compact seating arrangements ('lining the walls with people') ensure that everyone is within 1520 m of the stage so nuances of acting and speech can be followed. Reference can be made to case study collections [31, 32].
20 63
125
250
5000
1000
2000
(Hz)
4000
Octave Band Centre Frequency
sound level differencebetween studios: twin modular (AC panels
Figure 2.39 Modularstudios
Design acoustics
81
1. 2. 3.
4.
Overhead reflector panels Rear ceiling and rear wall absorptive finishes Lighting bridges Concealed absorption: mounted to roof soffit and on fly tower walls
I 0
lOm
Figure 2.40 Overhead reflector panels in a 1000-seat theatre. (Courtesy ofBucks CC/BDP) There have been several excellent new guides on theatre design including Buildings for the Performing Arts (Appleton) [33] and Making Spacefor Theatre: British Architecture and Theatre Since 1958 (Mulryne andShewring) [34]. The most stunningimages of theatres, if not technical detail, are in Steele's Theatre Builders [35]. Lottery-funded schemes are much in evidence, with community arts and multi-media uses as well as traditional drama. Overhead ceiling panels can be sound-reflecting and angled to give useful early reflections to 'carry' sound to rear seats (Figure 2.40). Finishes should be soundabsorbing except near the stage, and perimeter surfaces
should be non-parallel. Balconyfrontsmay need to be modelled or have sound absorption applied, in order to avoid distracting back reflection effects for performers on stage. Angled proscenium wallscan be modelled to reflect sound to seating by facetting, which can improve audibility.As with concert halls, acoustic modelling can be useful. In providing a setting for other events, like opera or music concerts, a means of adapting the acoustics to these uses can be incorporated. Banners or similar devices do not help, as the space is already 'dead' acoustically. There are a number of electroacoustic systems which are able to increase the RT artificiallyand compensate on stage for the lack of local reflecting surfaces. An example that is installed in an existing UK theatre is illustrated in Figure
and Table 2.11. The basis of the system is the sampling ofthe direct sound fieldat the stage, by an array of microphones. Signalsare relayed to a single processing rack which, by equalization and signal delays, simulates early reflections and modified reverberation. Broad-band
2.41
Table 2.11 AGS electroacoustics system as installed in the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Setting'3
RT1 (s) 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.1 2.6 3.0
Use
0
1
4
5
2 3
6
7
System off: natural hall acoustics for speech and theatrical performances Piano,jazz, ballet, musicals Chambermusic, recitals, opera Chamberand Baroque music Symphonies Symphonies Choral music Organ (dedicated setting)
"Commissioneduse of different settings. bMeasured reverberation time at 500Hz; plotted on Figure

2.41.
82
Acoustics

GORDOS CRAIG TIrEATRE. STEOENAGE ACOUSTIC CONTROL SYSTEMS ACS COMPONENTS AND LOCATION
Speakers
mocntedoertically
for Early Reflections
//
OrganChambersfar ChristieOrgan
AUOITORIUM
Id
Sootyore
RESERRERATION AIJDITDRILJM
II
3
(7sro
STAOE
3rsr
55cr
REOETRERATION
ssr-So2e . bOLDOACE
TOSTAGE
5cr
cna
snr
DC G028S033
EARLYREFLECTIONs
mrmcr
"1\
9
ns'c scm
J.
Microphones fined to acditoricm ceiling.
-\
Lighting Bridge
scit
0
Prolectian Room
MOOrMOte
PLYRAR
MICROPHONES
ra, STAGE
IN CEILING
MctgMo2a
ORGANMICROPHONES
s,i
cnn
H
I
RemoteControl Location
Mi
located Microphones along flybar
Mains ELCB and breaker.
rnt
ri--f
Speakers
ecYc.
55
-i
cern
scar
ccoi
oc:
siccc3,
sa
ccsc
ssos
AcocstinControl Systems
Processing gack
forEarly Reflections mocstnd oerrically
(a)
ACS Reverberation decay curves

2.8 2.6 0)
C)
z
C)
2.4
> C)
C) U,
IC
CO
C -o
C) C)
C C -C C C C
1.2
>
0) S C)
to
C)
0.8 0.6
0.4 0.2
I I I
.2
.5
125
(b)
250
500
1000
2000
4000
1 2 5 Communication distance )m)
10
20
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 2.42 Effect ofbackground noise on speech

intelligibility
es 06
oACS1
Figure 2.41(a)
+2
03
a4
and (b) AGS: Adaptable reverberationby electroacoustics. (Source:Shuttlesound)
the house sound system. Such systemsare in a fast stateof development andcare loudspeakers around the hall transmit the modified in commissioning is required so that any artificial acoussignals to supplement the natural sound decay in the tics are not unrealistically 'special effect' and hence auditorium. The systemclaims to 'reshape' ahall as well as unconvincing to professional musicians. For good speech intelligibility, the seating should be just increase reverberation, giving early reflections to an orchestra to make up for the absence of an orchestral grouped as closely as possible to the stage and good
shell, and ability to balance early andlate sound as well as increasing lateral sound. There may be some overlap with
DesigN acoustics
83
viewlines and reasonable rake provided. Ventilation should be low noise, i.e. less than NR25.
References
and music performance. These are well descibed in Barron's book [9], and a good case study publication is the record of Glyndebourne's development [36].
Tradingrooms The acoustic environment on trading floors is often regardedas horrific. Wheninterviewedin a survey, traders stated a preference for abalanceof some degreeoftrader privacy and the ability to overhear messages across the room,but this has provedelusive. Whatfirms want is good audibility within a working group, and acceptable use of telephone andintercoms, The whole room is expected to have some 'buzz' to generate excitement. Trading floors ambientlevels can be +10 to +15 dBAabove office interior levels, which causes a poor signal-to-noiseratio so occu-
Opera houses have specific needs, combiningspeech
1. BS 5821: 1984 Methods for rating the sound insulation in buildings and of building elements, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 2. Building Regulations 1991 Part E Sound, amended 3. BS 648: 1964 Schedule ofweights ofbuilding materials, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 4. BS 2750: Part 9: 1987 Method for laboratorymeasurement ofroom-to-room airborne sound insulation of a suspended ceiling with a plenum above it, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 5. BPB/British Gypsum Ltd White Book, September
1995 1989 1982 1992
6. Gade, A. C. AcousticalSurvey ofElevenEuropean Concert Halls, Report 44, Technical University of Denmark, 7. Talaske, R. H. (ed.) Halls for Music Performance: 19621982, AcousticalSociety ofAmerica, NewYork, 8. Beranek, L. L. Concertand Opera Halls:How they Sound, American Institute of Physics, September 1996 9. Barron, M. Auditorium Acoustics and Architectural Design, E & F Spon, 1993 10. Ando, Y. and Noson, D. (eds) Music and Concert Hall
Acoustics 11.
pants shout into their phones and make the din worse; traderwork-stationsare more tightlyspaced, 5 m2/person rather than the 12 m2/person ofopen-plan offices.In the same survey, floor vibration (e.g. from footfall vibration) had not been thought to adversely affect computer screens, even though dealing rooms tend to be plannedin
long-span, column-free structures. The aim should be to create good communication in local groups but diffuse and damp longer sound paths across the room which contribute to the build-up of reverberant noise (Figure 2.42). In reasonable conditions, speech communication could be assumed to embrace 12 to 20 colleagues, across about5 m; this is a slight contrast to the Mohave Desert where experiments earlier this century shows a maximum speech propagation distance of 42 m. Communication beyond the working group is best done by intercom new headset designs claim to be much more efficient at cuttingout intrusive noise, by improved microphone technology. Thetall exchange rooms ofthe past and double height/ mezzanine rooms in some newtradingfloors provide few surfaces providing useful local reflections for talk between close colleagues. The typical flat low ceiling of acoustic tiles is not a good answer: the surface is more sound reflectiveatglancing angles ofincidence, not less. Abetter ceiling design is modelled ceiling planes, coffers, or suspendedbaffles with absorption on vertical surfaces to absorb long sound paths, and patches of reflection over groups to boost local audibility. The high heat loads make for significant ventilation load andhence high ductvelocities:NR40 or even NR45 is likely to be acceptable. The USA practice is to stack screens and local storage on flat tables which look untidy butallowfast change. The UK 'upright piano' desks as racking to monitors give better local enclosure but limits viewing to other dealers. The ideal is a compromise between local aural field and longer distance awareness of proceedings. A strong determinant on future design will be how quickly voiceactivated computer terminals come in (at present these are being used in small numbers). Perhaps deals will eschew telephone handsets, wear headsets and microphones,andrely on clearer mimic displaysystems; dealing rooms may come to resemble airport control rooms and become quieter and more ordered.
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
18. 19. Thermal, Visual, and Acoustic Requirementsin Buildings, BRE Digest 226, HMSO, London, 1979 20. Planning and Policy Guide (PPG) 24 Planning and
Noise,
Academic Press, 1997 Bickerdyke,J. and Gregory, A. Code of Practice: An Evaluation of Hearing Damage Risk to Attenders at Discotheques, Departmentof the Environment, DGR/ 481/99, London, 1980 Noise at Work Regulations, Health and SafetyExecutive Guidance, 1990 AcousticsinEducational Buildings, Building Bulletin 51, HMSO, London, 1966/new draft 1995 Guidelinesfor Environmental Design and Fuel Conservation in Edcuational Buildings, DES Design Note 17, HMSO, London, 1981/new draft 1995 LightingandAcousticCriteriaforthe VisuallyHandicapped and HearingImpaired in Schools, DES Design Note 25, HMSO, London, 1987 BS 8233: 1987 Code of practice for sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes Miller, John, BuildingRegulations and Health, Building Research Establishment Report, 1986, London Sound Controlfor Homes, Report no. 127, CIRIA, 1993
Conference
Proceedingsfrom MCHA 1995,
1994
Department of the Environment, September
21. BS 4142: 1990 Method review)
of rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes (under The Noise Act, September 1996 (into force April
22.
1997) 23. 100 Practical Applications of Noise Reduction Methods, HMSO/HSE, London, 1987 24. Noise Control in Industry 3rd edn, Sound Research Laboratories, Spon, London, 1991
84
Acoustics
in die Built Environment

Office
25.
Buildings and HospitaLs, IOA proceedings, 10(8), 1988 26. BS 3638: 1987 Method for measurement of sound
de Ruiter, E. Ph. J., Atria in Shopping Centres,
absorption in a reverberantroom, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 27. Specification for Studio Centres, Engineering Code of practicefor Independent Local Radio- Issue 2, Independent Broadcasting Authority, London, February
1988 28. Acoustical Properties of Control Rooms and Listening Rooms far the Assessment of Broadcast Programmes,
1985 29. Borwick,J. SoundRecordingPractice,OxfordUniversity Press, Oxford, 1987
ReportR22, European Broadcasting Union, London,
30. Rose, K. Guide to Acoustic Practice, 2nd edn, BBC Engineering, Oxford, 1990 31. Talaske, R. H. (ed.) Theatres for Drama Performance, Acoustical Societyof America, London, 1985 32. Forsyth, M. Auditoria: Designing for the Perfanning Arts, American Institute of Physics, NewYork, 1987 33. Appleton, I. Buildings for the Performing Arts: A Design and Derelapment Guide, Butterworth Architecture, 1996 34. Mulryne, R. andShewring,M. MakingSpacefor Theatre: British Architecture and Theatre Since 1958, Mulryne & Shewring Ltd, 1995 35. Steele, J. Theatre Builders: A Collaborative Art, Academy Editions, September1996 36. Binney, M. and Runciman, R. Glyndebourne Building a Vision, Thames and Hudson, 1994
Chapter 3 Services noise and vibration

Peter Sacre and Duncan Templeton
Settingdesign objectives
The areas ofdesign forwhich noise criteria need to be set
are as follows:
Central plant.
Background
The control ofnoise from mechanical and electrical plant can be a vital area of design, as failure to meet criteria is more readily perceived than, say, room acoustics criteria. The designerneeds to be aware ofthe need to limitnoise inside and outside the building: in occupied internal areas, where noise can be irritating or distracting, or can affect working
which may be used for circulation or leisure, where excessive noise can be intrusive and may present an environmentally unsatisfactory character; beyond the site boundary excessive noise from plant may cause nuisance, leadingto complaints and legal proceedings, especiallyin residential areas. The importance of noise depends mainly on two factors:
efficiency; in industrial premises, where processes rather than rooms are serviced; occupied in the areas immediately surroundingthe building,
condenser units may be in a louvre-screened compound open to atmosphere. Local plant. Decentralized ventilation systems can have advantagesoflower cost (no long duct runs) and flexibility (zoned units).However,plantnoise sources are taken out of the sound-insulating plant room and into userspacesandso careis neededin their siting. There are already a number of guides on the noise control of building services. For a number of years, the noise control products trade has concentrated on noise from fans in central ventilation or air-conditioning plant transmitted through air distribution ductwork. Specialist acoustic suppliers via technical sales personnel can select and supply the appropriatepackage ductwork and associated attenuators. As a result, there should be relatively few noise problems in buildings due to inadequate fan noise silencing through ductwork. However, many problems exist due to poor ductwork layout or high velocities causing regeneratednoise. For the typical commercial or public sector building, the following potential noise sources and transmission paths may need to be considered:
'Plant rooms' are often split (airhandling units in roof-level housing; boilers and pumps in ground level or basement rooms). Chiller
noise-sensitiveareas beyond the boundary. Noise control should be an integral part of the design procedure. Too often noise aspects are introducedinto a design too late, and in an ad hoc way. The role of any advice from an acoustics consultant or silencing specialist should be proactive rather than reactive. The cost is many times greater for a retrofit compared to the original inclusion of adequate noise control measures. The key participants who can influence services noise
are:
the typeofbuilding whetherits use dependson low levels, and noise the location particularly the proximity of other

Internal noise Central
the client: including noise criteria in the brief, from site to room data sheets the layout architect: provision of adequate structure, sen
sible location and area allocation of plant rooms, planningin distribution routes the mechanical engineer: total design of HVAC systems, setting criteria the electrical engineer: design of substations, emergency generators, lifts the mechanical and electrical engineeringsubcontractors: detailed selections of components and installation the acoustics consultant or engineer: design advice from briefing to commissioning the specialist supplier of noise control hardware: providing data and goods to match initial selections.
air-handling plant Fan noise to ducts Airflow-generated noise in ductwork, at duct fittings or dampers Noise break-out through duct walls Noise generated at grilles and diffusers Local air-conditioningplant and room units Fan-coil units Volume-controlterminalunits Heat pumps Local extract fans Fan convectors Warm air curtains Piped services Pump noise or flow noise radiated from pipework or from building surfaces to which pipework is fixed Water hammer Flow noise from drains, particularly WC, soil pipes and rainwater pipes from roofs Electrical equipment Emergency generators Uninterruptiblepower supplies, generator sets Transformers Thyristor speed controllers and light dimmers, fluorescent lamp ballasts Airborne or structureborne noise transfer through plant room envelope to adjacentareas Other sources Kitchenequipment Laundryequipment Workshop machines
86
External noise
Waste compactors Lifts Escalators Documenttransfer systems Computers (integral fans)
Table 3.1 Services noise advice timing

Activity/decisian
Feasibility, preliminary design:
Noise input
Flues Louvres opening into plant rooms Louvres ducted to fan inlets or exhausts Boiler flues Generatorflues External equipment Airhandling plant Roof extract fans Cooling towers Air-cooled condensers Packaged chiller plant
Design approach
Atmosphere terminations
Site location Site use Space layout Building structure Location of central plant Method of servicing rooms Location of external plant Size plant, confirm location Size ductwork Duct runs, damper positions Plant-room structures Select terminals, room units
Provisional design criteria Identify critical spaces Suitable plant type Suitable plant locations External noise survey Provisional external criteria Adequate structure Develop design criteria Planningconditions Internal plant selection Externalplantselection Louvre locations Duct sizing, routing Duct attenuatorselection Terminal units Grille/diffuser selection Vibration isolation Plant room construction Check drawings/notes Design criteria stated Plant maximum noise
Detailed design:
The building services are most frequently designed by a Mechanical Services Consulting Engineer, with the buildingenvelopeandsupport structurebeingtheresponsibility of other consultants. Other specialists may be involved;
silencing products designers, acoustics and energy consultants for example. The role of such specialists may be limited to provide 'designintent' sketches, draft specifications, and guidance, which 'main profession' consultants will incorporate in contract documentation for construction purposes. It is important to realize that structure, layout, furnishings, fittings and furniture will have a fundamentaleffect on the noise from building services installations. The design output typically consists of drawings and specifications which form the basis of a legal agreement between client and contractors. It is essential that the design intent and the necessary design details for noise control are clearly and exhaustively covered in the drawings and specifications. Many noise problems in finished buildings are due to inadequateinformation, or to poor communication with the contractors, rather than to a fundamentally deficient design. Information at the out-to-tender stage varies from line diagram schematics, with minimal sizing of ducts and no identification of silencers, to full documentation: ductwork to scale, duct velocities, sized attenuators and schedules. There is a danger that an engineerwill take a specific specialistsupplier's quotation very literallyand in its entirety, including octave band values for particular silencers. These are in fact specific to the fan being used and cannot be checked at the commissioning stage, so a schedule of sizes, types and location will suffice, room criteria being the commissioning target. Buildings designed by integrated practices, or by 'design and build' contractors, should present fewer problems caused by inadequate flow of information between professions. However, the need remains for a formalized procedurefor noise control design. The noise input requiredat the various stages ofdesign are identified in Table 3.1. In some cases, noise from services maybe a critical issuewhich fundamentally affects the layout or structure of the building, as well as the approach to building services. The design team can
Drawings and specification
Attenuatorschedules
Vibration isolation schedules Specificationsfor noise control equipment Works noise tests Check equipmentagainst specification Approve changes and
%%Taivers
levels
Equipment arder
Installation Commissioning
Site checks Measure noise levels Highlight/diagnose/solve problems
address each services noise issue as it arises, from 'is the
plant room big enough andfar enough away?' to 'is there enough space in the ceiling void we've assumed?'. Noise control is a basic requirementbecause higher standards (lower-value criteria) mean lower duct velocities, and hence largerducts,for the sameduty. Roomcriteria are a big clue to the type of system suitable in a ventilation system, for example NR 25 implies two-stage attenuation andfully-ducted systemsto air-handlingunits in a separate plant room, NR 35 or 40 implies single-stageattenuation, relativelyhigh velocities,and common use of ceiling voids as plenums or for volume-control terminals.
Services noise and vibration
87
effect ofnarrow-band tonalnoise and discriminate against is a general need to control noise and set criteria low-frequencynoise. Usually NR curves rather than Noise both within and external to buildings. There are several Criteria (NC) are usedin the UK for considering services levels of noise requirements within buildings. Examples noise. Generally, NR and NC values can be interare: changeable but there are variations: technical areas where particularly high standards of at low frequencies, NR values exceed the equivalent noise control are required. These may be small NC values; (music practice rooms, audiometry suites, continuity at high frequencies, NCvalues exceed the equivalent voice-over studios) or large (concert halls, conNRvalues; ference rooms); NR values run between 31.5Hz and 8kHz, NC between 63 Hz and 8kHz althoughin practice 63 Hz working areas where noise from services can be the dominant noise source, for example offices, laboto 4kHz is typically used in design checks for ratories, and hospital wards. Noise control shouldnot either; NR values are on true curves determinedby formula; only be adequate to not intrude on conversations or a spectrum can be stated as any NR, e.g. NR 31. NC telephone calls, but for ventilation to be unobtrusive; curves are defined in steps of 5, e.g. NC 30, NC 35. industrial buildings and the interiors of large plant The limitations of this can be avoided by stating the rooms where high noise levels can be produced and excess over the lower value, e.g. NC 30 + 1. occupants may need to be protected. An example is Air-conditioning noise can also be checked by Room in newspaper printing centres (Figure 3.1). Only in Criteria (RC) curves as recommended by ASHRAE (the these refuges looking onto the presses, with sound American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air reducedto below 65 dBA, cancontrollers take offear defenders and make telephonecalls or conversation. Conditioning Engineers), but neither RC or PNC (PreNoise Criterion) curves are in general use in the In very noisyenvironments an additional difficultyis ferred UK 3.2 and 3.3 and Figures 5.65.9). (Tables the audibility of alarms and announcements. Attitudes vary on the relative values ofventilation noise The acoustic consultant and silencing specialist are levels and background noise levels, although values are essentialin the first category but also have a lot to offer in generally based on CIBSE banding. If ventilation noise the design of the other categories. levels are setvery low, it will be difficult to commission the To determine acceptable criteria, the first point of reference should be the project client who, on a large scheme, may have his own specialistadvisers,for example Table 3.2 Design criteriaa hospital resident engineers or property managers and maintenance engineers. Ideally, a brief would be enlarged Environment NC or NR by room data sheets including environmental standards as baseline data.Where existing premises are to be altered or 10 extended, surveys of existing noise levels, noise climate Radio drama andairborne and impact separation, may be useful. talks, continuity studios, live television The room activity and use combined with the existing Radio studios 15 ambientnoise from other internal and external sources will suggest a criterion for services noise. This criterion is Recording studios, audiometric rooms, often established by reference to a Noise Rating (NR) concert halls, opera halls 20 curve. This allows a check against the sound character cathedrals and large churches, which is limited by the use ofa single-figuremeasurement, Theatres, commercial television studios, large i.e. dBA. Single-figureunits fail to pick up the annoying conference and lecture theatres, music practice rooms, hotel bedrooms,
Design critiria
There
courtrooms
25
Senior management offices, small conference andlecture rooms, multipurpose venues,

libraries Cellular offices,multiplex cinemas, restaurants
30
35
Circulation in public buildings, open-plan offices,ice rinks, swimming pools, cafeterias Shops, bars, WCs, supermarkets Warehouses, industrial premises, laundries, kitchens Figure 3.1 Noise havens: printing hail
40 45 50
aSeealsoTable 2.9 with regard to health care facilities criteria.
88

Criteria
Table 3.3
values (in dBf OBCF (Hz)
Criterion value 15
Criterion
31.5 66
63 47 47 43
51 51
125 35 36
35 35 39
250
26 29
28 30 31 33 32 35 35 37 37 40 40 41 41 45 45 45 45
500
19 22
21 25
1k
15
2k
12
14 10 15
17 19 15
4k
9
12
8k
7
11
8
NR NC PNC RC
17
15
58
8
10
14 17 13 15
69
20
20 22 20 25 25
27 25 30 30 31 30 35 35 36 35 40 40 41
20
NR NC
PNC RC
59
40
39
46
40 44 44 43 45
48 48 46 50 52 52 50 55 57 56 54 60 61 60 58 65
24 26 26 30 29
31 31 35 34 35 35 40 39 40 40 45
13 16 13
20 22 24
20 25 27 29 25 30 32 34 30 35 37 39
18 21 18
25
NR NC
PNC RC
72
60
76
55 54 49
20 22
18 20 25 28 23 25 30 33 28 30 35 38 33 35 40 43
59 57 52 55 63 60 55 60 67
30
NR
NC
PNC
23 27
23
61
RC
35
79
28 32 28
NR NC
PNC
62
RC
40
83
50 49
50 50 55 54 54 54 60
33 37 33
NR NC
PNC
RC
44
45 45
64
86
64
59 65 71
40
45 45
36
40 42
50 49 49 50 55
38 42 38
45
NR NC
PNC RC
67
67 63
70
46 45 50
44
41
45
38 40
"For NR,NC and PNCcurves, see Chapter 5, Figures 5.65.9.
system because ambientnoise will tend to dominate, and the client will not be gettingvalue for money in an oversilenced installation. If the levels are too high, the system itself is obtrusive. Around or slightlybelow (0 to 5dBA) averaged activitynoise is usually found to be acceptable; ventilation noise can have a useful masking effectin roomto-room speech privacy (as indicated in Table 2.3 in Chapter 2). In order not to add noise from different services sources, 'local' ventilation noise from room supply and extract grilles should exceed by at least5 dBA noise break-out, or re-radiated noise, from primary plant. In considering a criterion, the 'steady state' ventilation noise to be introduced has to be considered relative to both background noise from traffic noise break-in and equipment noise like computer fans, andvarying ambient noise from occupants' activity.
madeto Guide toAcousticPractice [1], EBUReportNo. R22, AcousticalProperties of Control Roomsand Listening Roomsfor the Assessment of Broadcast Programmes[21, and the IBA's
Specification for Studio Centres[31.
Externalnoise Environmental noise control is generally covered in Chapter 1, under Industrial Noise. Emission limits from fixed plant andprocesses may be written in as a planning condition, or should be established early in the design process to avoid the local environmental health officer agreeing with complainants thatthe plantnoise is a public nuisance to neighbouring properties and is therefore actionable under statutes. Different local authorities take different attitudes. Some, not wanting prevailing neighbourhood noise levels to 'creep' up due to the addition to newexisting sound, will ask for existing levels not to be raised. This is very Broadcasting authorities The BBC, IBA and EBU (European BroadcastingUnion) onerous, as to reliably enable this, the new sources will all have recommended criteria. Reference should be have to be 10dBA less than existing levels. It is normally
89
acceptable to control daytime noise emission at the nearestnoise-sensitivepropertiesto not exceedprevailing levels, and by this means limit any possible increase to 3dBA maximum. Night-time noise control is likely to be stricter, say 5 dBA on existing levels. There is then the task of the consultantas client's representative, to agree with the local authority an interpretationof'existing noise climate'. This is the generator of many sound levels
surveys. Assessments
A by-product of vibration is structureborne noise and althoughthe vibration levels in abuilding maybe low and to vibration may exceed required ambient noise levels. This is normally only a problemwhere low noise levels are requiredin areas suchas auditoria, conference roomsand bedrooms, and only where these areas do not have
windowsthat would allow low frequency break-in noise to
satisfactory,
Structurebornenoise
the noise levels radiatedfrom a structuredue
of noise complaints will often be basedon mask the structureborne noise. Although reduction of BS 4142, Method of rating industrial noise affecting these audio frequencies relating to structurebornenoise mixed residential and industrial areas [4], seen as an can be achieved by isolating the building, reductions of importantguidebylocal authorities. Problems canarise in 510dB only are likely to result. The use of resilient pads derelict areas, previously bustling with industrial or to isolate the building will not significantly reduce low commercial activity but now awaiting redevelopment, frequency vibration levels.
because the reference existing background noise levels are 'temporarily' particularly low. There is dependenceon the operating hours of plant. Office ventilation systemsmay cut off in the evening but computers andrefrigeration plant need to stayon for the full 24-h cycle. Hotel public rooms and kitchens have systems which can go on into the early hours, to the possible consternation of overnight guests. Ice rinks and swimming pools have large-duty plant which has to keep the ice frozen, or water conditioned, continuously. The designer needs to be sure of the cut-off times before designing all plant to daytime background noise levels. Intermittent noise may be the subject of negotiation with the local authority, fora relaxation ofnoise control (say +5 to +10dBA or NR on night-time criterion values) of standby generators, knowing that they will be 'run up' regularly but for relatively short periods during the daytime. Any continuous operation will be exceptional, for example power failure, and an increase in the nighttime noise level will be temporarily acceptable ifthe units have to be run continuously. Noise break-out for other emergency plant,for example fire pumps, powered smoke extract systems, would normally be exempt.
Vibration Perceptionofvibration
Buildingdamage Consideration also needs to be given to the protection of a building or other structurein order to prevent damage from such activities as piling or press operation.Guidance on vibration levels for different building types to avoid damage is given in BS 7385: Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings [6]. However,it is worth noting that the levels of perceptionby people and the levels that are considered to be satisfactory by BS 6472 are well below those vibration levels that could cause damage to buildings. Furtherdetails relatingto groundbornevibration are given in Chapter 1.
Sources
There are various potentialsources ofvibration:
People can be quite sensitive to vibration, particularly where the source of the vibration cannot be seen. Satisfactory levels of vibration for people in different building types (Figure 1.12) and in the three different axes, i.e. vertical and the two horizontal directions, are given in BS 6472, Guide to evaluation ofhuman exposureto vibration in buildings (1Hzto 80Hz) [5]. The velocitycurves from BS 6472 are given in Figure 3.2. However, these 'satisfactory' levels will be greaterthan those which can be perceived or felt. Vibration effects in buildings are typically in the 250 Hz frequency range. In designing a building, it is necessary not only to take accountofpeople, where different standards could occur, e.g. industrial environment compared to office, but also the possibleeffectofvibration on sensitiveequipment. This could be projectors in multiplex cinemas (projectors are effectively optical instruments) or more exacting still, microchip manufacturing processesor delicate balances in laboratories. Offices may not seem sensitive areas, but structurallyadequatelong-spanfloorstructures can exhibit substantial movement even due to people walking across themandthe effectcanbevery disturbing to staff.
air-conditioning/ventilation systems or installations such as lifts, footfall due to the movement of people. Natural or resonantfrequency is discussedin Chapter 5. Floors, walls and indeed entire buildings have their own resonant frequency characteristic. This resonant frequencycan be excitedby a single blow such as footfall, as described earlier for long-span floors. Mechanical plant as used in building services, in addition to having its own natural frequency due to its mounted condition, also has forcingfrequencies which are a function of its own operating conditions, e.g. running speed. Vibration can occur in any combination of six modes: vertical, longitudinal, horizontal/traverse (linear motions), rolling, pitching and yawing (rotational motions). Services designers' concern will be primarily with the vertical mode. The effect of vibration transmission into a building structure from mechanical plant will be determined by the relationship between the forcing and natural frequencies. This is illustrated in Figure 5.10 for a single one-degree-of-freedom system. When the forcing and natural frequencies are close then the vibration from the plant will be easily transmitted to the supporting structure, therefore to controlvibration transmission the ratio of the frequencies must be changed. The natural frequency of the supportedplant is dependent not only on its own mountingbut also on the supporting structure.
industrial activitiessuch as presses or generators, building servicesplant either associated with general
90
Acoustics
1.
E 0)
E
C
0
a) a)
0 0
0.01
0.00W
(a)
Frequency Hz
(b)
Frequency Hz
Figure 3.2 Building vibration x- and y-axis curvesfor (a) peak accelerationand (b) peak velocity. Extractsfrom BS 6472 are reproducedwith the permission ofBSI. Complete copies ofthe standard can be obtained ly post from BSI Publications, Linford
Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE
Long-span lightweight construction can inherently be easily 'driven' and Steffens's Structural Vibration and Damage [7] quotes other BRE guidance to stay clear of low (approaching 5Hz) natural frequency characteristics. Higher values of 10Hz or more should be sought for floor structures. Having obtained a rigid structure from the structural engineer, it is necessary to introduce resilience into the support ofthe plant usingvibration isolators. The correct selection ofvibration isolator has to take into accountthe naturalfrequency ofthe supportingstructure. Disappointingperformances will be obtained for isolators selected to achieve 95% isolation if the machine is mounted on the mid span of lightweight steelwork. Other parameters associated with vibration isolation include static deflection which is a function of natural frequency and, since it is a more readily identifiable unit, is very useful. Damping will also need to be considered in assessing vibration isolation, since it will reduce the anticipated isolation performanceof a system.
Design considerations
During the design phase, it will be necessary to consider a wide range ofpotentialnoise and vibration sources. Some of the major items are discussed below. General advice is given but itwill be necessaryto obtainmeasured data from manufacturers and followdetailed prediction routines.
Fans
Types
ofequipment
Noise in fans is generatedby: blade action airstream effects at fan surfaces resonantfan casing vibration fan drive/motordrive and vibration For the usual constantfan speed, the least noise occurs when the fan is on or around its maximum efficiency. 'Stall' speed or overspeed should be avoided. Derating pulley changes resulting from 'over-engineered' systems may not improve the noise character.
Servicesnoise and vibration
91
0
a)
m
a) > a) a)
0 a 0
C
C),
63
125
250
500
1000
2000
4000
8000
Octaveband centrefrequency (Hz) AxiaI fans (100 dB L)

Centrifugal fans (98 dB L)
Figure 3.3
Typicalfan noisefrequencyspectra
Typically, turbulent flow is random and causes broadband noise across the audible frequency range. There are pure tones at the blade rotationfrequency and its higher harmonics, as an overlay to this broadband noise. Fan noise data of concern are the octave band sound power levels ofnoise via the intake, exhaust terminations, and as radiated via the fan casing and external motor. Reference bodieswhich may be quoted in a performance specification include CIBSE [8] in the UK and ASHRAE in the US. Pending selection or as a cross check of manufacturers' claims, an estimate can be made from
has a useful initial guide (Table3.4).Axial and centrifugal fans produce similar sound power, with axial fans having higher high-frequencyvalues (Figures 3.4 and 3.5).
Air-handling plant Air-handling plant of modern design consists of the fan unit itself (which may be centrifugal or axial), flexible connections, casing and chassis, filter, coils, mixing boxes, and possiblyintegralattenuators and dampers.
empirical formulae andtypical spectra (Figure 3.3) based Cooling tower/condeizser units on the duty of the fan. Noise arises from the fan, fan motor assembly, and water An empirical formula for sound power level at inlet or turbulencedown to sumps. Regenerated noise may occur outlet is: via water circulation pipes. An indicative sound power level is given by: I=40+10logV+2Ologh L.N = 11.5 + 10 log P where Vis delivered volume (m3/s), his fan static pressure (N/rn2). SRL's book, Noise Control in BuildingServices[9], where P is the total rated fan power output (in watts). Table 3.4 Typicalfan noise spectra
OBCF' (Hz)
Equipment
63
125
250
500
1k
2k
74 77
80 83
4k
69 72
85 78
8k
64 67
80 83
76 79 82
Fans (up to 75mm static pressure) 25 hp 40 hp

lOOhp
250 hp Fans (150mm static pressure or over) 50 hp
95
98
101
94 97
100 103
91
94
87
100
84 87
90 93
79 82
85
104
107 111
88
91
lOOhp 250hp
113
106 110 112
103 107 109
96 99 102
86
89 92
94 97
81 84 87
92
Acoustics
in the Built Environment Directivity factors will be important as condensers are typically screened in a compound rather than fully enclosed. A typical spectrumis shown in Figure 3.6. Refrigeration units
Airflow
Figure 3.7.
Boilers
Fridge plant compressors may be annoying by virtue of intermittency of operation.Typical spectra are shown in
offuel and representative octave band SPLs are given in

Figure 3.4 Axialfan Figure 3.8. The principal noise sources are the fuel burner units and combustion air fans. Noise will also be discharged up the flues and is predominantly of a low frequency character. Prediction formulae are given in CIBSE/ASHRAEbut caution is necessary in view of the large number of variables (flue height, directivity, crosssectional area, linings, etc.) inherent in empirical formulae.
Generators
Sound pressure levels are fairly similar for different types
11
Airflow
Airflow
industrial premises, hospitals, broadcasting centres, and officeswith vital constantpower needsforcomputers, etc., will include emergency power generators, frequently in the form of diesel engines. Noise comes from:
In many public buildings, emergency powerfor light and safety procedures is provided by battery sets. Some
'1
engine itself, the exhaust, intake, air cooling fan, ventilation openings t&engine enclosure.
It is misleading to measure engine sets when run-up in routine tests because full load cannot be applied. Noise control measures shouldbe applied as a kit:
Figure 3.5 Centrifugal fan extract openings by attenuators,
enclosure, with controlled ventilation supply and
-o
> a
0
0
250 Figure 3.6
500
1000
2000
4000
8000
Octaveband centre frequency,Hz
Typicalfrequencyspectrum ofair-cooled condensersat distance of3m based on 300kW model
93
100
---
__________--_____--
_______
a, > a, a,
J
C
a,
U)
Octaveband centrefrequency. Hz
Figure 3.7
Typical frequency spectrum ofreciprocatingchillersat distance of 1 m based on 600kW model
95 -
90a, > 4' 4, a,
85-
C
C',
250
500
1000
2000
4000
8000
Octaveband centre frequency, Hz
Figure 3.8 Typical boilerroom noise levels
exhaustsilencing, possiblytwo-stage, provide substantial structures around the plant inlet silencing, acoustic doorsets where necessary, vibration 10-mm static deflection rubber including ensure
engine mounts are usually adequate for basement floor slab placement.
isolation, Gas turbines Gas turbines are industrial engines used for power attenuationon both the intake and exhaustsides of generation,pumpingand compression. The soundpower level will depend on the engine rating but at mid the fan, frequencies can be around 120dB. As with standby give a limiting sound power level for all majoritems of plant. generators, noise emanates from the turbine itself, the exhaust, and noise from the discharge of turbulent hot gases. Treatmentcan be by silencers, speciallydesigned to withstand the hot gases, and some form of acoustic Valves enclosure. Valves are frequently the source of peak noise events at Noise design concerns for the above items of plant are industrial plant complexes. The valves may be either addressed in the following summary: for emergency only or to control flow in a system. By their nature, valves produce noise as a by-product of plan location of plant, or plant rooms, away from high pressure air, or other gas, relief. The sound critical areas, power level of a valve may be in the order of 150dB.
transmission, provide any noise control necessary to reduce noise external to the building, fans or air-handling units will typically require
any service penetrationsof the structure do notdowngrade its sound insulation performance, efficiently isolate the plant to control vibration
94
'Streamlined' valves help to a degree but the type and location can improve the situation: reducing jet size can shift the sound energy to higher frequencies which are more easily attenuated by screening and distance. 'Blow off attenuators' are available for mounting on 'pepper pot' arrays of small outlets. Such installations are the province of specialist process engineering designers.
Escalators
Escalators can give rise to noise levels around 5055 dBA locally,with strongdependenceon treadspeed (+12 dBA/ doubling of speed); squeal and clanks can arise from treads and handrailsin worn examples. A checklist of noise concerns is as follows:
use sound-insulating casing to drive, gearing,
and
Lfls
Lifts can present an annoying intermittentnoise source in blocks offlats, hospitals, or even office buildings. Low-rise hydraulic lifts have fewer moving mechanical parts but are best specified with submersible pump and motor, casings lined with sound deadeningmaterial, and suitable vibration isolation not only ofthe pump and motorbut also of the pipework. The lift motor should be mounted on vibration isolators and the doors should be selected for quiet operation. High-speed lifts should not give wind whistle and air pressure rattles at doors panels. The intermittency of motor and doors operation can draw attention to the noise, in an otherwise quiet environment. Diverter sheaves can cause vibration in older models; good maintenance will help lifts to keep running smoothly and quietly. For both fire and acoustic separation, any builder'swork holes in lift shaft walls should be made good. Modern commercial buildings may have lift shafts in dry construction (multi-layer plasterboard for example), rather than masonry; the isolation of lift noise can be as effective with care and attention to the sealing of the multiboard edges atjunctions. A large property managing group has the following standardcriteria as a performance specification in office
chains, apply dampingto resonant panels, ensure maintenanceto treads and handrail, review electrical noise sources: armature design, mountings.
Vibration can occur from the escalator operation and also from personnel movements on and off it. Vibration on the escalator steps should be less than 1 mm/s rms vertical vibration velocity (above 5 Hz). Operationshould be imperceptible on adjacentfloor slabsbeyond 2 m from the end combs.
Lighting
This is only likelyto be ofconcernin low-noise (NR 25 or less) rooms. Fluorescent lights have noisy ballasts (chokes), so should be avoided in such areas, unless remote starterchokes are plannedin. Low-voltage lighting with local transformers can produce noise. While an individual lightfittingmay not seem a noisyitem, an array of 50 in a small lecture room may allow distinct tones, buzzes or harmonics to build up. There may also be noise from light fittings incorporating return air slots. Sound power levels are 3540 dB at 0.04m3/s through a fitting. Such fittings alsoallow a route for room-to-room noise, so attenuation may have to be incorporated iflightfittings are within 1.5 m either side of partitions or if a high performance separation is schemes: required. High-level mercury discharge lighting in sports halls Door noise 1.5 m from floor and1 m inside door shall may produce around NR 30 which will be acceptable for notexceed 65dB precision SLM set on 'fast' sports use but may need reviewingif other events are held response. there. Noise levels at maximum car velocity, measured as for lifts of above, should not exceed 55dB for lifts of Ventilation velocities 0.52 rn/s or 60 dB systems velocities 27rn/s. Lift noise within lift lobbies measured as above to be Fan noise within 55dB Noise is basically due to the fan, and air flow causing regenerated noise at dampers, control branches and A checklist of lift noise design concerns is as follows: bends, and terminals. CIBSE B12 gives a step-wise procedure for calculating the noise control requirements for plan lifts next to non-critical areas, e.g. stairs, fan noise and a design example is shown in Table 3.5. Guidance is also given in ESDU 82002 (Reduction of stores; a substantial with structural sound in ventilation and similar air distribution sysshaft, preferably provide breaks to the main building structure; tems) [10],ESDU 81043 (Soundin low-velocityventilation use large-diameter resilientwheels to counterweights ducts) [11] and ESDU 82003 (Example to illustrate the and close tolerances at guide rails; use ofdata items on noise from ducted ventilation andair isolate motor room,and form attenuatinglined tube conditioning systems) [1211. Initial design is assisted by the availability of micropenetrationsfor suspension cables; allow controlled ventilation openings to shaft to computingroutines where parameters are fed in for the avoid 'air pump' effects of pressure build-up during calculation of resulting room noise levels. Softwarepacklift movements; ages are included in most mechanical engineers' CAD use low-noise high-qualitydoorsand signal bells. routines.
(L),
95
Table 3.5 Example ofdetermination offan noise through ductworksystem at 125Hzfrequency

Stage
1. Level,
dB at 125Hzfrequency
Determine fan sound power level,
L
90
2. Determine ductwork system losses Duct attenuation Bend attenuation
lOm of 700 X 500 ignore remainder
2 X vaned
bends
0
11
5
Branchattenuation End reflection at termination
10 log I
[volumeat grille
fan volume
grille area = 0.2m2
3. Resultant sound power level at each grille, Lwg 4. Determine room losses Reverberant correction to obtain Lprev = +10 log n 10 log V+ 10 log RT+ 14 dB n = no. ofgrilles =4 V = volume of office = 360m3 RT= reverberation time in office = 0.7 s
5.
70
Reverberant sound level, rev Direct correction to obtain Lp dir = 20 log = distance to grille D = directivityfactor
11
+ D dB = 1.5 m
63
10
6. Direct soundlevel,
L dir
60
7. Determine total sound level in room total = rev + dir
65 52
13
8. Design criterion
9 Attenuation required
NR 35
Vaned bends
700 x 500 duct Fan 2.1
To less noise-sensitiveareas 1.5 m3/s Branch loss
Fan room _---
r
L
grille 0.45 x hOrn
0.45
12m
Nearest most noise-sensitivearea: office with design criterion of NR 35 Schematicof ductwork system
96
Acoustics
Table 3.6
Typicalattenuatorinsertion loss (in dB,f OBGF (Hz)
Length (mm)
500
63
5
125
7
250
10
500
15
1k
23
2k
17
4k
13
8k
11 21
31
1000
1500
8
10
11
16
19
27
31
45
48
50
37
50
28
39
"The attenuatorperformancedependsnot only on its length but also on the ratio of airway-to-splitter width (refer to Figure 3.12). These insertion loss figures are for an attenuatorunit with an approximate ratio of 1:2.5 (airway:splitter).
The main sound components in assessing the need to control fan noise are:
fan sound power entering the system,
dampers, grilles, branchesinducingturbulence.

are set out in Table 3.8. The method of assessingcross-talkrequirements is given in Diagram 3.1. In office buildings, ceiling voidsor underfloorvoids are often used as supply or extract plenums, with air passage viagrilles andpossiblylightfittings.Suchsystemsin offices are more economic, saving on ductwork, but limit the scopeforattenuationand canlead to room-to-room crosstalk problems.
requirements
attenuation at branches and straight runs of lining, ductwork, insertionlosses at attenuators, diffuser and end reflection effects, room effect.
Cross-talk can be designed outbylayout orallowedforby attenuation or adjustment of grille size. Typical
Attenuation
Attenuation along ducted systemscan be achieved by:
USAover Linings for small ducts and higher duct velocities, bends, plenum chambers. Attenuators, or silencers, are purpose-made sections of lined ductwork with splitters to incorporatealargesurface area ofabsorption along the attenuatorlength. It is usual for the attenuatorto have greatercross-sectionalarea than the ductitis in, to avoid undue pressure drop.Thelocation is importantandthe performance is assessedby: insertion loss (typical insertionlosses for particular lengthsof attenuatorare shown in Table 3.6),
length of duct run, lining ofinternal surfaces, a practice favoured in the attenuators. ducts is more effective
Duct noise break-out To reduce fan noise break-out from ductwork, ducts can be lagged by a barrier mat (quiltwith lead foil interlayer), Keene's Cement (not now favoured) or studwork panel Table 3.7 Maximum recommended ductvelocities In-ductair velocity (mis) Main
4.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 9.0 Branch 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0
N-R or NC
design requirement 20 25 30 35 40
pressureloss, airflow noise.
Final run-outs
2.0 2.5 3.25 4.0 5.0
In low velocity, low static pressure systems, the fan may be

the only significant noise source, i.e. there are no great regeneration problems. High pressure, high velocity systemsneed more detailed calculation.
Regeneratednoise
The basic layout of the ductwork and the air velocity within it influences noise levels most. The optimal placement of attenuators and other in-line duct items is critical. Recommended maximum duct velocities are as shown in Table 3.7, for low velocity systems. The flow rate of air in a duct can be checked by a calibrated inlet device or by static suction in the early part of the system. Regeneratedduct noise can be created by:
Table 3.8
Cross-talk attenuation
Requirement in
receiver room
Attenuator length (mm)
Noise reduction at 500 Hz (dB) 25 30 35 40
NR 40 NR35
NR3O
750
1000 1250 1500
transition pieces, bends (turningvanes alleviate noise),
NR25
Servicesnoiseand vibration
97
Determine Lw at grille in source room taking into account source room

losses
A = area of grille
INo
Diagram 3.1 Method ofdetermining cross-talk casing. A layer of 12kg/rn2 lead on mineral wool will increase the sound reduction of the ductwork by 5 dB/
octave.
The disadvantagesare:
Duct shape influences in-duct noise and duct noise break-out characteristics. Circular ducts are more rigid andofminimum perimeterfora particularcross-sectional area thus reducingnoise transmitted into rooms or ceiling void. Hence circular ductwork is often preferred in exposed system installations within spaces. Rectangular ducts have less rigid wallsandthe flat metal is more easily excited, and although it may provide low-frequencyinduct attenuation, it allows more noise break-out at low within frequencies. This can lead to 'drumming' heard duct the room through which the passes. Builder's work ducts can be used for low velocity systems in, for example, auditoria. These are long plenum chambers formed in airtight masonry or plasterboard (Figure 3.9). The advantages are:
mixed responsibilities of main contractor and ductwork supplier, in avoiding pressure drop-off from a take difficultiesend to one at the other, off at one good workmanship is required to ensure an airtight
chamber.
The builder'swork details at ductwork penetrationsof wall need careful attenuation (Figure 3.10). Riser ducts are a feature of the distribution from plant rooms in multi-storey buildings. They can be either masonry or dry construction. Access doors to high velocity riser ductwork should be acousticallyrated. Transfergrillesare frequently usedto save ductwork runs in ventilating adjoining small rooms, but negate acoustic separation. They may be used only for acoustically noncritical partitions or doors.
Large public spaces
lower cost than equivalent very large-scale metal ducts, easier installation, use of
efficient
building's space.
Large public spacespresent a conflict between large-scale air distribution and noise generation, particularly in large noise-sensitive volumes like auditoria. High occupancy
98
In office buildings, ceiling voids or underfloor voids may be used as supply or extract plenums, with air passage via grilles andpossiblylightfittings. Such systems in offices are more economic, saving on ductwork, but limit the scope for attenuation (single-stage only) and lead to room-to-room cross-talk problems.
Preference for centralized systems rather than room or sector ventilation units is based on ease of maintenance and separation of plant rooms from served spaces. However, there are now many good package units available and a sensible compromise which may be considered is to have centralized plant providing basic airhandlingto user areas, with an overlayof room units for specific high-load areas. This is often a solution for 'tenant's plant' installed as a fit-out contract to suppleFigure 3.9 Air plenum above recital hall ment the landlord'sserviced shell. Room units can be of different types: air-handling only, by a packaged unit recirculating air demands good ventilation but high ceilings mean long througha chamberwhereit is temperedby chilled or 'throws' for ceiling-mounted supply systems against the heated pipework, and then mixed with a proportion 'natural' convection currents. An alternative claimed to of fresh air make up; save half the cooling load on a recent theatre projectis the air conditioning by wall-mountedunit, with a fan coil Europeancommonpractice oflow-level, underseatsupply on the room side and a condenserunit outside; and overhead extraction, all at low velocity (Figure fan coil units which recirculate and temper air, with 3.11). control by varying fan speed; Anotherissue in large low-velocity systems is the pointat induction units which by jet action move the air which it becomes more economic to go from complete within the space many times the supply air velocity; metal duct systems (which are the responsibility of the ducted air systems, as a scaled down version of a to a mix of engineeringsubcontractor), ducted systems centralized ventilation system; and 'builder's work' air-sealed plenum chambers for terminalunits, which alter 'mains' supply of ducted supply or extract (Figure 3.9). air locally.
Central and room units
Each system has a characteristic noise and, unlike centralized plant, the ventilation units are within the user space rather than segregated in a plant room. Fan coil units have a typicalsound power spectrum of around NR 5055 profile, terminal units around NR 4045. Some optional extraimprovement can be gained by selection of a quieter standard model, damping casing radiation, fitting attenuators (the back pressure implication needs checking), and acoustic lagging. Manufacturers of fan coil units and also grilles invariablyquote an achieved NRor NC level by their units based on an estimated room loss. This room loss is often 8 dB and assumes only one unit serving it, whereas the actual value could be 35dB thus underestimating the asinstalled noise levels situation. Plant rooms
:1
-2 3
Plant in older buildings was placed on the basis of 'boilers in the basement, tanks on the roof. Modern plant rooms house not only boilers and pumps but also
1. 2. 3.
air-handling units, lift motors, compressors, and open-toatmosphere chiller plant. Plant-room noise levels are 4. typically in the range NR 7085 for boiler rooms, NR 6075 for air-handling plant rooms. Masonry structures 5. concrete floors, concrete, brick or blockwork walls are essential, with metal acoustically-rated access doors. An SRI of 50dB (1003150Hz) is a minimum require- Figure 3.10(a) Builder's work penetrations: duct through ment for walls and floors. Additional airborne attenua- wall tion through the floor can be achieved by the introduc1. Oversize stubmetaltube tion of a floating floor. 2. Preformed dense mineral The roof structuresound insulation will need considerwool 3. Pipe throughwall, not ing in the case of roof-mounted freestanding air-handling units often used on commercial, retail or multiplex mechanically fixed at the wall cinemas projects. 4. Hole filled with mortar Absorptionin plant rooms may reducereverberant sound pressure levels by about 5 dB but it is usually more cost effective to have noise control at source or increase the sound insulation of the plant-room structure. If possible, expensive shrouds to units should be avoided as after initial maintenance there is a tendency to leave enclosure panels loose or detached altogether.
Lintels over Mineral wool packing to keep cavity clear Dense mineral wool slabs to all sides of duct Mortar pointing between slabs and brickwork reveals Metal flanges bedded in non-setting mastic
Plantroom structure Once the location of plant or plant rooms is fixed, consideration needs to be given to providing an adequate plant room structure. In addition to determining the appropriatemain construction which is typically masonry, any openings and penetrations by ductwork or pipework
have to be carefully designed. Acousticdoorsets may have to be specified. Metal doorsets are capable of achievinga highersoundinsulation than a timber type. In specif'ingacoustic doorsets, care must be taken in selecting the appropriate performance from manufacturers' data. Figure 3.10(b) Builder's work penetrations: pipe through Ventilationopeningswill normally need to be acoustically wall controlled by attenuatorunits or acoustic louvres. Service penetrations will need to be effectively sealed. or openings into fully enclosed plant rooms air inletsor Suitable details are given in Figure 3.10. exhausts, and plant room naturalventilation. Externalplant Condensers are often roof mounted and therefore do Noise to the outside can be from plantwhich by its nature not benefit from ground attenuation or natural screenneeds to be open to the atmosphere, screened areas or ings by proximity to walls. Suchunits often have to run at freestanding plant rooms holdinggenerators or chillers, night and so have to be considered relative to low
100
Acoustics

Advantages Lower cost

Overhead supply underseat to extract to plenum
Disadvantages fights natural convection underseast noise break-in weakness difficult to avoid draughts throw (and hence noise produced) too great for concert halls
standard practice in quality
halls: best system for concert halls and low-noise auditoria high degree of control of airflows
higher cost suits fixed seating only
Under seat supply, high level extract
suitable forflexible seating halls cluttered ceiling voidwith both

(bleacher seating)
supplyand extract duct runs
with lighting bridges clashing difficult to achieve <NR25 greaterrunning costs/energy need
Overhead supply, high level extract
Figure 3.11(a) Auditorium ventilation options
background noise levels. Screening will be effective if the line of sight to receiver is blocked. Followingthe concern over Legionelki, coolingtowers are advisedlyplacedfurther from any occupied areas in any case. Noise control measures may entail 'top hat' units on chiller units. This could raise planningconcerns because the plant is visually more obtrusive. At the preliminary stage, the location and building configuration may be affected by noise break-out considerations.
Noire control methods
The main requirements for controlling noise from building services are identifed in Diagram 3.2. Internally this is normally achieved by an adequate plant room structure, the use of attenuator units, and careful
selection of equipment. In addition, external noise control can be achieved by acoustic louvres, screening and enclosures.
Attenuator units As discussed briefly earlier,
attenuator units are components in a ductwork system used primarily to control fan noise, and would normally be positioned as close to the Figure 3.11(b) Example ofunderseat supplyfrom subfloor fan as possible. When the ductwork is serving sensitive via outlet include seat base plenum floor (other types 'pepperpot' outlets and back ofseat face-level outlets) areas, e.g. auditoria, secondary attenuators are used,
Services noise and vibratioa
101
Is control necessaryto meet design criteria?
I
Internal
I.
_____
External
-l
Relocation of plant or plant rooms Provision of adequate: Plant-room structures Doors Ventilation openings
Seals to service penetrations

Separation of areas from plant Enclosures Curtains Attenuator units
whichare normally located ator near the termination into the area, not only to further control fan noise, but also to control any noise regeneratedclose to the terminations. Attenuators can be used to control cross-talk. Attenuator units can be circular or rectangular, as shown in Figure 3.12, and basically comprise a casing containing acoustically-absorbentmaterial held in splitters, side linings or pods. In specifring suitable attenuators, the parameters of maximum dimensions, i.e. length, width and height, dynamic insertion loss required,and maximum resistance to airflow (typically50 Pa), should be given to meet the design airflow and noise criteriarequired. The construction of the attenuatorunits needs to meet
the following:
casing should be constructed to the relevant ductwork specification; acoustically-absorbent infill should be inert, fire
proof,inorganic, vermin proof,non-hygroscopic,and preferably retained by perforated metal or
fairings to both entry and exit, thus reducing the resistance to airflow; duct connections need to match the duct flanges or
spigots.
Cladding
equivalent; splitters should ideally be constructedwith builnose
Acousticlouvres
Screens/partial enclosures
nouecontrol Diagram 3.2 Requirements from building
In some instances there are requirements to use plastic ductwork or provide special lining materials.
Acoustic louvres are slatted blades angled to keep out rain and block line of sight through, but have an additional feature over conventional louvres: the undersides of the blades are lined with absorptive material behind perforated mesh. The arrangement allows attenuation from one side of the louvre bank to the other, whilstmaintaining a relatively high free area value. The deeper the louvre bank, the more effective it is, but it would provide a high pressure loss as a penalty. Compared to in-duct silencers, the insertion loss performance is poor at about 12 dB at 500 Hz for a 300-mmdeep louvre (Figure 3.13). Besides controlling air intakes or exhausts direct into plant rooms, acoustic louvres can also be found as atmosphere terminations to plenum chambers and as open screens around chiller plant on roofs or around transformer plant in the open. As screens, the limited through-the-vanes performance is not as important, as it only has to prevent more sound goingthrough the screen than over the top by diffraction.
Cladding Acoustic louvres
services
Acoustic performance depends on length, I of unit
and ratio a/b
a = airway width b = splitter width
casing to ductwork specification Splitters: acoustic
infill retained by metal channel and with bull-nosed ends or fairings to improve air-flow
characteristics
Lengthof unit relative
to diameter
connecting ductwork
of
Optional acoustic pod provides greater acoustic performancebut greaterpressure

drop
Circular ductwork internally lined with acoustic infill
attenuatorconstruction Figure 3.12 Acoustic
Cladding, or lagging, is a measure to be considered to either damppipes or ducts which are excitedby air or gas turbulence within, or to uprate the thin duct or pipe wall to prevent noise break-out from high airbornenoise levels within. The former can re-radiate noise to user areas that they run through either direct via the duct or pipe walls, orviavibration effects arising from transmitted excitation to casings or suspension to local structure. A light
102
Acoustics

600 mm
300mm
L1
Acoustic curtains, in the form of limp blankets hung from and draped over a framework, can restrict noise break-out from noisy machine areas within an industrial interior, whilst still allowing some airflow. Such a treatment could reduce reverberant levels in an area alongside by about 510 dBA. The curtains have the advantage of simplicity of framing/suspension and hence can be relocated easily.
Screens/partial enclosures
Acoustic curtains
screen
metal DOUBLEBANK SINGLE BANK
To control noise from externally located plant, it is sometimes necessary to shield the plant. This is achieved by a solid barrier ofrelativelylightweight material, it only having to preventmore sound going through the barrier than over the top by diffraction, or in some instances it may be an acoustic louvre as described earlier. Provision ofa screen should allow adequateventilation of mechanical plant.
Typical Insertion Loss of Acoustic Louvres

63 Frequency Single bank 5 Double bank 8 125 5
Vibration
2k
21
250 7 12
500 12
21
1k 32
18
4k
16
8k
16 32
34
32
Hz dB dB
Double-bank louvre causes a greater pressure drop than single-bank louvre
construction Figure 3.13 Acousticlouvres
cladding, forexample thermal-grade duct lagging,will not reliably damp the movement or have adequate surface mass to contribute sound insulation. The solution is to use a form of cladding, such as: builder'swork enclosure, for example framing plus plasterboard panels, double skinning ductwork, i.e. a substitute for confans ventional ductwork along selected sections of prerefrigeration equipment made composite construction lengths of ductwork. cooling towers The composite consists of an outer metal skin, glass air-cooled condensers fibre or mineral wool core, and an inner metal pumps skin, generators barrier quilting of mineral wool with lead foil However, lifts,escalators, boilers, waste compactors, delivinterlayer. The weight of such treatments varies from ery bays, and kitchen equipment also need to be 5 to 15kg/rn2. considered. Before a vibration isolation scheme is formulated, Enclosures endeavours should be made to relocate plant as far away Enclosures in industrial premises may either be used to from sensitive areas as possible and to provide a rigid protect workers, in the form of 'noise havens', or control structurefor support. This would also apply converselyto roomsoff-linefrom the noisyprocesses,or to localizehigh sensitive equipment. noise levels to oneareawithin a complex. While a screen's Once the most appropriate location for plant or performance is an unpredictable 510 dBA noise reduc- sensitive equipment has been agreed, vibration will be tion, an enclosure may provide 2040 dBA reduction by controlled by reducingthe transmissibilityeither from the careful design, depending on construction. There are a plant into the structure or from the structure to the number of proprietarymodularsystems. The most suita- sensitive equipment. This vibration isolation will be ble construction is for sound absorption to be present achieved by introducing resilient supports. inside the enclosures' faces, without compromising the In determining the most appropriateresilient supports, sound insulation of the solid sheets behind. In some static deflection is the most importantparameter. It is a instances partial enclosures can provide useful noise function of the resonant frequency of a system and is a reductions, as indicated in Figure 3.14. design parameterthat can easily be checked on site.
Vibration isolation of machinery is not a recent innovation; Cassell's Magazine of 1880 notes as a new idea 'the use of india-rubber cushions under workbench legs, or kegs of sand or sawdust used for the same purpose. An ordinary anvil so mounted may be used in a dwellinghouse withoutannoying the other inmates'. This would seem optimistic, even given current isolator technology. All mechanical plant associated with building servicesis a potentialsource of vibration. The major concerns are typically with larger items but even small pumps and motors could cause problems. The main sources of vibration are as follows:
Design control
Services noise and vibration ROOF-MOUNTED MECHANICAL PLANT Plant
103
Screen height needs to prevent line of sight
Section
Screen designed to maintain shielding
Plan
MECHANICAL PLANT LOCATED AT GROUNDLEVEL

Screen
Housing
Plant
Section
Plant Screen design to maintain shielding

Plan
Figure 3.14 Examples ofpartialnoise enclosures
104
Acoustics
in the Built Envinmment
Table 3.9 Staticdeflection: guidance for resilience to provide vibration isolation and avoid resonances. (Source: A.
Minimum static deflection (mm)
T Fry)
Minimum static deflection(mm)
floor spana
Equipment Refrigerationmachines Basement
floor spana
Equipment
Basement
6m 9m 12m 15m
6m 9m 12m 15m
Absorption Packaged hermetic Open centrifugal Reciprocating chillers:
6 6 6 25 25
12 25
12 50 12 50 50 50 25 50
50 60 60
60 60
50 90 90 90 60
Axial fans(floor mounted) Up to 5 hp above 501 rev/mm 25 hp and over up to 500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm
6
12 12
25 25
620 hp up to 500 rev/mm
40 50
25 25
25 50 40 70 40
25 60 50 90 50
500750rev/mm 751 rev/mm and over
20
12
50 60 25 30
Reciprocatingair or refrigeration compressors 500750rev/mm 25 751 rev/mm and over 25

Boilers
Centnfugalfans (floor mounted) Low pressure (up to 750 Pa)
40 60 25 40
70 60 40
90
70 70
orsteam generators
6 25
7Y hp and over up to 500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm
Up to 5 hp
6 12 12
25 25 40 50 25 25 60 60 50 50 30 30
25 50 40
25 60 50
High pressure above 750 Pa Up to 20 hp

Pumps (water) Close coupled
7Y hp and over Base mounted up to 5 hp 7Y2 hp and over
up to 5 hp
6 20 9
25
12 25 25 50 12 40
25 60 50 60
25
175300rev/mm 301500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm
9
12
9
40 25 12
90 120 60 90 50 60
90 60 90
25 hp and over
175300rev/mm 301500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm Cooling towers Upto 500 rev/mm Above 501 rev/mm
25 50
60 90 120 140 50 60 90 120 30 50 60 90

12 50 60
Packaged unitary air handlingunits (low pressure up to 750 Pa) 20 25 25 25 25 Suspended up to 5 hp 7Y hp and over 30 40 40 50 60 up to 500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm 25 25 25 40 50 Floor mountedup to 5 hp 6 25 25 25 25 71/ hp and over 12 40 50 50 60 up to 500 rev/mm above 501 rev/mm 12 25 25 40 50
12
9254060
60 90
90
Internal combustionengines (standby power generation) 9 12 50 Upto25hp

30lOOhp Above 125 hp 12 50 60
25 6
60 90 60 90 120 120
Upto 5 MW
Gas turbines (standbypower generation)
66
'The floor span refers to the largest dimension between supporting columns. The equipmentis assumed to be at mid-span.
be taken not only of the lowest forcingfrequency of the machine (typically its running speed) but also the resonant frequency of the loaded supporting structure,
In selecting vibration isolation for plant, account must There are normally three options, simplyshown in Figure
3.15:
for example floor slab. An example of the typical selection charts used to determinethe preferredstatic deflection is given in Table 3.9 for different types of plant and supporting floor
spans. Once the static deflection has been determined, the method of mounting the equipment has to be assessed.
provide antivibration mounts directly between the
equipment and the supporting structure. This includes isolators as an integral part of a packaged unit,e.g. isolation ofthe fan from the casing ofan airhandlingunit, (a); support the equipment on a steel base frame and then provide antivibration mounts between the frame and the main supportingstructure, (b);
105
Base frame
improves stability
Size of block selected to prevent
Table 3.10
Types ofcommonly available vibration isolator
Type
Material
Rangeofstatic
deflection (mm) 0.55 0.515
510 575
Mats or pads
Turret mounts
Inertia block provides mass and stability to the system
Springs
Rubber Neoprene-coated glass fibre Neoprene Steel
Figure 3.115 Vibration isolation mounting options: (a) machine mounted directly on vibration isolators; (b) equipment mounted on a speciallydesigned baseframe with integral
vibration isolators; (c) equipment mounted on
Table 3.11
Item
Vibration isolationfor services plant

Type
an isolated
inertia block
Pumps, compressors
mount the equipment on a concrete inertia block
which is isolated from the main supporting strucAir-handling units tures, (c).
rubber/neoprenein shear damped metal springs inertia slabs + mounts

Unless the equipment is rigid and not liable to distortion if supportedby its existing feet individuallyon Extract fans isolators, then either a steel base frame or concrete inertia block should be used. Both the frame and the block addrigidity to the equipment andcan be designed Standby diesels to a size, greater than the base size of the equipment,to improve the stability and lower the centre of gravity of a system. The provision of the concrete inertia block will Transformers increase the mass of the system, giving a more even weight distribution (where equipment alone could be
(direct fix if integral AVs) rubber/neoprenein shear undamped metal springs resilient hangers + flexible connection solid layerpads rubber/neoprenein shear damped metal springs rubber/neoprenecomposites in compression pads

106
minimize the vibration effects of changing equipment speeds or loads, will reduce problems likely to occur due to coupled vibration modes, and can act as a local acoustic barrier. Once the preferred mounting method has been selected, the type and location of vibration isolators or antivibration mounts can be determined. The types of vibration isolation commonly available are as shown in Tables 3.10 and 3.11. In areas where high isolation, i.e. high static deflection, is required, such as in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, air mounts are likely to be required. These consist of an air-filled bag which can be coupled to a levelling control device enabling equipment to be maintained at the correct level regardless of load. The selection of isolators should be undertakenby an acoustics engineeror the vibration isolator supplier. They will need to determine the preferred location of the isolators,taking into account the loads imposed at support positions. In describing vibration isolation, a simple system is normally used taking into account the vertical direction only. To minimize the risk of the selected isolation being reduced by the effect of other modes of vibration, it should be ensured that the horizontal stiffness of the isolation is similar to the vertical stiffness, and the centre of gravity of the system is as low as possible. In additionto careful selection ofthevibration isolation for equipment, itwillbe necessary to ensure that there will be no flanking/shortcircuiting/bridging of the isolation. Flanking could occur due to service connections, poor installation, or the impact of ancillary operations, for example infill 'builder'swork'. Flexibility for pipe, duct and other connections is essential to avoid unacceptable stresses in stiff pipe and other connections. This can be provided by the use of flexible connectors in the pipe or duct systemclose to the equipment. In high-pressurepipe systems, allowancesmust be made for the force tending to stretch or compress the flexible hose, and restrainedconnectors would normally be used. In this case, the connection will be stiffened and suitable pipe layouts must be used to improve the situation. In addition, reliance is placedon the naturalflexibilityofthe pipework itself and this will be increased by changes of direction. However,until the vibration has been reduced effectively, the pipework needs to be isolated from the supportingstructure, typically for a distance of 50 pipe diameters from the equipment in normal circumstances. This isolation is achieved by hangers or clamps, having a similar performance to the isolators under the equipment. Any other rigid connections should be flexibly joined to the isolated system, e.g. electrical conduits. Care will also need to be taken during installation to ensure that bridging of the isolator does not occur, e.g. via hangers or by fixing bolts of isolator touching the equipmentbase. On site,other trades may influence the performance of an apparently isolated system. Examples of problems are concrete being spread such that it covers isolators or debris building up under isolated equipment bases, particularly inertia blocks.
significantly heavier
at one end than the other), will
In ensuring that the most efficient form of vibration isolation is selected, the mechanical engineerin formulating his specification should include the following: advice from an acoustics engineer; an appropriateschedule detailing the equipment to be isolated and its method of isolation; all isolators to provide the required minimum static deflection given in the scheduleunder the imposed load of the equipment, the selection of isolators taking account of eccentric load distribution. To enable the correct selection of vibration isolation, the following details are required: type of equipment, weight of equipment, centre of gravity location, number and position of mountingpoints, operating speed and nature of the operating mechanism, details of the supportingstructural floor, particularly spans.
Isolator types All isolators offered to the contract must meet the specifications and must be suitable for the loads, and operating and environmental conditions which prevail. Mats and padsshould be manufactured from synthetic rubber, neoprene, or glass-fibre coated with neoprene. The materials anddesign should render them impervious to contamination from oils and attacking chemicals and be rot andvermin proof. Turret compression mounts should be fabricated from synthetic rubber or neoprene between two steel plates. The materials must be oil and corrosion resistant with the metal protected from corrosion by painting. Friction surfaces must be provided to the bottom and the top. Bolt holes must be provided to allow fixing. Spring compression mounts should comprise a highstrength, low-stress, laterally-stable, open-steel spring locatedby a steel pressure plate on the top and bottom. The bottom plate should include a bonded ribbed neoprene pad to the underside of minimum thickness 6mm, and be pre-drilled for bolting down. Each isolator should be identifiable by a colour-code mark and provided with a levelling facility with final lock nuts. The spring element should have an overload capacity of 50% with an outside diameterof at least80% of the operating height. The horizontal stiffnessshouldbe not less than the vertical spring stiffness. Captive spring mounts are as above but the steel spring shouldbe encased in a neoprene-covered bodyto achieve horizontal andvertical snubbing. Vertically-restrained spring mounts are as for the spring compression mounts but the steel spring should be mounted within a hanger box constructedfrom steel of minimum thickness 1.6mm. The box shouldbe vertically restrained by noise-isolated bolts. In addition, any horizontal buffers or snubbers shouldbe manufactured from synthetic rubber or neoprene.Duringnormal operation, the snubbers should be out of contact. Hangers are turretor spring compression mounts (or a combination of the two) to the specifications above
Servicesnoise and vibration
107
within a hanger box. The hanger box should incorporated be constructedfrom steel of 1.6 mm thickness complete with a hole for the suspension rod andan enlarged lower hole for the drop-rod to equipment. The lower hanger rod should be allowed to move laterally at least 15 without any contactwith the hanger box. Steel baseframes should be purpose-built using a welded steelframedwith attachmentpointsfor suitable vibration isolation. The frame shouldprovide adequate support of the equipment without flexing or significant deflection.
Concrete inertia bases should be purpose-built, using welded steel frame formwork containing reinforced concrete 35 mm above the bottom of the base. The base shouldbe designed with sufficient strengthandrigidity to support the equipment and compensate for dynamic reactions due to operation of the equipment.The size of the base should be sufficient to give support for all tested in a vertical suite of rooms. Test methods need to be standardized to reference integral parts of the equipment including inlet and discharge manifolds. The design of the base should bodies' test codes, either: provide a minimum clearance of 18mm between the undersideofthe base and the structural floor below, with British Standards Institute, BSI the installed mountings operating at their design static InternationalOrganisation for Standardisation, ISO deflection and under full plant rating. European Heating and Ventilation Society, Eurovent Pipework flexible couplingsprovide flexible hosecouplings for connecting pipework, comprising nylon fabric or a American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air steel mesh carcasswith a waterproof cover. The design of Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE the couplingshould takeinto accountthe conveyed fluid A schedule of relevant codes is given in Chapter 5. A temperatures andpressures imposed. Ductworkflexible connectionsprovide flexible coupling of summary for services noise components is as follows: fans/air-handling units and connecting ductwork attenuators BS4718[14] designed to provide a minimum operating length of 100 mm. sound BS 2750, impact In addition to vibration isolation of the main items of BS 5821 [15] sound absorption coefficient plant by these methods, there are likely to be situations BS3638[16] where small plant items need to be isolated from the airborne sound reduction index BS 2750 structure to prevent structureborne noise. This can power-generated SWL be achieved or rubber measurements BS4718, normally by neoprene synthetic inserts. BS 4773 [17] BS 4856 [18] BS 4857 [19] BS 4979 [20] Installation in-duct plates or transformations BS 1042 [21] BS 848 [22] fan testing
Airflow testing facilities need a silenced air supply to ensure that tests reflect the device performance the device may be an attenuator, diffuser, grille, louvre terminal unit, damper or ventilator. Reverberation roomshave bare walls, floor and ceiling so that there is a diffuse and even distribution of sound energy around the room. Anechoic chambers (Figure 2.17) have deep wedges of absorption on all surfaces to create a 'dead'acoustic.They give 'free-field' conditions so the direction of sound energy from a test item can be investigated. Transmissionsuitesare a pair ofreverberant rooms to test the sound reduction index to BS 2750 Part 1 [13], of doors, windowsor equipment like cross-talkattenuators or acoustic louvres. An area of 10 m2 is a minimum surface area of aperture. Floor and ceiling transmission can be
An awareness of laboratory tests in services noise control is importantin order to understandthe limitations ofthe Installation: waittests data provided by manufacturers. The concerns are: Reasonsfor tests adequacy of the facilities and the reputation of the On a large project, there may be many room units ofone testing house, type, so it is important to know the characteristics of a relevance of the data quoted to design application, sample unit. Theunit may bean air-conditioning package, traceability to British, US or International fan coil unit,generator, or otheritem ofplant.Frequently, standards. the manufacturer's data is inadequate, or not specific to the model ordered. The 'laboratory' should be an approved testing house rather than a corner of the works, because the facilities Timing must provide for testing between 40Hz and 16kHz with The timingof tests are critical prototype testing and the effective isolation to background noise and vibration. obligation for the supplierto cooperate must be builtinto There shouldbe an airflow testing rig and testroomsfor the programme andcontractdocumentation. The responboth reflection and absorption available, by means of sibility and cost of any retests needs to be set out, as a reverberation room andanechoic chamber. Linked rooms disincentive for too early 'time wasting' testing or too enable the testing of sound insulation in a transmission hasty requests for retestwhen the supplierknows full well suite. that the unit under retestwill still not comply.
Laboratory tests
108
Acousticsin the Built Environment
the test will take place in a less than ideal situation, far removed from a laboratory. There are a number of considerations:
Typically,
Checklist ofconsiderations
supplier's or subcontractor's representative? If the tests identif'improvements necessary,who bears the cost andprogrammedelay implications?
Commissioningtests These advisedly take the form of
Mounting: is it on a ground floor slab rather than,

say, a raised
computer floor? Are the integral AV mounts set correctly? Access: can measurements be taken at differentsides and heightsto check directivity? Operation: can the system be run in its normal modes ofoperation,i.e. under load? There may be a number of settings, each of which should be checked. Completeness of system: it may not give a realistic picture to works test one componentwhich is being incorporated in a package arrangement, for example a room unit in a computerroom may needamock-up of cladding, sample areas of ceiling and raised floor incorporating intakeandreturn air attenuators, even though separate suppliers may be involved. Background noise: correctfor the difference, identified by measurements with and without the system operating, between noise from the system under test andother noise prevalent. Reverberant character of works: correct for the factory comparedto the final application. Status of tests: is the consultant testing on behalfof the clientor is compliance to be demonstrated by the
The first is a pre-commissioning exercise which typically involvesa walk-around as a visual checkthat antivibration mounts are properlyadjusted (i.e. not either fixed down or bolted solid), builder's work around penetrations is complete, andinertia bases are clear of debris (it is a very convenient place to sweep material out of sight). At this stage, it may also be possible to undertaken initial testing of systems to troubleshoot any major problems prior to the main commissioningexercise. The secondstage is the The commissioning process usually starts immediately before handover on a building contract,handover meaning the client can have beneficial occupation of the building and its systems rather than when everything is totally completed. Systems handover may need to be phased, and adjustment and testing extend beyond handover to when the building has been in use for a
while.
official commissioning survey.
a two-stage inspection.
For tests to be meaningful, correctdesign duties should be achieved by the system. Levels can then be taken to check room design criteria have been achieved. In larger rooms, levels may be taken at standing and/or seated
Diagram 3.3 Problemsolving: ventilation system
109
directly under supply or extract grilles, or discernible rattles (it is amazing what people leave in ducts) need to be noted. There maybe a requirement to includemeasured levels in engineering manuals at handover. Care should be takento take measurements for equipmentin normal use, or at its various settings to provide complete information. This may be difficult for automatically controlled chiller plant, measured in winter. Diagrams 3.2 and 3.3 show requirements anda basic problem-solvingpath. References considering commissioning and testing of systems are as follows: CIBSE Commissioning Codes: Series A Air Distribution, Series B Boiler Plant, Series R Refrigerating Systems [23]; BSRIA Applications Guide: Operating and Maintenance Manuals for Building Services Installations [24]; RlBAArchitect'sJob Book [25]. In the absence ofInternationalStandards in general use for measuring services noise, the Association of Noise Consultants have issued guidelines for instrumentation, measurement units, and techniques for 'steady','non-steady', and 'impulsive' service noise sources.
head height, for a variety of positions. Any 'hot spots'
References 1. Rose, K Guide to Acoustic Practice, 2nd edn, BBC Engineering, London, 1990 2. European Broadcasting Union, Acoustical Properties of Control Rooms and Listening Roomsfor the Assessment of Broadcast Programmes,Report No. R22, EBU, 2nd edn, 1985 3. Specificationfor Studio Centres, Engineering Code of Practice for Independent Local Radio 1984, Issue 2, Independent Broadcasting Authority, London, February 1988 4. BS 4142: 1990 Method of rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes (under review) 5. BS 6472: 1992 Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings (1Hz to 80Hz), British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 6. BS 7385 Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings Part 1: 1990 Guide for measurement of vibrations and evaluation oftheir effects on buildings Part 2: 1993 Guide to damage levels from groundborne vibration 7. Steffens, R. J. Structural Vibration and Damage, BRE Report, HMSO, London, 1974 8. CIBSE, Sound Control, Section B12, Guide Volume B: Installation and equipment data, Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, London, 1986 9. Fry, Alan (ed.) Noise Control in BuildingServices, Sound
10. ESDU 82002 Reduction of Sound in Ventilation and SimilarAir Distribution Systems, 'Noise in Air Conditioning Systems', Fluid Mechanics in Internal Flow, 9, Engineering Services Data Unit, London,July 1982 11. ESDU 81043 Sound in Low-Velocity Ventilation Ducts, 'Noise in Air Conditioning Systems', Fluid Mechanics in Internal Flow, 9, Engineering Services,Data Unit, London, December1981 12. ESDU 82003 Example toIllustratethe UseofData Items on Noise from Ducted Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems, 'Noise in Air Conditioning Systems', Fluid Mechanics in Internal Flow, 9, Engineering Services Data Unit, London, December 1982 13. BS 2750:Part11980Measurement ofsoundinsulationin buildings and of building elements, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 14. BS 4718: 1971 Methods of test for silencers for air distribution systems, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 15. BS 5821: 1984 Methodsforrating the sound insulation in buildings and of building elements, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 16. BS 3638: 1987 Method for measurement ofsound absorption in a reverberantroom, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 17. BS 4773: 1989 Methodsfor testing and rating air terminal devices for air distribution systems, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 18. BS 4856: 1978 Methodsfor testing and rating fan coil units, unit heaters, and unit coolers, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 19. BS 4857: 1983 Acoustic testing and rating, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 20. BS 4979: 1986 Aerodynamic testing of constant and variable dual or single duct boxes, single duct units and induction boxesfor air distribution systems, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 21. BS 1042:various dates 1981 to 1993Pressure differential devices, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 22. BS 848: Part2: 1985 Fansforgeneral purposes: methodsof noise testing, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 23. CIBSE Commissioning Code Series A: Air distribution, CIBSE, London, 1996 CIBSE Commissioning Code Series B: Boiler plant, CIBSE, London, 1975 CIBSE Commissioning Code Series R: Refrigeration plant, CIBSE, London, 1991 24. BSRIA Operating and Maintenance Manualsfor Building ServicesInstallations, Building Services Research and Information Association Applications Guide, Bracknell, 2nd edn, 1990 25. RIBA CommissioningServicesInstallations, Royal Insti-
Research Laboratories Ltd, Pergamon, Oxford, 1980
tute of British Architects, Architect's Job Book, 6th edn, 1995
Chapter 4 Sound systems

Peter Mapp
Introduction
be fully taken into account at the system planning and
Local acoustic and environmental conditions must also
and communications systems are becoming increasinglyintegrated into building design, formingpart of an emergency warning/fire alarm and evacuation system, a general announcement(paging) system, or as a special design feature enabling background music to be played, or live entertainmentto be played or relayed. An even greaterneed for early consideration andappropriate integrationofthe sound systemoccurs in public buildings housing auditoria, lecture theatres and conference facilities, where high-quality sound reinforcementsystemswill be required. The system chosen must complement the natural acoustics of such halls. In buildings with hostile acoustic environments, suchas noisy and/or reverberant leisure centres, ice rinks and swimming pools, special care needs to be taken with the loudspeaker type and locations and the overall system design, in order to ensure that adequate speech intelligibility and clarity will be achieved. In sports stadia and similar venues where crowd noise control system; levels can be high, the system must be capable of specialist consultants, including theatre consultants, comfortably overcoming the anticipated noise level and audiovisualconsultants and acoustic consultants, who providing a clear and distortion-free signal. Similar will all be interested in the way the sound system considerations also apply to noisy industrial process areas interfaces with their particular areas and and plant rooms. installations; In addition to the moreusual speech and music signals, sound systemsdesign consultants: althoughmany of sound systems may be used to transmit warning tones and the smaller systemsare designed either by the M & E signals, or information tones/signals (for example, facconsultant often with the aid of a manufacturer, tory processes, swimming pool sessions). Sound systems specialist independent sound-systems design conare frequently required to interface with or form an sultants are available,who are able to design a system integral part of other systems such as fire alarm and without a vested interest in a particular range of emergency evacuation control systems, or systemsfor the equipment. Equally,a specialist consultant will have a hard ofhearing, audiovisual(A/V) systems, video andfilm wider view of the market, equipment performance, projection systems, languages translation/interpretation current techniques, and experience of systems systemsandbroadcast and relay systems. design. In order to achieve an appropriatesound quality, clarity A specialist consultant will take responsibility for his and intelligibility, a sound system must meet certain can be performancecriteria, which will be dependent upon the design andbecause he is not trying to sell anything He is thereThe basic into the team. and of the concerned. design system acceptably integrated type application case for critical fore in a much better to the to be considered include: position argue parameters loudspeaker locations or the requirement for specific sound level, acoustic treatments, and realistic budgets, than can a overall frequency response, manufacturer's representative, or a non-specialist consignal-to-noiseratio, sultant. direct-to-reverberant sound level ratio, Most ofthe larger manufacturers offer a design service, freedomfrom echoes and distortion. butschemes will be basedon their own equipment ranges, Other secondary requirements include system stability which may not necessarilybe suitable for the project in and reliability, freedom from interference both to and hand. Furthermore,few manufactuers' designers have a from other systems operating within the vicinity. Even background in acoustics and loudspeaker technology an humidity and climatic conditions influence how a system area which currently is one of the less well understood areas ofsystem design. performs on individual occasions. A numberof computer-aided design programs are now Systems used for fire alarm and emergency announcement purposes must be appropriately fire protectedand available to assist with sound systems design, and are monitored, and incorporate secondary power supply primarily aimed at improving the loudspeaker coverage/ room acoustics problem. However, the majority of the back-up and switch-over facilities.
Sound
design stage, together with zoning and emergency override and priority requirements. Table 4.1, taken from BS 6259 [1], gives a brief summary of typical building types and sound installation requirements. In many buildings such as hotels, conference centres and theatres, more than one type of system may be required, e.g. stage music, speech reinforcement, and perhaps even electroacoustics,systemsfor the main auditorium, public paging/ announcementfor the front-of-house, circulation and ancillary areas, and staff or technical paging/ announcements behind the scenes. These self-contained systemsmay, however, need to be linked or interfacewith othersystems or subsystems for emergency announcements, evacuation or fire alarm purposes. The design and installation of a sound system may involve a number of different disciplines including: the architect, who will have interest in the loudspeaker types, appearance and placement, and the overall integration of the system into the project design; the M & E consultant, who will be involved with the provision of electrical power supplies and cable routes, etc., and if a voice alarm system is included, possible interfacing to the fire alarm detection and
Table 4.11
Thne signals excluding
Ba.sic recommendations
for sound system applications
Live
Emergency
High
quality
recorded
reinforcemerit (see 5.18)
announceCCTV TV programme * Interface

Notes
fire
alarm
Radio/
Assisted hearing
Building type
ment
Paging and general announcement Background music
Airports
*
..
*
FA/E FA/E E/S A/V
* *
R R (see note) FA/E
* * *
Auditoria General
SM XS
Rehearsal only
* *
R (see note) R

Multiple inputs and zones required. Noise levels vary
Canteens
(SM)
'
R (see note)
* *

Clubs
SM XS
As auditora
*
R R
* *
Paging only during rehearsals. Relay to other areas May be used for live entertainment: use a separate system (see also auditoria) Zone areas (see theatre)
SM XS *
Theatres Rehearsal only, see theatres R

Concert halls (see theatres) Council chambers

*
FA/E A/V E/S FA/E E/S A/V FA/E A/V
Other areas of
5'
congregation

Court buildings
FA/E R
5'
Relay to other areas. Zone peripheral areas Relay to other areas. Zone separately May act as overflow area. Zone accordingly (see offices) Announcement to public area FA/E A/V
Court rooms

s
R
5' 5'
*
R
Conference rooms/ centres
S (XS) (M)
(See note)
(SI)
R R
R R
*
Areas of circulation
only
FA/E ES A/V
SI
High quality recording and playback usually required Paging generally restricted to areas outside conference rooms. Zone
systems
Department stores
R

FA/E
5'
Discos
5'
S (XS)
5'
SM
FA/E
Only in areas isolated from dance floors
A/V M/S
Zone different floors/ areas. (Microphone ports for spot announcements) Sound level noise limiters. FA/E overrides. Zone areas
w =
Key: () = Possibly necessary; * = Usually or often necessary; R = May be necessary/should consider; XS = External system (brought in). May operate and need to interface with permanent systems, for example a 'rock' band PA system or broadcast system; SI = Simultaneous Interpretation Systems; M = Music; S = Speech; FA = Fire Alarm System; E = Emergency Evacuation System;A/V = Audio Visual.
Extract from BS 6259 is reproduced with the permission of BSL Complete copies of the Standard can Keynes MK14 6LE
be obtained by post from BSI Publications, Linford Wood, Milton
II-
I-
1)1
Table 4.1
Tone
Continued
signals excluding
Emergency
I..'
I-
Live
Pagingand fire
alarms
High quality
recorded
reinforce-
Radio/
TV programme In noisy Interface
Notes
Building type
ment
(see 5.18)
general announcement CCTV
announcement
Background music Assisted hearing

R
Factories
*
R areas for communication FA/E
Zone system
i
I
Halls/assemblyrooms SM XS
R
(See note)
*
FA/E A/V MS
Treat as theatre/ conference centre Treat patients areas and public and staff areas separately
E/S *
R R R
Hospitals
(See note)
* *
R
FA/E
Hotels
*
*SM (See
*
R
(See note)
FA/E
note)
*
A/V (XS)
FA/E (SI) A/V
Incorporate many types of system. See other building

types
Lecture theatres
* (M)
*
R
*
(SI)
(See note)
Not usual to page but external areas should be

covered. SI facilities
sometimes needed R R R R R R FA/E

*
Offices
PassengerTermini
* * *
FA/E
Zone as required Poor acoustics and high noise levels. Zone areas. Local microphone and control facilities R
*
Places
of worship
R
*
*S(M)
FA/E
May have poor acoustics;
some require high quality music
Railway stations
R
*
R R
* * *
R
FA/E FA/E
Poor acoustics and high noise. Zone platforms

May need to zone different area. Some have live entertainment
Restaurants
*(M)
Pubs (see clubs)

R
R SM
FA/E M/S A/V
Schools/Educational establishments
*SM
*
*
R (see note) FA/E M/S A/V
Shopping precincts
FA/E
Zone bars and performance area May have separate auditorium system and sometimes requires special assisted hearing systems May have poor acoustics. Zone areas. Cater for local
systems
Sports stadia indoor
SM (R)
* R *
R
*
R R FA/E (E/S)
have * R
*
FA/E (E/S) Zone areas separately. May
May have poor acoustics and high crowd noise levels
* * poor acoustics and

R
Sports stadia outdoor
SM (R)
* R *
* *
R
*
* R
Swimming pools
FA/E
Leisure centres
R R
* R
*
* *
R FA/E
high crowd noise levels Pool area should be separately zoned. May have poor acoustics and high noise level Careful zoning of different areas required
Theatres comprising (a) Auditorium

*
SM (XS)
R (see note)
* A/V E/S
FA/E FA/E
* *
(b) Other public areas R (see note)
*
*
SM
(c) Back stage
(See note)
*
R
* *
FA/E Other theatre

systems
Paging only under rehearsal conditions Possible connection to other systems and local inputs. Foyer entertainment Specialist show relay and technical intercoms
(d) Performance area
Exhibition halls
RS
*
R * R
FA/E
Acoustic characteristics may change between empty and occupied. Local
Ice rinks
* R
*
*
*
R
FA/E
Music systems
microphone inputs and zoning May have poor acoustics. Zone rink separately R FA/E
Plant rooms, engine rooms and machinery
spaces
May have poor acoustics and high noise levels. (Consider use of visual indicators to alert staff). Failure alarms from
individual items of equipment may be introduced into the general emergency alarm
Museums, Art gallerys (See note) R
system
FA/E
In some cases a portable

system may be
appropriate. Separate systems required for some exhibits. JR of other tour systems may be used
Key:
0 = Possible necessary; * = Usually or often necessary; R = May be necessary/should consider; XS External system (brought in). May operate and need to interface with permanentsystems for example a 'rock' band PA system or broadcast system; SI = Simultaneous InterpretationSystems; M = Music; S = Speech; FA = Fire Alarm System; E = Emergency Evacuation System; A/V = Audio Visual.
114
programs have been developed by loudspeaker manufacturers with an underlying aim, notsurprisingly,of selling more loudspeakers. At the present time, the accuracy of the programs is still being evaluated and improved, as the majority of them rely on fairly simple algorithms and design techniques but this is an areawhich is continually developing and soon more sophisticated and complex design studies will be possible, offering greater accuracy. The programs can offer a design discussion aid, quotation substantiation, and allow nonspecialiststo gain avisualimpression ofthe design andthe effects ofany constraints involved. A number ofprograms can also offer an 'auralization' facility, whereby it is possible 'to hear' the output of the computer model. A number of acoustical consultants also offer a sound system design service, but care should be taken to ensure the consultantinvolved has a thorough understandingof the complete design and installation process, and will be able to take on the electronic and electrical aspects of the systemsdesign as well as the basic acoustical ones. Many will provide a basic performance specification which is an alternative approachbut cautionis neededregardingwho takes responsibilityfor the installed system leading from the specification.
System planning
reinforcement speech music playback (background music) reinforcement (ofjazz, cabaret, rock bands) music of
relay
broadcasts (fromother areas/services includ-
radio) ing use in conjunction with other A/V systemsincluding film andvideo media
alteringthe room acoustics, i.e. electroacoustics (see

Chapter 2) In addition, the system will have to conformto British or International/European standards and perhaps also local regulations. A selection from the above list of the range of features will decide the overall quality of
system.
The system operator will he be one of the following: full-time, trained sound operator, part-time operator and/or semi-trained staff, e.g.
or caretaker, receptionist personnel with some limited operational security staff, local management, e.g. anybody actors, musicians?
training,
Answers to these questions will help decide on the type and complexity of controls and the security of the system against inadvertent misuse. 'Quality' in this contextmeans suitabilityfor purpose and environmentand required speech intelligibility.This may be best defined by considering division by building type, i.e. what area does the installation serve:
Quality ofsystem
Site survey The success ofany soundsystem will depend on its initial planning and detailed consideration of the system's primary function and operational requirements. Adequateforethoughtshouldbe given to howthe system is to be operated and who will operate it. A detailed site survey shouldbe carried out at an early stage, in order that the sound pressure levels required from the system may be more accurately assessed. The need for group or automatic noise sensing controls may also be established. Areas with long reverberation times should be noted. The measurement and assessment of room acoustic data requires specialist equipment and consultancy should be
sought accordingly. If an induction loop system for the hard of hearingis to form part ofthe installation, abackgroundmagnetic noise survey should also be carried out. The site survey should include an assessment of potential cable routes, equipment locations and fixing methods. Any areas requiring special fixings or access should be noted. Discussions should be held with the client in order to establish microphone/control points and system input priorities. Wherever possible, early discussions should be held with the architect in order to establish suitable loudspeaker and equipment locations that can be integrated in the general design.
Design check-list
Uses
undergroundstation, plant room, hotel foyer, hotel functionroom, conference room, theatre auditorium, sports airportstadium, church terminal, or swimmingcathedral, pool or ice rink, shoppingmall?
From the above considerations,judgementscan be made of the system fidelity and quality of sound. Acoustic considerations relate to the natural acoustics of the spaces served, which will affectthe perceived performAcoustic considerations
ance of the system:
(a) Ambient noise levels
A check-list may be used as a discipline in design, for example it must be decided which of the followingtasks, (b) Reverberation in priority order, is the system to cater for:
general paging and announcements emergency announcements
Are they low or high? Do theyvary? Are theybroadbandor tonal in character? Are theyprimarily low or high frequency in character? Are theyintermittently high? Is the space highly reverberant, >2.2 s? Or is it moderately live,

1.52.2 s?
Sound systems
115
Or is it acousticallyfairly dead, <1.5 s? (NBThe above values need
(c) Surfaces
conjunction with the volume of the space.) Are there highly reflective or curved surfaces within the space/building? Normal humidity,and maximumlikely? Temperature range? Wind forces? Direct of exposure equipment (particularly loudspeakers) to moisture,
to be considered in
Environmental considerations
(a) Climatic conditions
(d) Does equipmentneed to be rack-mounted and how much space is required? (e) Can servicing be from the front or is side or rear access required? (I) What are the main power requirements for the equipment? (g) Will the equipment produce a significant heat load and require ventilation/airconditioning? (h) What is the floor loading requirement? (i) Are there maximum cable run distance restrictions on any items of equipment? (j) Do equipment racks require locking doors, or are tamper-proof security covers required for certain
items? (k)
Will cable access be adequate, considering future extensions to system?
(b) Atmospheric (c) Security
rain, andsnow? Likely air pressure range?

Potential
Cable routes and cabletypes
(a) Are there any special requirements for the cable route, or cables, between mainequipmentand input
Any acidity? Any other pollution aspects? unauthorized personnel?
Access
for vandalism? for tampering by
lines or output cables? (b) Does cable route pass through restricted access
areas?
Loudspeakers
(a) Choice
Appearance important? Loudspeakerscapable of levels?
providing adequate sound (b) Locations
Will locations allow appropriatemaintenance

access?
(c) Are special new conduits, trunkings or ducts required? (d) Do cable routes cause a maintenance problem? (e) Are cable route lengths permissible for the equipment selected, e.g. will excessive voltage dropsoccur or are repeaterstages needed for digital signals? (f) Do cable routes pass close by to likely sources of interference or interference-susceptible areas,
Are loudspeakers secure? distance from listener adequate for clarity and
intelligibility? Loudspeakersto be
Adequate field of coverage? Loudspeakersselected and
equipmentor other cables? Are selected cable routes secure and vandal-proof? (h) Is the cable type suitable for the task, e.g. screened, fire-proofed, mechanically-strongand protected? (i) Is the cable type suitable for the environment? (j) Is the cable adequately sized to cater for capacity,
(g) (k)
(c) Fixings
suspended above the audience or normal building users/occupants? Need to remove from view
on occasions? (d) Connections
Cable fixings/connections
anticipating voltage losses, etc.? Does the cable require any special identification or markers? (1) Are cable terminations suitable for the load, environment and signal type? (m) Whatcable termination identification system is to be adopted? (n) Are the cables to be surface-clipped or run in trunking, conduits, or cable trays? Input and control requirements (a) How many inputs to the system are required? (b) Where are they to be located? (c) Are inputs to be at line or microphone level? (d) Are inputs to be balanced? (e) Are there any electrical isolation requirements between inputs, outputs, or other system equipment? (f) Who is to control the system or have access to the Are individual inputs to be separatelycontrollable or fixed in level? (h) Will input or system configurations change? (i) Are any remote control facilitiesrequired? (j) Are inputs to be prioritized; if so, what are system priorities?
(g) system?
to the loudspeakers via plug and sockets or permanent
connectors? Signal distribution to be via 100-V line (high impedance) or low impedance (e.g. 8 fl) network?
Equipment locations and housings (a) Does mainequipmentneed to be in a secure or fire-
resistant/ratedroom? (b) What environmentdoes the equipment need to be in, e.g. temperature, humidity? (c) Should equipment be centralized or decentralized to satellite racks/units?
116
(k)
(1)
Is the system to be zoned? If so: How manyzonesare required? Are zones to follow the building's designated fire zones? Are differentbut simultaneous inputs
(d) What
commissioning procedures adopted? (e) What documentation is required?

Maintenance
are to be
inputs/zones/signals routing,etc.? Does the system need to interfacewith other audio or control systems? (p) Is the system to provide part of a fire alarm or
(o)
Is message stacking required? (m) Do different inputs need to address different zones or groups of zones? (n) Is a mimic displayor control panel requiredto help
required to be routed to different zones?
(a) How detailed should the Operator's Manual and Maintenance Manual be? (b) Is a simple user guide required? (c) How many copies of the Manuals are required? (d) Is a Maintenance Contract required? (e) What spares should be provided with the system installation? (f) Whatguarantees/warranties are required?
Design principles
and operation
emergency announcement/evacuation system? Ifso, is the system to includethe controllogic orwill it receive logic control signals from the FA/VA/ evacuation system? (r) Does the system require monitoring? (s) What type of microphones are to be used on the (q)
When designinga sound system, the most important factors to considerare the intelligibilityand clarity of the required speech, warning tone or music signals, and the overall frequency response. The following discussion is system? concerned with the factors and methods of (t) Whatfacilitiesdo any remote microphone or paging primarily obtaining good speech intelligibility for, if this can be stations require? then the clarity of other warning signals or achieved, (u) Does the system require any special or bespoke music is almost assured. automatically to be and built, or can proprieequipment designed The three factors which must be considered primary tary equipmentbe employed? are:
Statutary requirements (a) Does the system have to conform and comply with any BS, IEC or ISO performancecriteria, design or safety standards, EMC standards, or Codes of Practice? (b) Does the system have to comply with any local authority requirements, Building Regulations, fire, (c)
loudness, frequency response, echoes and reverberation.
Loudness
police or licensing authority requirements? Does the system or any part of the system require a licence, and what are the licence conditions/ requirements?
Aprerequisite ofany soundsystemis thatitis loud enough to be clearly heard. Research has shown that under
normal, quiet listening conditions, optimum speech intelligibilityis achieved at sound levels of6575 dBAwith the range 7075dBA preferred (see Chapter 5 for explanation of dBA). This level should therefore be designed for wherever possible. However, in conditions ofhigher background noise,the overall level ofthe sound systemwill need to be increased to compensate for the effect of the background noise masking out the speech. Ideally, a speech-to-backgroundnoise or signal-to-noise ratio of10 dBAshould be aimed for. Themaximum signal level should not normally exceed 9095 dBA, except under exceptional conditions or in areas where hearing protection is worn. In extremely quiet areas, where paging signals for example are not to be intrusive, levels towards the lower end of the 6575 dBA rangeshould be used but the final setting should always be achieved/agreed subjectively. The target sound levels given above refer to the longterm average level of the speech signal. However,the level of speech fluctuates considerably, with the short-term peaksbeing some 1012dB higher than the mean.When planning a sound system, adequate provision must be made to cater for this significant peak-to-mean ratio. Ideally, a 10dB headroom margin should be allowed for, if the power amplifiers are not to clip. 'Clipping' can resultin excessive distortion and hence loss ofintelligibility, and possible damage to loudspeakers if sustained signal clipping occurs.
Budget
(a) What is the system budget? (b) Is it adequate, including both supply and full installation? (c) Has due allowance been made for associated costs, such as Builder's Work, conduits, and site attendancies, commissions, discounts to Main Contractor,
etc.?
(d) Is there overlap with electrical engineeringsubcontract works and costs?

Time scale
(a) Whatis the time scale for the project? (b) Is it adequate and practicable? (c) What factors and restraints could affect satisfactory completion on time?
System commissioning
Is there adequate time within the installation programme for the appropriate system commissioning? (b) Who will carry out the commissioning? (c) Is a formal series of acceptance tests to be carried out?
(a)
Sound systems
117
room surfaces, or the output from supplementary or repeater loudspeakers, which arrive at a listening position within a period ofup to 3550 ms afterthe original sound, will integrate or merge with the original direct sound (whether it is a person speaking or a loudspeaker) and combine to produce one overall louder sound (i.e. Frequency response When selecting equipment for a sound system, due intelligibilityis enhanced). consideration should be given to the frequency response Secondary sounds arriving after 50ms do not fully characteristicsofthe equipmentandthe nature ofthe task integrate and, depending on their level relative to the it is required to perform. initial sound, may be heard as echoes which will have the The minimum frequency range over which a sound effect of reducingthe overall intelligibility of the speech system must operate for intelligible speech is 400 Hz to signal. 4kHz. However, the quality of such a limited range is Sound systemsshould be designed to ensure that the extremely poor. For reasonable quality reproduction a generation of long-delayed secondary sound signals, sound systemshouldbe capable ofreproducing the range caused either by structural reflections or by secondary of at least 150Hz to 6 kHz. For high quality sound loudspeakers, do not occur or are well controlled. reinforcement, the range should extend to 8 or 10 kHz. Loudspeakers should be placed no more than Forhigh quality reproductionofmusic, a rangeextending 1215m apart when facing in the same direction or from at least 100Hz to 10kHz is required. 25m apart when directed to cover an area as shown in The coverage (dispersion) angles of the loudspeakers Figure 4.1. The loudspeaker should be angled downmust be taken fully into account when designing the wards to cover the appropriate area and to limit the level variations. The overspill to adjacent areas. A row of loudspeakers even layout and potentialcoverage/sound are defined as the coverage angles angles at which the though individually spaced at 1215m apart can still output from the loudspeakers is 6 dB less than that give rise to an appreciable echo effect due to the produced on the main axis of the loudspeaker. Usually, difference in distance between the nearest and subthe total included angle is quoted.This anglewill usually sequent sets of loudspeakers whose output, due to the change significantly with frequency, decreasing as the effects of the Inverse Square Law, may still be
frequency increases with most loudspeaker types. When significant. designing sound systems, the 4kHz coverageangleshould be used. When laying out and positioning loudspeakers, consideration should be given to the difference in Sound Pressure Level (SPL) which will be produced between a position on the main axis ofthe loudspeaker, and an 'offaxis' position; at the coverageanglefor example where, by definition, the SPL will be 6dB lower than on the main axis. It may in fact be slightly more than 6dB lower when account is also taken of the additional angular path distance involved. A 6 dB difference is quite noticeable, and is sufficient to affect significantly the potential intelligibility of the system in a noisy or reverberant environment by decreasing the apparentS/N (D/R) ratio as calculated for the on-axis case. In such circumstances, loudspeakers should be positioned so that their coverage angles either meet or preferably overlap so there are no gapsin the coverage. Figure 4.1 Typical loudspeakerarrangement to reduce echoes
In terms of the required amplifier power output, a 10dB margin is a significant factor, being equivalent to a multiplication factor of 10. However, techniques such as compression and limiting of speech input signals are available which enable smaller power margins to be employed. The amountof'headroom' requiredwill vary a great deal upon the type of system beingconsidered. For speech paging/announcement systems, a signal headroom of6dBmay be adequate, particularly ifcompression or limiting is incorporated. Where ambient noise levels vary considerably, the signal-to-noise ratio of the sound system can be maintainedby incorporating either local groupor zone volume controls, which allow the level of the sound system signal to be adjusted as required. Alternatively, automatic noise sensing and level adjustment circuitry may be incorporated. This automatically and continuously monitors the noise level at a point andadjusts the output of the sound system accordingly in order to maintain an adequate signal-to-noise(S/N) ratio.
In highly reverberant areas, it is often desirable to limit the low frequency response of the system in order to reduce the sound masking effect of the low frequency reverberation and hence improve the potential intelligibility of the reproducedspeech. Although the basic tone control filters found on most Public Address (PA) and soundreinforcementequipmentcan be extremely useful, their control range is limited. The use of a multi-band filter or graphic equalizer to contour and adjust the overall frequency response of a sound system is an extremely usefuland powerful aid to system intelligibility and should be considered for all but the smallest
system. Echoes and reverberation Secondarysources ofsound, for example reflections from
118
A particularly special area requiring a detailed
Electroacoustic systems
standing of natural room acoustics and electronic systems is that of electroacoustic enhancement of auditorium acoustics.As explained in Chapter2, the optimal acoustic conditions for speech and music are quite different. An auditorium designed primarily for music will not be ideal for speech and vice versa. Where an auditorium is to be usedfor both speech andmusic, a way round the problem is to design the acoustics so that they are relativelydry, for example in the range 1.01.5sRT, and then increase the reverberation time electroacousticallyup to 2s plus. Other acoustical parameters such as early reflection sequence, spaciousness and envelopment can also be adjusted electronically. A number of commercial systems are now availableandalthoughdiffering in detail, adopt the same basic concept. Essentiallya series of microphones sample the soundfieldeither close to or on the stage andthen via a series of electronic digital delaysand reverberators, and frequency equalizers, the signal is replayed via carefully positioned loudspeakers located throughout the auditorium. The electronic delays, etc., are set to simulate natural acoustic reflections and reverberation. Modern systems allow comprehensive control of the reflection sequences and their intensity, together with the overall reverberation effect. Although some of the early systems were criticized as being rather 'coloured' or artificial, the System design and components latest developments and faster digital electronic pro- A sound system consists essentially of four basic compocessors have virtually eliminated these problems. nents, as shown in Figure 4.2a: microphone, or signal input, Distance and power considerations pre-amplifier (control unit), In general, it can be assumed that the Sound Pressure power amplifier, Level (SPL) decreases linearly with distance from loud loudspeaker. speaker, reducing by 6 dB every time that the distance is doubled. For example, the SPL at 2m from a loudspeaker Additionally, loudspeaker zoning or group switching is 6dB less than at 1 m, whilst at 4m the SPLwill be 6 dB may be required. In order to obtain the maximum less than at 2m, and 12dB less than at 1 m. It can be seen performance from a system, e.g. to maintainan adequate therefore that the SPL initially decreases rapidly with distance butas the absolute distance increases, the relative change becomes less. For example, the SPL lOOm away from a loudspeaker is only 6 dB less than at 50m, yet it is Microphone Pre-amplifier Power amplifier Loudspeaker 40dB less than at 1 m. Furthermore,the SPL at 52 m is not measurably different than at 50m. Figure 4.2(a) Basic sound system components
under-
Each 3dB increase in SPL output required from a loudspeaker needs a doubling of the audio frequency power delivered to the loudspeaker, i.e. the output from a loudspeaker follows a 10 log Power Law, whilst the fall-off with distance follows a 20 log Distance Law. An example calculation applying these principles may be given as follows. If the sensitivity of a particular loudspeaker is 90 dB for an input of 1 W when measured at a 1 m distance (the standard rating conditions), what will be the SPL at 8m, and how much additional power will be required to achieve an SPL of85dB? At 8 m from the LS, the SPL will have decreased by: 20 log 8 = 18dB, 90 18 = 72dB SPL. To achieve 85 dB requires a power increase equivalent to: 8572 = 13dB = 19.95W, i.e. 20W. The above approach is sufficiently accurate for both outdoor and indoor calculations for planning purposes. In indoor situations, the contributionfrom the reflected or reverberant sound components should be considered also as this will affectnot only the perceived loudness (this will be increased) but also the potentialintelligibilityifthe reverberant component is too high with respect to the direct sound. For large reverberant areas, expert advice from a specialist sound consultant shouldbe sought.
Ambient noise-sensing
microphone
r Compressor/
I
limiter
Microphone
I Pre-amplifier
Pre-amplifier Mixer
Graphic Equalizer _____
I_
---1
ATIC I
LEVEL
Microphone
I I
Compressor/ limiter
rj
CONTROLL_J
i-. i
I I
Loudspeaker A' -u:1 udspeaker'B'
Tape
L__.J
Graphic
Equalizer
L_
Delay
Local or group volume control
i-ca
line
Figure 4.2(b) Simplfied sound system schematicdiagram ofsignalprocessingequipment
Sound systems
S/N ratio or provide an appropriatefrequency response, a form andmountingarrangementcansubstantiallyreduce number of other additional stages may be added such as the 'reverberant' sounding pick-up of conventional compressor/limiters, equalizers, and volume controls, as microphones. shown in Figure 4.2b. Noise-cancelling microphones are used in high noise environments for PA purposes. The microphone is highly insensitive to indirect sound pick-up and requires a close Microphones Awide varietyofmicrophone types and characteristicsare speaking distance; generally, the response is limited and available. They may be classed by their sound pick-up optimized for speech. Wireless microphones may either be in the form ofa small pattern and form ofgenerating element. The majority of microphones encounteredwill be ofeither the omnidirec- tie clip microphone capsule and pocket transmitter or an tional or unidirectional type. all-in-onehand-held or stand-mounted unit. They require Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from a separate receiver unit tuned to the microphone's all directions, and should therefore not be used when transmission frequency, but allow freedom of movement. discrimination is required against either reverberant They should not be used where a secure transmission is sound pick-up or unwanted sound or noise pick-up. required.Lecturers shouldrememberto remove them, to Unidirectionalmicrophones may be in the form ofeither a avoid candid transmittal from a visit to the washroom. cardioid or hyper-cardioid microphone, so called because The outputfrom amicrophoneis generallyof the order ofthe shapeof the corresponding soundpick-up patterns of a few millivolts. A pre-amplifier with a considerable which receive sound from the front but reject sound pick- degree of gain is therefore required, typically 6070dB. up from the rear. Theymay as aresultbe usedin situations Care needs to be takenwhen selecting the microphone's where it is desirable to discriminate against sounds operating frequency to ensure that it does not clash or arriving from a particulardirection or to reduce reverber- interfere with other nearby radio microphones or other ant sound pick-up. Unidirectional microphones are also RF transmission systems. useful in sound reinforcement situations where they may Microphone circuits should be low impedance and be used to increase the potential gain of a sound system balanced (in termsofrun out), cables must be segregated before acoustic feedback occurs. This is particularlyuseful from other services, by at least 300mmor by the use of where the microphone has to operate in the close dedicated and compartmentalized trunkings or conduits. proximity of the loudspeakers. The two most widelyused forms of microphone are the Whenmountingmicrophones on lecterns or table tops, dynamic (moving coil) and the electret. Special micro- consideration should be given to the use of shock/ phone types include the lavalier, tie-clip, PZM, noise- vibration isolating mounts to reduce unwanted noise or vibration pick-up. Dynamic (cardioid) microphones are cancelling, gun or rifle, and wireless models. Dynamic microphonesare generally extremely robust and the most commonly used. The microphoneshould exhibit offer a wide range of performance characteristics which a smooth frequency response. The distance between the are littleinfluenced by temperatureandhumidity, making personspeaking andthe microphone shouldbe kept to a them potentially suitable for both indoor and outdoor minimum, preferably within 300mm in difficult situause. Good-quality moving coil microphones are able to tions. Microphones should be of low impedance with a offer a wide frequency response but this may be deliber- balanced output. As few a number of microphones as ately tailored to a particular characteristic to aid intelligi- possible shouldbe 'live' at any given time (each time the number of open microphone channels is doubled, the bility, e.g. by applying low frequency cut-off. Elect ret microphones are capable of providing a very gain before feedback margin reduces by 3 dB). Microsmooth and extended frequency response at a higher phones should be kept out of the direct field of high output level than the dynamic. They do, however, require power or centralized loudspeakers ifoptimum gain before their own external power supply to operate and are feedback is to be attained. generally not as robust as the dynamic microphone, but their highersensitivity enables very small electretcapsules Pre-amplfiers to be madewhich can be employed in a numberofspecial The pre-amplifier (control unit or mixer) amplifies lowtypes of microphone. Some models have an internal level signals and combines or selects them as required battery, but these are best avoided in professional installa- before power amplification takes place.Pre-amplifiersmay tions due to their continual maintenancerequirements. have inputs for either microphone level or line level Lavalier microphones are small, usually dynamic, with an (typically 0.51.0 V) or OdBm signals. Tone control or omnidirectional response, designed for speech pick-up basic equalization facilitiesmay be incorporated, either as from lecturers, etc.; they are fitted with a neck cord and user-operated or as pre-set controls. worn by the person speaking. The pre-amplifier may also incorporate a compressor/ Tie-clip microphones are small and lightweight, usually limiter stage and/or automatic gain control to help electret, which may be clipped to the clothing of the maintaina more constantsignal level, compensating for person speaking by clip or lapel badge. These are differentvoice levels. generally omnidirectional but unidirectional types are Compression reduces the peak-to-mean ratio ofspeech available. and so can be used to reduce the 'headroom' requirePZM (pressure zone microphones) are a newer form ments of the power amplifier loading. For example, a based on a small electret capsule fitted onto a special compression ratio of 2 reducesthe peak-to-mean ratio by mounting plate. They are most useful for recording 6dB, i.e.from 1012dBto 46dB,whereas a compression purposes or sound pick-up of more than one person; the ratio of 3 is equivalent to a 9-dB reduction andshould be
120
considered as the normally permissible ratio (1.22 is optimal). Compressor/limiters may either be incorporatedinto eachpre-amplifier inputor alternativelya single unit may be connected between the output of the preamplifier and the input to the power amplifier. Each microphone or system input should be capable of being individuallycontrolled. Microphone inputs should ideally be provided with tone controls or equalization facilitieswhich are separate from music or other auxiliary inputs. In live sound reinforcement applications, it is generally not possible to pre-set the input level controls as the volume requiredwill depend on the voice level of the person speaking and the additional acoustic damping provided by the audience. In reverberantrooms with little natural sound absorption, e.g. by carpet or acousticallyabsorbent finishes, the audience can significantly affect the degree ofgain availablebefore feedback. Outputsfor recordingor feeds to other areas' services,e.g. simultaneous interpretationsystemsor audio induction loops, may also be required. Wherever possible, a sound reinforcement system should be controlled by a trained operator. Paging and announcement systems where the microphone is not in the same acoustic space as the loudspeakers can be pre-set, though some compensation for differentvoice levels may be required the useof either an automatic gain control (AGC) or compressor is preferable.
S/N ratio. Correct equalization of a sound system is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential aid to optimizing both speech intelligibility and sound quality/clarity, as well as helping to ensure that maximum gain before feedback is maintained. An equalizer is essentiallya multifrequency tone control, typically consisting of either 1012 octave band filters or preferably 2730 one-third octave band filters. The one-third octave band filter provides extensive control over the entire audio band with usually 12 dB of cut or boost available at each of the one-third octave frequencies. Although the unit is particularly suitable for sound reinforcementapplications, it is becomingwidely used in more general PA systems. The more restricted control of the octave band equalizer tends to limit it to only basic PA applications. Other forms of tunable equalizer are also available. The equalizer is used to help compensate both for deficiencies or irregularities in the response of the system loudspeakers and/or the acoustic characteristics of the space that they are serving. The response of most horn Signalprocessing equipment loudspeakers for example begins to roll offabove 34kHz from and a number of other whilst the response of many cone loudspeakers begins to Apart compression limiting, additional items of electronic signal processing equip- fall off above 5 or 6 kHz the equalizer may be used to ment are commonly incorporatedinto the sound system extend and flatten the response of the loudspeakers. In difficult acoustic environments, e.g. those with long design. Two processors that are particularly important for are automatic noise sensreverberation times and/or high ambient noise levels,the optimizing speech intellibility and Other is used to shape the response of the broadcast control, ing/level equalization. processors equalizer include phase/frequencyshifters for improving the gain sound to either help reduce reverberant excitation or of a sound system before feedback, and audio delay lines accentuate the frequencies most importantto intelligibilwhich enablethe signal arrivals from distant loudspeakers ity and clarity, i.e. 15kHz. to be synchronized in order to overcome potential echo Where differenttypes ofloudspeakers are employed, or problems or to enhance apparent localization of a sound where a number ofacoustically different areas are served source. by the PA system, a numberof equalizer channelsmaybe Automatic noise-sensing and level controllers consist required. In addition, care should be taken with the essentially of two basic elements, the ambient noise- routingof such signals, as the equalization filter curve set sensing microphone, and the PA signal and control for one type of loudspeaker may not be suitable for circuit. another. Furthermore, the curve set for a reverberant Where the ambient noise level in an area regularly hangar or noisy workshop is unlikely to be suitable for fluctuates considerably, say by more than 68dBA, an office areas or other 'deader', i.e. less reverberant, spaces. ambient noise sensing and automatic level adjustment Figure 4.2b illustrates how the above signal processing system can help to maintain an appropriate S/N ratio. connects into the signal chain. In large PA systems, several Examples of such areas are industrial or process areas, equalizers and level controllers may be required, as each workshops or locations, and spaces affected by traffic or difficult area should ideally be individuallytreated. occupational noise,including airports, rail termini,sports stadia and swimming pools. A sensing microphone is Poweramplifiers locatedat a suitable point where it is able to monitor the The signal presentedto the power amplifier is normally at ambient noise level within the designated area. The the standardaudio signal line level of 0dBm. The input sensing microphone must be carefully positioned to should normally be balancedwhere a substantial distance ensure that it is not affected by very local events. It is separates the pre-amplifier (or control unit/mixer) from therefore usually located at a fairly high position, away its power amplifier. Unbalanced inputs maybe usedwhere from local noise sources suchas machinery, air-condition- the distance/cable run is short. ing equipment,or isolated groups of occupants. Amplifier outputs may be either of low impedance, e.g. The signal from the microphoneis used to drive, after to suit 48 loudspeakers, or high impedance for 100 V suitable processing, a voltage-controlled amplifier/ line working. The majority of PA systems employ 100 V attenuatorwhich adjusts the level of the signal routed to line working to reduce line losses and for ease of
the power amplifier(s) feeding the particulararea or zone in question. The signal from the microphone is timeaveraged so that occasional transientevents do not affect the overall level. When an announcement is made, the level is automatically set so that the announcementdoes not fluctuate, in order to maintaina nominally consistent
Sound systems
121
connection, each loudspeaker being simply connected to the transmission line in a parallel arrangement via its individual tapped matching transformer. Foreground music or high-power/high-quality sound reinforcement systemswill normally be low impedance types. Amplifier output powers are generally standardized, e.g. 30, 50, 100 and200Wup to 500 to 1000W.All power amplifiers should be protected against open- or shortcircuiting of the amplifier output and thermal runaway. The loudspeaker circuits must notbe loadedto more than the rated output power of the amplifier. When calculating the amplifier power requirements, consideration must be given to the peak-to-mean (headroom) requirements of the input signals, togetherwith an allowance for cable losses. Loudspeaker cable losses are generally assumed to be resistive for calculation purposes, but particular care shouldbe takenwhenusinglong runs of MICS cable due to its greater capacitive reactance adversely affecting the impedance ofa loudspeaker circuit. Where a number of power amplifiers are located together, care needs to be taken to ensure that the mains or standby power supply can adequately cope with the initial switch on surge. It is common practice in large installations to employ an automatic sequential switch on, thereby limiting the inrush current requirements. The heat load generatedby the amplifiers must also be taken into account. The loudspeaker convertsthe electrical power from the into an acoustic amplifier signal via the vibration ofa cone or diaphragmwhich sets up sound pressure waves. The importantparameters to note are: rated or maximum power, capacity, sensitivity(SPL at 1 W, 1 m), frequency response, directional information, i.e. dispersion or coverage angles. The choice of loudspeaker depends on the intended use, power/SPL output capability, directional characteristics, quality required, location (e.g. indoor or outdoor use) and local acoustic environment. The aesthetic requirements of the unit may also need to be considered. The most commonforms of loudspeakers are: the cabinetloudspeaker, recessed ceiling loudspeaker, the bidirectional and wedge cabinetloudspeaker, the column loudspeaker, the re-entranthorn loudspeaker, the ConstantDirectivityhorn loudspeaker, the full-range, integrated, high power loudspeaker. Cabinet loudspeakers are suitable for music, speech and paging systemsin areas where the floor-to-ceiling height is
Loudspeakers
Ceiling loudspeaker Typical coverage angle6O9O Maximumrecommended mountingheight 6 m
The area covered by each loudspeaker should be calculated using the distance h = H a, a = Height of seated or standing listener as appropriate. For a seated listener take a = 1.2 m.
1/2d lh/2d
dl
1/2d
4>00
Spacing dshould be 1h to 1.2h (typically 3m) Spacing dshould be 1 h to 2h (typically 35m) Spacing dshould be 2 to 3h or 3 to 4h in corridors (typically
Loudspeaker spacing
For very good coverage, e.g. conferencerooms For good coverage, e.g. canteens, office areas,etc. For variable coverage,e.g. corridors, general areas
59m)
Figure 4.3 Loudspeaker coverage
typically
provide a coverage of a 6090 cone from wall mountings. Recessed ceiling loudspeakers may be used in areas with ceiling heights up to 56m, as well as lowerceiling areas. The coverage from a ceiling-mounted loudspeaker is generally less than from a wall-mounted cabinet; approx-
4m or
less.
Good reproduction units typically
imately 25 m2 for a ceiling loudspeaker at a mounting height ofbetween 2.8 and 4.8m, as opposed to 3050 m2 for a wall cabinetpaging/PA system, based on a 6090 cone. When calculating the area covered by a ceiling loudspeaker, the height of the listeners' ears above floor level must be taken into account, as shown in Figure 4.3. A high-density ceiling loudspeaker installation can form the basis of a very high quality sound reinforcement system with very uniform sound distribution and coverage. When designing a high quality sound reinforcement system, the coverageangle at 4kHzshould be used; typically, this will be 60 or less for a 200-mm cone loudspeaker. Bidirectionaland wedge loudspeakers may either be directly mountedon a wall or ceiling, or suspended below a high ceiling by a chain or wire. The loudspeaker produces two conesof sound (6090).Directlyunder the loudspeaker, a high-frequencies dead spot can occur. Columnorlinesourceloudspeakers provide wide coverage in the horizontal plane but deliberately restrict the sound output in the vertical plane (e.g. 90120 horizontal, 1520 vertical). This characteristic enables the column loudspeakers to have the potential of providing greater intelligibilityin reverberantareas orgreater coveragethan a conventional cone loudspeaker in less hostile environments. The column loudspeakers may be usedfor both PA and sound reinforcement applications. It is essential however to correctly aim the column loudspeaker so that the beamof sound it produces is directedat the listeners. Normally, column loudspeakers should not be mounted
122
J_
1Ei-
VERTICAL
acoustic characteristics can cause feedback at high gain settings in sound reinforcement systems. Correct selection, placementand equalization of the loudspeakers is essential. Points that should be considered are:
0 0
,-ft5-2O
If
HORIZONTAL
type ofloudspeaker, of loudspeaker, position dispersion (coverage) angle, power rating/SPLcapacity, frequency range and response.
Loudspeaker coverage of a room can essentially be achieved in either of two ways: speakers or distributed system of wall or column mounted loudspeakers.
Sound dispersion
by use of a centralized loudspeaker systemcluster, by use of a low-level grid of ceiling-mounted loud-
{\
Typically 1.5m to 2.5m
Figure 4.4
Column/linesource loudspeakers
flat against a wall but should be provided with suitable angle brackets allowing correct alignment. By aiming the column loudspeaker towards the centre of the area to be covered, a fairlyuniformcoverageisobtainedas the nearer listeners will be located out of the main beam of sound which can therefore be increased to reach the rear of the area.When usingrepeatercolumns, e.g. in long churches, the repeaterunits shouldbe locatedwithin 1215m ofthe primary or any other supplementary loudspeakers, unless signal delaylines are employed (see Figure 4.4). Re-entrant horn loudspeakers have a restricted frequency response and are used mainly for speech. They are more efficient than either the cabinet or column loudspeaker and are therefore suitable for use in areas with high background noise levels, large enclosed areas, and outdoors. The coverage angles of horn loudspeakers vary considerably but typically are between 40 and 80. Loudspeakers should be selected and locatedto provide as uniform a coverage of an area as practicable. The inversesquarelawandcoverageangledata should be used initially to predict the coverage and plan an installation. ForPA/pagingsystems, the maximum variation should be less than 10dB at 2 kHz. In areas of high noise or reverberation, a smaller variation will be required if intelligibilityis not to be downgraded. In sound reinforcement systems, the variation should be within 6 dB and preferably within 4dBat 2 and 4kHz. The majority of loudspeakers used for PA and SR systemsare operated on a 100-V line distribution system, with each loudspeaker fitted with an individual tapped transformer. Tappings provide a useful range of output adjustment and enable the loudspeakers to be set to compensate for different local conditions such as noise level, room volume, and length of throw, as described earlier in this chapter. Group or zone volume controls can be employed to adjust the overall sound level in a given area. Loudspeakers are affected by the acoustic environment and peaks in their response coupled with the room
Centralizedloudspeakersystems typically comprise column, CD horn, or full-range loudspeaker cabinets. The units may either be mounted on either side of the stage or rostrum, or preferably they may be mounted centrally over it in the form of a cluster. Use is made of the loudspeaker's directional properties to direct sound into the audience and away from reflecting wall surfaces thereby reducing the degree of reverberant excitation producedby the system and aiding intelligibilityandgain before feedback. Constant directivity (CD) horns are becoming increasingly popular in high quality sound systems applications, or where high soundpressurelevelsare required.Theyhave many advantages over re-entrant or other horn types which may be described as follows:
(a) They are extremely efficient, typically exhibiting a 1W/i m sensitivity of around 113dB for a 60 X 40
horn.
(b) They can provide extremely uniform coverage as they exhibit a reasonably constant directivity with frequency, e.g. within 100 over their operational range of 500 Hz to 16kHz plus, for a well designed large-
format device.
(c) They exhibit considerably lower distortion characteristics than a re-entrant horn. (d) They provide a very much smoother and uniform frequency response of high fidelity (hi-fl) rather than PA quality. CD horns may therefore be used for high quality sound systemsin theatres and concert halls as well as large stadia or reverberant exhibition halls. A CD horn usually operates over the range 500 Hz to over 15 kHz (or from 800 Hz for the smaller types). An associated low-frequencyloudspeaker is therefore required to form a complete system operating from well below 100Hz (e.g. 50Hz) to over 15kHz. A dedicated cross-over unit is employed to block low frequencies being fed to the horn and high frequencies to the bass driver. The cross-over may be either active or passive, dependingon the particular application and system configuration desired. (e) The controlled dispersion of a CD horn ensures that high frequency beaming and 'hot spots' do not occur, butinstead a uniform distribution of sound is created at all frequencies within the working range of the horn. The controlled radiation of the CD horn also
Sound systems
123
enables it to work well in acoustically difficult and reverberantspaces, allowing the sound to be directed onto the absorbing audience or congregation and away from the reflective room surfaces. compact high quality product. Although a CD horn and bass bin combination can be used for most applications, this can result in a fairly bulky package. A number of proprietaryhigh-quality,compact, high-power loudspeakers are available which include both high and low frequency drivers (some using CD horn principles) within a single cabinet. The speakers are intendedfor both music and speech applications and generally exhibit smooth frequency responseextending from below 100Hz to over 15 kHz. Both 2-way and 3-way designs are available in a range of sizes, power handling capabilities, frequency ranges anddispersion patterns. Power handlingcharacteristics range from around 100 to 400 Wr.m.s. Some models employ dedicated control units, which may incorporate equalization filters, cross-overs and signal limiters to avoid potential loudspeaker overloads. They normally operate at low impedance (4811) These loudspeakers may be either portable, transportable or permanentlyinstalled. Weather-resistant models are also availablefor outdoor use. The loudspeakers may be used in almost any high-qualitysound system for both speech and music purposes, where highly uniform or directional control across a wide frequency range (e.g. from 500 Hzupwards) is not required.They therefore find application in clubs, discotheques, theatres, auditoria, assembly halls and leisure centres. Care needs to be exercised, however, when employing them in reverberant spaces, e.g. concert halls. Their directional characteristics generally make them less suitable for use in highly reverberant spaces, unless located close to the listener or arrayed to provide additional directional control. Any of the above types need to direct sound awayfrom microphone positions. They also need to provide an even coverage of a room by employing different parts of the cluster to cover differentareas, for example the front and rear of the room. Where a column loudspeaker is used, this is generally aimed approximately two-thirdsof the way down the room or coverage area. Delayed repeater loudspeakers may also be required, either to fill in areas which cannot be reached from the central cluster, for example under balconies, or to compensate for inverse square law losses causing too large a variation in direct SPL (see Figures 4.5a and 4.5b). Low-level distributedsoundsystemsare the alternative to the centralized cluster,consisting ofa relativelyhigh densityof ceiling-mounted loudspeakers spaced to provide a good overlap between adjacentunits. This methodcan provide extremely uniform coverage ofa room andwill normally provide better coverage than column or similar loudspeakers, inwide spaces/rooms with low ceilings. All sound reinforcementsystems should be properly equalized in order to obtain a smooth response, naturalsounding reproduction, and optimal gain before feedback. A one-third octave band equalizer shouldbe usedin preference to the coarser octave band unit. A temperproof cover should be fitted over the equalizer controls once the system has been commissioned.
Full-range high-power integrated (cabinet) loudspeakers
Main/
are a
balcony
Figure 4.5(a)
loudspeakers
Typical auditorium with proscenium
frequency directional horns
Mid/high
cluster array
Central loudspeakers
Low frequency basscabinets
-Traditional placement of column loudspeaker
or locationfor modern side-fill loudspeakers
Figure 4.5(b)
and loudspeakerarrangements Typicalstage
Loudspeaker signal distribution As was gatheredfrom the previous section, public address andsound reinforcement systemsmay be divided into two groups associated with their sound distribution and coveragepatterns.Firstly, there are high level distribution
systemswhere either a single loudspeaker cluster sound source, or a few such sources, are used to cover an area, with each source radiating a relatively high SPL to do so (for example, a theatre auditorium sound system with a main LS cluster located above the proscenium and covering most ofthe auditorium). Secondly, there are low level distribution systems, where a large number of loudspeaker sources is used, eachoperatingat a relatively low level ofsound output. These systemsare often used in areas with relatively low ceiling heights and flat floors, such as conference rooms, exhibition suites or shopping malls. Low level distribution systems are also widely used in large churches andceremonial halls. Here the coverage is achieved either from loudspeakers distributed alongthe structural columns on either side of the congregation, or from a localized pew-backarrangement. Many sound systemsin fact make use of both types of distribution. There is often no clear-cut reason for using one type, and so other considerations such as architectural constraints, accessibility and installation costs are often the deciding factors. If design is left to specialist suppliers, they will be influenced by the equipment that they may have in stock, or by the manufacturers of particular equipment,forwhom they may act as agents, or by delivery availability.
124
Acoustics
in the Built ENvironment
8(1
8 parallel connection (a) Simple combinedimpedance = 4 ci
Simple series connection l combined impedance = 16 fi
+1,1
8fl
8C1
+L4
,J8tl
+IA
811
Cc)
Series-parallelcombination combined impedance= 8 (1
connections loudspeaker Figure 4.6 Low impedance (networks)
power tappings, e.g. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 W, so that the signal level fed to eachloudspeaker can be individuallyadjusted. This allows the LS coverage SPL to be accurately set, taking into account any local acoustic or background noise level conditions. Theoretically, one can continue to add loudspeakers until the maximum output capability of the amplifier is reached. However, in practice, some contingency/spare power reserve must be left (e.g. 20%). The resistance losses of the distribution cables themselves must also be taken into account, for although transforming the audio signal to a higher voltage for transmission decreases the voltage drop seen at the endofthe line,thiswill still occur to some extent. Themostcommonnominal line distribution voltagesare 70V (USA andJapan) and 100V (UK and Europe), but other distribution voltagesare to be found, such as 50 V, 30V and25 V, to meet certain building andsafety codes.
Wiring and installation
All mains equipment and each equipmentrack shouldbe Distribution of the signal to the loudspeakers can be earthed. Screened cables interconnecting equipment carried out in one of two ways: should be earthed at one point only to prevent the of earth-loop currentswhich may give rise to by standard low impedance connection, i.e. 28 fi, generation 'hum' or other electrical interference noise on the system. or Precautions should be taken to minimize electrical by high impedance (nominally 100 or 70 V line) interference between audio circuits or between other constantvoltage distribution using step-up and step- circuitsandotheraudio circuits,andtominimize the risk of down transformers. dangerous voltages occurring on audio circuits. MicroEachmethod has its advantages and disadvantages.A low phone and low signal level cables should be screenedand impedance signal distribution generally offers a wide must be physicallyseparated from loudspeaker andpower frequency and dynamicrange capability,butcable lengths lines. must be kept short to minimize power losses due to cable Audio cables shouldnot be run with cables at extralow, resistance. Multiple connection ofloudspeakers onto one low, or medium voltage, as per lEE Wiring Regulations. commonoutputcanalsobecome unwieldy, oftenrequiring Microphone cables should run at least 150 mm and quite complex combinations ofseries-parallelconnections preferably 300mm from loudspeaker lines and power to provide a reasonable loadimpedance for the amplifier wiring. Loudspeaker linesshouldrun at least150mmand (see Figure 4.6). Installations with widely distributed preferably 300 mm from telecommunications wiring. A loudspeakers can present a considerable wiring problem, minimum separation of 500 mm should be observed and particularly ifone of the units should fail in use. may need to be increased to 1000mm for thyristorConstant-voltage, high-impedance (100 or 70 V line) controlled circuits or fluorescent luminaires. distribution is ideal for large PA installations associated Mains supplies to sound system equipment should not with either long cable runs or large numbers of loud- be shared with inductive circuits or thyristor-controlled, speakers. It is in essence very similar to electrical mains motor-driven equipment. Wherea sound systeminstallation is usedfor emergency power distribution. In practice, a step-up transformer is fitted to the poweramplifier, rated to take the maximum communications, consideration must be given to approoutput capability ofthe amplifier, e.g. 100 W. Distribution priately protectingthe cables, e.g. by use ofMICS cables. to each loudspeaker is then a simple matter of making The installation of equipmentin any potentially explonumerousparallel connections viamatching transformers sive atmosphere should be avoided. Whentelephonelines form part ofa sound system,line(see Figure 4.7). Typically, the secondary winding of the matching transformers will be fitted with a number of isolating transformers to the approval of the telephones statutoryundertaker (British Telecom in UK) should be used (butnote the restricted 3003 kHz bandwidth). Wherea soundsysteminstallation is usedfor emergency Tapped transformer communications, cables must be of a fire- and damageresistant type, e.g. MICS or FP200; see BS 5839 [2] and BS 7443 [3]. From 100V Loudspeaker distribution cables should be sized for a or 70V maximum of 10%, preferably 5%, voltage drop between output _______ ______ ______ power amplifier and any associated loudspeaker. This calculation should be based on the amplifier output of 100V (nominal), the loudspeaker tappings in use, andthe Figure 4.7 High impedanceconstant voltage distribution system voltage drop due to conductorresistance. Consideration
am)Eo
1llE
Sound systems
125
Table 4.2 Loudspeaker line losses: maximum permissible line lengths,
infeet, for 0.5dB voltage drop in 100 V/70Vnetworks

High impedance
Resistance
5011
10011
20011
1 00011
5 00011
10 00011
Equivalent
conductor
ohms/
size area 5.2mm2 3.3mm2 2.08mm2 1.3mm2 0.87mm2 0.52mm2
AWG
10 12 14 16 18
1000 feet 200W/100V 100 W/100V 50W/100V 1OW/100V 25W/70V 5W/70V (300m) 411 811 1611 100W/70V 50W/70V
1.00
1.59
Low impedance
2W/100V 1W/100V 1W/70V W/70V

150000 94000 60000 37000 23000 15000 300000 180000 120000 74000 46000 30000
2.50 4.02 6.39

10.1
120 240 480 75 150 300 48 96 190 30 60 90

19 12 38 24 76
1500 940
600 370 230 150
3000 1800 1200

740 460 300
6000 3800
2400
1500 920 600
30000 18000 12000 7400
4600
3000
20
48
should be given to the use of satellite amplifiers where clearly intelligible and to whom? The answers to these long cable runs are required to deliver high power loads questions are less obvious than at first sight. For example, it is quite possible to designa perfectly intelligible sound (see Table 4.2). system but end up hearing almost totally unintelligible announcements. This may be due to either defective 'Deafaid loop' systems Systems for the hard ofhearingmayeither be basedon an hearing on the partofthe listeneror poor articulation on audio frequency induction loop system (AFILS), which the part ofthe announcer. Equallyit is possible that some enables any standardhearing aid with a 'tele pick-up coil' environmental factors not takeninto account could affect (usually identified by the aid having an additional switch the audibility of the system, e.g. intrusive noise from position marked 'T') or via an infra-red (IR) transmission outside or high ventilation noise levels. The problem is that apart from dealing with the system. The latter system requires a special receiver but has the advantage of a potentially greater bandwidth and electronic andelectroacousticsaspects ofthe systemwhich ability to simultaneously transmit up to 12 separate are reasonably controllable, a PA system has to interface channels, making it very suitable for simultaneous inter- with people, both at the source and at the receiving end, pretation systemsor 'museum tour' systems. In theatres, and people are highly variable. For this reason, when infra-red systemsare normallyemployed, primarily to help testing a systemsubjectively it is very importantto: overcome potential interference problems with other use a large enough and representative enough audio or AV systems, but also because of their generally sample of listeners, and greateraudio quality. use several announcers. AFILS and JR systems may also be used to transmit The effect an announcer can have on the perceived speech or warning signals to personnel working in very conditions where are noisy hearing protectors required. intelligibility from a sound system is profound. Systems Special protectors incorporating a receiver and in-built with 'good' intelligibility can be transformed into total miniature loudspeaker/earphoneare available, enabling unintelligibility by different users of the same micro'wireless' communication to be maintained. phone. One way round the announcerproblemwould be Guidance is given in BS 7594 [4]. to use standard recorded messages of known good articulation. However, such messages would need to have an informationcontentandstyle ofdeliverysimilar to that of normal system announcements. Speech intelligibility The practicality of setting up statistically valid tests Assessment complete with an appropriatelistening panel to test out a With the ever-increasing use of public address (PA) sound system so that an absolute intelligibility score can systemsfor fire alarm andemergency warning announce- be obtained, is generally an impossible goal. Instead, in ments, more emphasis than ever before has been placed practice a small group of people, maybe as few as 2 or 3 on the intelligibilityandclarity ofsuchsystems. Whilst it is typically, wanderround the designated area andlisten to a obvious that an emergency, PA or sound reinforcement few test messages. In most cases a consensus view can be system must be intelligible, many specifications currently reached, but often listeners may well be confusing sound include such phrases as 'the PA system must be clearly quality with intelligibility, and an impasse over the audible' or 'the PA system must be capable of producing intelligibilityrating poses difficulties. clear and intelligible speech'; but what do 'audible' and Ideally, what is requiredis some totallyobjective method 'intelligible' mean, for they are far from being the same which can be implemented and produces an easy-tothing, and under what circumstances has the systemto be understand rating. Such methods do now exist and a
126
Acoustics
significant number of sound system specifications are beginning to require specific levels of intelligibility to be met.
Techniques ofmeasurement
the message language and familiarityof the listener
main sound system parameters which have an effect on intelligibility.There are a number of parameters, At present four generic techniques are available for speech as follows: assessing the potential intelligibility of a sound system. The methods and implementation vary considerably,but frequency response, noise or more precisely signal-to-noiseratio, only onetruly takes both background noise andreverberation into account. reverberation or more preciselydirect-to-reverberant A number ofsubjective aspects must also be taken into ratio, freedom from echo. account, particularly when deciding on an appropriate target value. These include: Distortion isalso an influencing factorbut it is generallyof the level of difficultyofinformation that needs to be secondary importance unless gross overload or similar understood, e.g. the requirements for a supermarket distortion occurs. staff announcementsystem are somewhat less onerousthan a system requiredto reproduceShakespeare Frequency response or perhapsrelay specificinstructions inside a nuclear Frequency response was discussed earlier. Figure 4.8 shows the intelligibilityrange of concern.Although the primary power station; the general hearing ability of the listeners and their speech information is contained at higher consonant environment; frequencies, the main power of the voice comes from the the articulation or intelligibility of the original low and mid frequency vowel sounds with most sound signal; energy centredat around200600Hz. Typicallythe higher the rate at which the speech signal is to be frequency information is 1520dBbelow these levels and delivered; can be easily masked or lost if the soundsystem places too
to that language. It is useful to consider also and at greater length the
40
35
a'
30
S C
ii
LI
a 0
C
C S S
0 a
C
20 -
U
S 0
S C S
0 15
0
S.
5.
0
S
125
I.
4. H -I-- - -
4- -J:i
'FEft
ft5 T1'FI
500 1k
250
2k
I
4k
8k
Octav. Band C.ntrs Frsqusnoy (Hz)
Figure 4.8 Speech intelligibilityversusfrequency
Sound systems
127
70
65 60
2U _____
155 V
45
a. C a,
40'
'1'
'
1
.
i:
-S
IH1t
30 25 20 -
H r.
125
S.-
-____
-*S.
ltS.l'
'::
2k
-.-
tii:
250 500
1k
ii
4k
81
Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) Figure 4.9 Averaged frequency spectrum for normal speech
much emphasis on the lower frequency region as often Reverberation happenswhen systems are either incorrectly equalized or Echoes and reverberation are discussedabove. For speech worsestill not equalized at all. Figure 4.9shows an averaged it is generally regarded that some reverberation is beneficial with an optimum reverberation time range around frequency spectrumfor normal speech. 0.8s minimum to 1.2s maximum; the volume of the space ratio or room and the way the reverberation time changes with Signal-to-noise or such as that from traffic noise, Background machinery, frequency are also important. At around l.5s a watershed other people, for example spectator crowd noise, can would appear to occur, with intelligibility decreasing adversely affect speech intelligibility by 'masking' the rapidly. Whilst the reverberation time is important, the necessary higher frequency components. A number of primary factor is in fact the ratio of direct-to-reverberant rules of thumb have been established for producing signal, i.e. the ratio of that signal heard directly from the intelligible speech over background noise and typically loudspeaker to that heard from the reflections off nearby range from around +3 dBA to +10 or 12 dBA. The signal- surfaces, and multiple reflections occurring within the to-noise ratio required depends heavily on the spectral body of the room. There is no clear cut-off between contentor frequency make-up ofthe noise. The effect has 'useful' and deterimental reflections as it very much been extremely well researched and a standardized dependson the circumstances of each case. However,the method of assessing the degree of intelligibility from a generally accepted range is from 20 to 50ms, with 35 ms given noise spectrumand level can be used, this being a often being taken. standard methodreferred to earlier. Other characteristics The required ratio of direct-to-reverberant signal for ofthe noise such as its variance with time or the presence intelligible speech is highly dependent on the overall of any pure tone components, for example, must also be reverberation time of the space. For example, a much taken into account. higherratiois requiredin a cathedralwith areverberation Apartfrom the signal-to-noiseratio, the absolute level of time of say7 s, than a similar-sized building with an RT of the speech signal must also be considered. At levels much only 2 or 3 s. It is interesting to note, as will be shown later, over 90 dB, for example, the intelligibilityin fact begins to thatgoodintelligibilitycan be obtained even with negative
decrease.
D/R ratios.
128
Acoustics
Table 4.3 Al method/weightings Articulation index calculation table

14
OBCF (Hz)
Speech peaks minus noise (dB)
Weight
Contribution to articulation index
Relationship between articulation index,

200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1K 1.25 K
0.000 4 0.001 0 0.001 0 0.001 4
Communication and speech privacy

EXCELLENT
COOL
4 0.002 0 0.002 0 0.002 4 0.003 0

0.001
"
ou
NIL
1.6 K
2K
4K
2.5 K 3.15 K
0.003 7 0.003 7 0.003 4 0.003 4
VE8VL0L
5K
0.0024
0.002 0
/
02
,
ARIl(ULAIII)N
04
LEO
08
Having now established the basic factors affecting ity. Although a generalized subjective responsescale can speech intelligibility, measurement techniques can be be formulated for example: studied. 0.2 or less unacceptable Arliculalion index 0.20.3 marginal The articulation index is a longstanding methodfor rating the effect of background noise on speech intelligibility with its procedure formally adopted in an American SPEECH LEVEL MINUS NOISE LEVELdBA Standard (ANSI 53.5). 0 +3 +6 *9 +12 " LESt XII(XIII'lALIX the ratio between the Basically signal-to-noise speech signal and the backgroundnoise in each of 20 one-third 'II, octave bands is measured. The 20 S/N ratios are then N(ES I,lSTENERS yf PRESENTATION individually weighted according to the speech informaTI) LISTEXERSI tion content contained within a given band. Theweighted /7/ PB WORDS SINGLESYLLABLE values are then combined to give a single overall value 111 1000DIFFERENT WLJRDSL WHITE referred to as the articulationindex (Al). The method in T7 I1OWN ASWERS fact operates using the rms levels of speech peaks, a / NONSENSE /N B 1000DIFFERENTSYILABLESI r +12 dB correction factor being adopted to convert the long-term rms speech level to the equivalent short-term 50 RHY\IETESTS peak level. Table 4.3 illustrates the basic method and TESTVOCABUIAR) LIMITED weightings.Other corrections are also made for very high " TI) 256 PB WORDS noise levels (above 80 dB) where the effectof background masking is more marked. The masking effect of one 34 frequency band on another is also corrected for. It is NOTE THESERELATIONS ARE interesting to note that the method assumes that at S/N APPROXIMATE. THEN OEPEDUPON J IPE (IF MATERIAL AND SKILL OF ratios of 30dB or more, no masking of the wanted signal TALKERS i AND LISTENERS. the noise occurs. This be with the by may compared RASTI/STI and % Alcons methods discussed later. Although a further correction for reverberation time 0 01 02 0.3 04 05 00 09 10 canbe applied, for example reducingthe overall AT by 0.1 AWrIcLILArION INDEX for a 1 s RT or by 0.24for a 2s RT, it is generally agreed that these RT corrections are not particularly effective. Figure 4.10 Intelligibilitycurves. Relationship between The Al uses a scale from 0 to 1.0 where 0 is total articulation index and various measuresofspeech intelligibility unintelligibility and 1.0 is equivalent to 100% intelligibil- and signal to noise ratio ('A' weighting)
12 9 6 3
'
t
I
,'
(1.8
117
Sound systems
ant (reflected energy) ratio. From these two parameters the equivalent % Alcons can be computed. Oneofthe most useful features ofthe % Aicons method >0.7 is that one can correlate measurement with prediction, and the % Alcons is still effectivelythe only method we As previously described, the subjective rating heavily have of predicting the potentialintelligibility of a sound depends upon the type of speech information being system before it is installed. imparted. Figure 4.10 compares the Al to various types of Using the established simple formula: speech signal, for example from a known limited vocabu200 D2 T2 (n + 1) + K laryofwords to completesentences or single words which % Alcons = do not have any contextual clues to help identif' them. QVm Figure 4.10 providesan extremely useful set ofintelligibility curves, clearly showing that when the subject is Alternatively: requiredonly to understand a limited numberofwords or % Alcons = 100 (10-2[(A+BC) -ABC]) + 0.015 familiar sentences, a much lowerAl can be tolerated than when listening for the first time. Equally, the effect of where
0.30.4 0.40.5 0.50.6
acceptable/fair good very good excellent
removing the context from around a given word, e.g. / LR+LN when it is used in a sentence, can be seen clearly with 1 A= 1 forA> much higher Al scores (and hence S/N ratios) being A=0.321og( \1OLD+LR+LN) required. A simplified version of the Al procedure usingjust 5 / LN \ octave bandsis also available, but its accuracy is not up to B=0.321og{ )forB1,B=1 the full 20-band test. In the absence of measured speech \1OLR+ LN/ level data, the Al method provides an idealized speech spectrum (male speech) which has an overall equivalent C = 0.5 log level of65dBC at 1 m (dBC is used rather than dBAas this (Rmo) latter weighting too severely attenuates the lower where: frequencies).
Subjective testing
A number of procedures are available for objectively testing the intelligibility of a sound system using live listeners. Generaly speaking, specially-prepared phonetically-balanced word lists are used, read out either implanting the test word in a non-contextual carrier sentence so as to excite room reverberation or as individual and separate wordswith an appropriatespacing between them. The words are then either ticked offon a multiple answer sheet or written down as they are heard. The percentage intelligibilityis then calculated by determiningthe numberofcorrectanswers and expressing this as a percentage. By usingthe curves shownin Figure 4.10, the test scores can also be expressed in terms of other indices such as the articulation index. In order to be statistically valid, lists containing at least 50 words need to be employed, with severalsessions,locations and listeners. The quality ofthe reproductionof the words on the listis of crucial importance.
= listener distance to source (in m) = Reverberation time (in s) n+1 = number of like sources (groups of LS) contribut-
Q
V
ing to the reverberantfield = loudspeaker directivity (axial factor)

= volume of the space = critical distance modifier where m =
1+cx
1c
= average absorption coefficient of the room = average absorption coefficient of surface covered by the loudspeakers K = listener correction factor, e.g. 1.5% for good listener LR = reverberant sound level (dB power ratio) LD = direct sound level (dB power ratio) LN = ambient noise level (dB power ratio) RT6o= reverberation time: that taken for sound pressure level to fall by 60dB ratiomeasurements Percentage alcons: direct/reverberant The % Alcons scale is not quite as sophisticated or well Direct percentage Alcons (percentage loss ofconsonants) defined as the Al or the RASTI/STI scales which will be testing, although based on concepts dating back to the covered next. The concept works more as a series of 1960s and early l970s, is in fact a relatively new measurebands: ment technique. Essentially the method measures the ratio of the direct to reverberant sound components not acceptable except for very simple or well >15% received from a sound system or test loudspeaker at a known messages typicallistening position. The measurement is carried out 1510% acceptable for general messages of low in the 2kHz band only, althoughmeasurements at other complexity frequencies are often carried out to give a more detailed 510% good picture of a particularsystem. excellent <5% The measurementrequires the use of a highly sophisticated and computerized instrument. The % Alcons is The effect of background noise can also be taken into obtainedby measuring the RT andthe direct-to-reverber- accountusing a second, more complex, formula.
c
130
Figure 4.11 Soundsvstem clustei The Olympia, East Kilbride While very good correlations can be obtained between the D/R ratio at 2 kHz and %Alcons/intelligibility,using this technique only tests the system over one frequency band. The method effectively assumes that the system is well behaved and controlled at other frequencies. It is therefore essential to carry out supplementary measurements such as overall frequency response and impulse response (D/R ratios) at other frequencies, for example 500 Hz, 1 kHz and 4kHz. reverberation components. The reduction in the modulation transfer function is measured over a range of 14 modulating frequencies at the 7 normal octave band 'carrier' frequencies of 125Hz to 12.5kHz. The result is that a 98-point measurement matrixis produced, i.e. 7 X 14. Each set of 14 MTFs is reduced down to a single transmission index value. The 7 individual transmission index values are then weighted and further combinedto produce a single-figure value, the speech transmission index (STI). A direct and strong correlation between STI and perceived intelligibilityhas been shown to occurand a simple rating scale has been devised. The scale operates from 0 to 1.0 and is divided into 5 categorized bands from 'bad' to 'excellent' as shown below: Bad Poor Fair Good Excellent
Speech transmission tests (STJand RAST1) The speech transmissionindex (STI) and its shorter derivative, RASTI, are the newest and most complex intelligibilitymeasurement techniques currently available.
It is only the adventof modern microprocessor and desk topcomputer technology that have enabledthe technique 00.3 0.30.45 0.450.6 0.60.75 0.751.0 to be implemented on a practical basis. The STI is not as such based on an impulse/direct The values which correspondto 5, 10 and 15% Alcons reverberantratio type of technique, but instead measures are 0.65, 0.52 and 0.45, respectively. In use the scales have the modulation transfer function (MTF) between source been found to be extremely sensitive; for example, the and receiver. The test signal can be thought of as a author's living room sound system only measuring 0.85.
complex modulated carrier whereby the modulation depth of the received signal is compared to the perfect (100% modulation) originally transmitted signal. The signal path, both electronic and acoustic, between the origination source andthe receiver modifies and degrades the modulation of the signal by adding noise and
The STI intelligibility measurement technique automatically takes both backgroundnoise and reverberation into account. Furthermore, because the measurement is under automatic computer control there are no operator decisions to make, such as where to place integration and
divisional cursors. However, setting
up a measurement
Sound systems
131
system to give valid results does require some experience and skill, particularly setting up relative levels through a sound system. Setting the correct operating level is obviously essential if the equivalent speech level to background noise is to be accurately accountedfor. As can be imagined from the 98-point measurement matrix, the measurement and calculation ofthe STI takes considerable computing power. In order to reduce the complexity of the measurement and the measurement time and hence the required computer power, a simpler derivativeofthe full STI method has been developed. The rapid speech transmission index (RASTI) carries out systemmeasurements at only 500 Hz and2 kHzand atjust 9 (shared) modulationfrequencies. This has enabled a dedicated hard-wired system to be developed. The advantage of the Bruel & Kjaer RASTI system is that the transmitter andreceiver are totallyindependentunits and so require no loop-back interconnection cabling. The B&K RASTI equipment can carry out the foreshortened STI in just 16 to 32s. Themajordisadvantage ofthe RASTI method is that no information is gatheredover the whole operatingrange of a sound system, e.g. at 125 and 250 Hz at low to mid frequencies and at 4 and 8kHz at the upper end. The systeminherently assumes that both the system and space it is in are reasonably linear. This, however,is frequently far from being the case and an overly optimistic (or sometimes pessimistic) view of the situation is presented. At present RASTI is the only method that has been formalized and recognized within the International Standards (lEG 268) and so is rapidly gaining authority as a reference. It is subject to misinterpretation as it is often takenas a measure of the overall systemquality. This is not what it is intended for, nor how it should be used.
Measurements at only 500 Hz and 2 kHz cannot possibly define the complete performanceof a sound system. A major advantage of STI and RASTI is the ability to readily carry out 'what if' speculations and predictions by post-processingthe noise componentdata; for example, if measurements were taken during a quiet period, it is possible to manually input new noise data and get a recalculated STI. In some implementations of STI and RASTI it is possible to completely isolate out the noise component and so see the effect due to reverberation alone. An increment of 3 dB in the signal-to-noise ratio increases the STI by 0.1 whereas a doublingofearly decay time (see Chapter 2 for definition) decreases the STI by 0.15. RASTI/STI assumes that S/N ratios >15dB do not influence the potentialintelligibilityanyfurther (cf. 25 dB % Alcons and 30 dB for At). In a similar manner to % Alcons, STI can be predicted butit takes a relativelycomplex computerprogramto do this. Although RASTI and STI measurements are reasonably straightforward to make, setting up the system particularly with regard to signal-to-noiseratio is highly critical. Under certain conditions it is quite feasible to obtain false readings.
References 1. BS 6259: 1997 Code of Practice for design planning, installation and maintenance ofsound systems 2. BS 5839 Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 3. BS 7443: 1991 Specficationfor soundsystemsfor emergency purposes, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes 4. BS 7594: 1993 Code of Practice for Audio-Frequency InductionLoop Systems (AFILS)
Chapter 5 Technical information

David Saunders
begin to sense sound painful when the sound pressureis around 20 Pa. Atmospheric pressurehas a value of i05 Pa. I pascal = 106 micropascal (pPa) = 1 newton/metre2 (N/rn2) = 10microbar (pbar)
Range ofhuman hearing: Most healthy young people will be able to hear sounds with frequencies that range from around 20Hz to 18 000 kHz (k is used to denote a factor of 1000). As peopleget older the high frequency acuityof Definitions the ear deteriorates and this deterioration will be accentuated byprolongedexposure to high noise levels (85dBA Basic concepts and above). Analogue and digital signals: Analogue signals are signals that vary continuously with time, for example, the sound Prevention of hearing damage: The Noise at Work pressure from a noise source. A digital signal is a signal Regulations 1989 definethree actionlevels for employees that only hasvalues at discrete time intervals. Itis obtained at work by sampling an analogue signal at fixed time periods. First Action Level: 85 dB LAeq,8h Much present-day analysis equipment works with digital Second Action Level: 90 dB LAeq,8h signals. Peak Action Level: 140dB Angular frequency: The angularfrequency,w, is related to Protection must be provided to employeesexposed to the the frequency, by second or peak action levels. An employee may request Ct) = 2 X rr X frad/s. hearing protection if they are exposed to the first action Anharmonic: A frequency of a system which bears no level. Sound: Sound is one form of energy: it is the energy of simple relationship to the fundamentalfrequency. mechanical vibration of the molecules of a medium Frequency: If vibrations are given to a medium in a throughwhich the sound is passing. Unlike lightandheat, regular manner then a regular progression of pressure sound must have a medium to propagate through. The maxima and minima will be observed at any point in the most commonmedium is air; however, sound will travel medium. When two adjacentmaxima or minima, or for well most media. through that matter any two adjacentpaths of equalpressure, pass the points, we say that onecomplete cyclehas passed. The Sound pressure/acousticpressure: When a sound wave numberofsuchcycleswhich pass per second is referredto propagates in air there are local variations in the air as the frequency of the wave. pressure. At anypoint the pressure will oscillate about the In practice, sources do not generally produce single ambient pressure. These oscillations are known as the frequencies although, for example, fans do tend to sound pressure or acoustic pressure and itis these changes produce a characteristic tone which is associated with a in pressure which the ear detects and which, to a large particular frequency. However, most sources will tend to extent, determine the loudness of a sound. For normal produce sound that is composed of many different sounds the soundpressures are extremely small compared with the ambient atmospheric pressure. The smallest frequencies covering a wide range. The frequency ofa soundis a very importantcharacter- changes that the human ear can detect are about ten istic as many acoustic phenomena are frequency thousand million times less than atmospheric pressure while sounds which cause pain are about one thousand dependent. Fundamental frequency: The lowest frequency of oscilla- times less than atmospheric pressure (Table 5.1). tion of a system. Soundsources: Anysolid objectthat vibratesmechanically Harmonic: A frequency of a system which is integrally can communicate the vibrations with the surrounding medium and generate sound. Sound is also commonly related to the fundamentalfrequency. generated by objects moving through a medium (e.g. Hertz (Hz): Herizis the unit offrequency; it is the same as blades ofa fan moving through air) and by turbulence in cycles per second. gases and liquids (e.g.jeteffluxes andturbulentflowofair Noise: Noise is the term often used to describe unwanted and liquids in ducts and pipes). sound, i.e. sound that annoys, interferes with activities or Sound wave: When sound energy travels through a damages hearing. It is also usedto describe a combination medium, a sound wave is said to be propagating. The ofsounds which vary randomly with time and which cover speed of the wave or the speed at which energy travels a wide frequency range such as the sound producedby a from one point to another depends on the medium: in jet engine or many industrial processes. general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids and faster in liquids than in gases. The speed of soundin air is Pascal (Pa): Pascal is the unit of pressure and so sound around 340 rn/s although it will depend on the air pressures are measured in pascals. The smallest sound pressure that the average human temperature. ear can detect is around 2 X l0- pascal (Pa). Humans Velocity (m/s) = 331 + 0.6 X temperature (C)
Technical infonnation
133
Table5.1 Sound pressure level-s ofcommonsounds

Typical
Source level (dBA)
Home Rural interior, watch ticking, calm breathing Refrigerator Normal voice Washing machine, wash cycle Food blender Babyscreaming Office
15
45 60 63 84
100
Addition of attenuations: The way attenuations are added will depend on whether the attenuations are all in the Reference same acoustic path or not. This can be illustrated by some distance simple examples. (m) (a) If a number of silencing units are placed one after another in a length ofduct then the total attenuation will be the arithmetic sum ofthe attenuations given by each unit. 1 Ifa number ofidentical ducts all open into the same (b) 0.5 room and each containsone silencing unit then the 1 total attenuation will only be the attenuation pro0.5 duced by one unit. If the silencing units each give 0.5 different attenuations R1, R2.. . R dB then the total 0.15
Units ofmeasurement
attenuationis
Computerdisc drive Open office, general activity Laser printer Dotmatrixprinter

Industry Metal fabrication workshop Bottling hall Gas turbinegeneratorhall Transport
59 60 64 82
1 1
92 95 92
attenuation = 10 log n 10 log (b_Ri/b + 1O_1/b0 +. . .+ i0') dB This assumes the ducts each carry the same acoustic energy. If this is not so, a total attenuationcannot be obtained and the sound level from each path should be determinedseparately and the total level obtained by summing the individual levels. (c) If the attenuations over the top andaround the ends of a finite barrier are R1, 1-?2 and R3dB then the total attenuationprovided by the barrier is attenuation = 10 log (io_R1/10 + 10-1u,'io +
10_1/b0) dB
Insidestationarycar, engineon Insidemedium-sizecar, 35 mph Insidemedium-sizecar, 60mph

Powerboat InsideInter-CityPullman Insideaircraft Dieselfreighttrain,passing at Inter-Citytrainat 125 mph Motorway(40 000 V/18 h) BelowBoeing 757 taking off BelowBoeing 757 landing Beside racing track
57 68 76 63 65 78
Attenuations can be added two at a time using the chart given in Figure 5.1.
100
70mph
80 (peak)
83
82
50 50 650 260
10
80 (L10, 18h)
84
Attenuation: The reduction in a sound signal produced by some process or device is referred to as attenuation. Attenuation is commonly expressed in decibels in which case attenuation = 10 X log10 (I/4) dB
where is the intensity at the receiver without attenuation, and 'a is the intensity at the receiver with
attenuation. Averaging noise levels: The way in which a number of noise levels are averaged depends on the circumstances. If, for example, a number of measures are taken of an environmental noise on different occasions, then it would be appropriateto takethe arithmetic meanofthe levels to find the representative average of the levels, i.e. However, if a number of sound levels are taken in a reverberant field then the logarithmic average is the appropriateaverage to take as this represents the mean energy value of the field
95 (peaks)
Leisure In a swimmingpool Arcade games Firingrange:.22 rifle Firingrange:.38 pistol

Music
7585 8292
138 (peak) 157 (peak)
0.3 0.3
I= (L.i+L2+Is+...+L)/ndB
= 10 X
log10((10'P1i'0
Orchestral music in concert hall,excludingquietpassages Discotheque music Live pop music venue
7895 101
107
+ 10Lp2/10 +. .
Outside Suburban streetat night Citycentrestreetonpavement
40 75
or
l0'p'')/n)
dB
= 10 X log1o(10'P1"10 +
10Lpn/10) 10
logn dB
134
0
a a
C..
20
4) ci
rI
4)
15
U) 'U
aa
0
.4)
a C
4)
4)
4
C.
10
0a a
13
11
r1
.4)
o
ci
I
E
C.
LI-
a
C. C.
Higher Attenuation
Figure 5.1 Adding attenuations
Lower Attenuation
CaB)
Combination of sound from several sources: When a number of noise sources operate simultaneously the total sound pressure level is
L = 10 X logio(10PU'lO + 10Lp2/10+ 10LPn/1O) L,,, L2, L,, are

individual
dB
sources.
the sound pressure levels of the
Alternatively, the total level can be found using the chart shown in Figure 5.2. Using this chart, the individual noise levels must be added two at a time. For example, to add 80, 82, 84 and 86dB, the procedureis: (i) Difference between 82 and 80 is 2, hence the correction is 2.1 dB and the total level 84.1 dB. (ii) Difference between 86 and84dB is 2, the correction is 2.1 dB and the total level 88.1 dB. (iii) Difference between 88.1 and 84.1 is 4dB, the correction is 1.5dB and the total level 89.6dB.
Decibel (dB): The decibel is the unit that is used as a measure ofa number ofacoustical quantities. The decibel is equal to 10 bels andthe bel is a logarithmic unit,strictly the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of two power related quantities. In the field of acoustics the decibel is commonly used as the unit for sound pressure level, sound intensity level and sound power level. Other assessment units which inherently depend on these quantities will also have the decibel as theirunit.
factor (0: The directivityfactoris the ratio of the intensity in a given direction from a source to the intensity in the same direction had the source radiated uniformly. For a particular source Q would normally be determinedby measurement in an anechoic room.
Directivity Directivity index (DI): The directivityindex is defined as DI = 10 x log10 QdB
An approximate way to add sources is Difference (dB)

0
1
where Q is the directivity factor of the source in a given

direction.
Correction (dB)
3 3 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
2 3 4 5 6 7
Intensity level: Intensity level is often used instead of sound intensity level. Relation between sound power level and sound pressure level: For a source that radiates uniformly, the sound pressure level, L., at a distance rmetres from the sourceis
given by:
or
L= Lp2OXlog10rlldB
L.=10Xlog10P20Xlog40r+109dB
8
9
135
DD 4-.-
nqj
WI-I
-I-il
> OW
OW .r1C Ui-I
CL WI
L
4J
:1.
LO
U
Q4J
0
0
jo
(MB)
Difference Between Levels

Figure 5.2 Adding noise sources
will be the A-weighted sound level if

A-weighted.
L or P is
If the sourceradiates non-uniformly then the equations must be modified to

=
20
X log10 r 11 + DI dB
as, for example, when measuring sound intensity directly with an intensity probe. The sound intensity level should always be quotedwith a reference quantity, e.g. 120dB re 10_12 W/m2. Sound pressure level: The sound pressure level, L,, is defined as
L,1
or
where p is the sound pressure and p is a reference where DI is the directivity index of the source in the pressure which for propagationin air has the value 2 X direction of i Sound intensity level: The sound intensity level, IL, is defined as
L1
= 10 X log10 P 20 X log10 r+ 109 + DI dB
= 20 X log10 (p/p0) dB
Hence,as 20 X log (2 X 10-/2 X 10) = 0, a sound pressure level ofzero dB is equivalent to a sound pressure
iO- Pa.
of2 X
= 10 X log10 (I/Is) dB
where I is the acoustic intensity which is defined as the power passing through a unit area perpendicular to the direction of travel of the power. Intensity, therefore, has units of watts per square metre (W/m2). is a reference intensitywhich forpropagation in air is chosen as 10_12 W/m2. In many cases the sound pressure level and the sound intensity level have the same numerical value for a given sound and they can be used synonymously. However, circumstances do exist where this equivalence does not hold andthus itis better if the sound intensity level is used exclusively fordescribing the ratiooftwo sound intensities
Also, as 20 X log10 (20/2 X 10-s) = 120, a sound pressure level of 120 dB is equivalent to a sound pressure of20 Pa. The normal range ofhumanhearingthus covers the range 0 to 120dB. When a sound pressure level is given it should always have an associated reference quantity, e.g. 120dB re 2 X An increase of 3dB in the sound pressure level of a noise is thought to be the smallest change that is subjectively definitely noticeable under normal testing conditions. An increase of 10 dB on average represents a doublingin loudness of the noise. Sound level/noiselevel: Sound level and noise level are often used instead of sound pressure level.
iO-5 Pa.
i-
Pa.
136
0
113
0
0
.1.1
A.
U
CC-
C-)
0
(U
0
113
0 0
0 0
(U
0 0
113
0 0 0
(Hz)
0 0 0
(U
0 0 0
113
Frequency
Figure 5.3 AD weightings
0 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 (U
instrumentbetween the microphone and the display. The A-weightingattenuateslow and high frequencies relative to 1000Hz. The standardA-weighting curve is shown in Figure 5.3 and detailed in Table 5.2. The A-weightingis where Pis the acoustic power of the source in watts (W), the most frequently-usedweighting network, especiallyfor and P0 is a reference sound power chosen in air to be rating environmental noise. 10-12 W As 10 X log10 (1/10_12) = 120, 1 acoustic watt is B-weighting:The B-weighting is similar to the A-weighting equivalent to a sound power level of 120dB re 10_12 W except that there is less attenuationat low frequencies as = shownin Figure 5.3 andTable 5.2. The B-weightingis little 10 X + dB log10 (P) 120 L. used. Source on a reflective plane:When a source, assumed to radiate uniformly is placed on a reflective plane, e.g. on a concretesurface, the energy radiatedabove the plane is C-weighting: The C-weighting is essentially flat except effectivelydoubled. The source directivity factoris 2 and below 50 Hz andabove 5000Hz as shown in Figure 5.3 and Table 5.2. It is not often used although it has been the directivitv index is 3dB. Hence, suggested that it should be usedto describe low-frequency short-duration events. L.=L20 X log10 r8dB
Sound power level: The sound power level, LD is defined as = 10 X log10 (P/P0) dB
or
Constant bandwidth filters: These are filters that have a bandwidth which is constant independent of the band Fora source at thejunction between two reflecting planes, centre frequency. e.g. a door in a wall on a hard ground, DI is 6dB. Digital filters: Digital filters are computer algorithms which filter digital signals in the same way that electrical Weightingnetworks andfrequency bands networks filter analogue signals. A-weighting: Human hearing is not equally sensitiveat all frequencies. In addition, the variation with frequency is a Fast Fourier transform: The Fourier transform is a functionof the sound pressure level. To try and account method for transposing information in the time domain for this variation when measuring sound, electronic to information in the frequency domain. The fast Fourweighting networks are incorporated in the measuring ier transform (FF1) is a computational algorithm which
L = 10 X log10 P 20 X log10 r+ 112dB
Technical information
137
Table5.2 Specificationofweightingnetworks
Frequency
Curve A
(dB) 70.4 63.4 56.7 50.5 44.7 39.4 34.6 30.2 26.2 22.5
19.1 16.1
CurveB
(dB)
38.2 33.2 28.5 24.2 20.4
17.1 14.2 11.6 9.3 7.4 5.6 4.2 3.0 2.0 1.3 0.8 0.5
Curve C
(dB) 14.3 11.2
8.5 6.2 4.4 3.0 2.0 1.3 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.1
(Hz) 10 12.5 16 20 25 31.5
40 50
63 80 100 125 160 200 250 315
13.4 10.9
8.6 6.6 4.8 3.2 1.9 0.8
400 500 630 800

1 000 1 250 1 600
-.0.3
0.1
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0
Octave band filter: An octave band filter is an electrical network which allows frequencies within the octaveto pass unattenuatedbut reducesfrequencies outsidethe octave Curve D to an insignificantlevel.Frequenciesjustbeyond the limits (dB) of the band are notalways reducedto a level atwhich they do notcontributeto the band. Theperformanceofa filter 27.6 in these regions will dependmuchon its design. Thereare 25.6 a number of different classes of filter with differing 23.5 attenuation rates at the filter limits. The octave band sound pressure level, L, can be 21.6 19.6 obtained from the one-third octave level L)1, L2 and 17.6 by summing the levels as incoherent sources, i.e. 15.6 = 10 log [10LP1/1Q + 102110 + 103/10] dB 13.6 11.6 or by adding the levels two at a time using Figure 5.2. 9.6 Octave band sound pressure level: The sound pressure 7.8 level measured when only frequencies within an octaveare 6.0 passed is known as the octave band sound pressurelevel. 4.4 Analysis of noise into octave bands is frequently used in 3.1 the assessment ofa noise climate.
1.9 1.0 0.3
0.0
0.1 0.4
0.0
0.6
1.0 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.5
0.1 1.1 2.5 4.3 6.6 9.3
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0

0.1 0.2 0.3
0.0
0.1
2000 2500 3150 4000 5000 6300 8000 10000 12500 16000 20000
-0.2
-.0.4
0.7 1.2 1.9 2.9 4.3 6.1 8.4 11.1
-.0.5
0.8 1.3 2.0 3.0
0.0 1.9 5.4 8.0 10.0 11.0

10.9
Octave band spectrum: Whenthe soundpressurelevels in octaves are plotted against the centrefrequencies adjacent of the octave bands this is known as an octave band spectrum. It is accepted practice to plot the centre frequencies at equally-spaced intervals, i.e. on a loga-
rithmicscale.
4.4
6.2 8.5 11.2
10.0 8.5 6.0 3.0

0.4 4.4 8.1
One-third octave band: Two frequencies are said to be one-thirdoctave apart if the frequency of one is 1.26, or more precisely 10015, times the other. There are three one-third octaves in each octave band. The standard centre frequencies and bandwidths of one-third octaves are shown in Table 5.3. The width of a one-thirdoctave band is 23% of the band centre frequency.
Environmental noise measures A-weighted sound pressure level: This is the sound pressurelevel measuredusing an A-weightingnetwork to filterthe sound. Thesoundpressure level has units ofdBA
so the soundlevel would be given, for example, as 80dBA or more correctly as 80 dBAre 2 X iO- Pa. The A-weighted sound pressure level is the basic used in most environmental noise assessment at much measure greater speeds. performs the transformation The FF1' will produce a frequency spectrum where the indices and schemes. frequency information is at fixed frequency intervals. Calculation of A-weighted sound pressure level from The frequency spacing depends upon the time intervals octave band sound pressure levels: The A-weighting between the original data samples and the total number attenuation for the centre frequency of each octave is of time domain samples. added arithmetically to the octave band sound pressure Linear-weighting There is no standard linear weighting. level andthe resulting levels are added togetherconsiderIn general it should have a flat unattenuated response ing them to be separate noise sources (see combination of sound from several sources), e.g. between 2Hz and 20 kHz. 125 250 500 1 k 2 k 4 k 8 k O.B.C.F (Hz) Octave band: Two frequencies are said to be an octave O.B. 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 if of one is or more twice, precisely L1, (dB) apart the frequency the of the other. 1003, A-weighting frequency 16.1 8.6 3.2 0 +1.2 +1.0 1.1 (dB) Contiguous octavebandshave centre fre9uencies which The centre O.B. are also related by a factor of two (1003). A-weighted 63.9 71.4 76.8 80 81.2 81 78.9 L,,, (dB) frequencies andbandwidths ofstandard octave bandsare
shown in Table 5.3. An octave bandwidth increases as the centre frequency ofthe band increases. Eachbandwidth is 70% of the band centre frequency.
A-weighted level = 10 X log (10639 + 10714 + 108 + 10812 + 108.1 + 10789)
10
A-weightedL.,, = 87dBA
138
Acoustics
Table 5.3 Octave andone-third octavecentrefrequenciesand band limitfrequencies
Standardfrequencies (Hz)
Octave Third-octave Centre Centre
Band No.
14 15
Preferred centre frequency (Hz) 25 31.5
Band limits
22.39
Band limits
22.39
25.12 28.18 31.62 44.67 31.62 35.48 39.81
16
17
40 50 63 80
89.13 100
125 125.89
44.67
50.12
18 19 20
21 22
56.23
63.10 63.10 70.79 79.43 89.13 100.00 112.20
125.89 141.25
160 177.83 200 250
158.49 177.83 199.53 223.87 281.84 354.81
23 24
25
251.19
251.19 316.23
315 400
500
501.19
26
27
354.81 398.11
446.68
501.19
28 29
30 31
630
707.95 800 1 000 1 250 1 412.54
1 600
1
562.34 630.96 707.95 794.33 891.25

1 1
000.00
000.00 1122.02 258.93

1 412.54
1 778.28
32 33 34
35 36 37
38 39
1 584.89 1 995.26 1 995.26
2 000 2500
2 238.72
3 150
4000
2 818.38
3981.07
2511.89
3 162.28
3981.07
2 818.38 3 548.13
5000
6 300 8 000
10 000
11 220.18
5 623.41
7 943.28
5011.87 6 309.57 7 943.28

10 000.00
4 466.84
5 623.41
7 079.46 8 912.51
11 220.18
40
139
Average sound level, L, This is the same as the For example, if a source of noise level 100dB is on for 0.5 h in 8 h its effective 8-h Leq will be equivalent continuous sound level Leq.
= Correctednoise level (CNL):This is the A-weighted sound Leq,81i 100 + 10 log 0.5/8 level which has been modified to take account of pressure = Leq,8h 88dB any distinguishable characteristics of the noise. It is defined in BS 4142. Remember tand Tmusthave the same units, whetherit is If the noise has a noticeable tonal component, e.g. a seconds, hours or days. whine or hiss, is impulsive or in any way is such that it The corrections to obtain the value can be obtained draws attention to itself, then 5 dBA is added to the from the chart shown in FigureLeq 5.4. measured sound level. If one or many distinguishing features exist, 5 dBA is only added once. Percentageon-time Day/night equivalent sound level, DNL (LON): This is a 0.1 0.5 5 10 50 100 rating, based on the equivalent continuous sound level 0 Leqwhich has its origins in the USA. The acoustic energy is averaged over a 24-h period but the noise level during the night-time period (22:0007:00 hours) is penalized C C by the addition of 10dBA. 0 a) 22 0 1 0 10LA/1O dt C LDN = 10 log [ I 0 [24
+
J22 J7
r7
a)
'" dt
dBA
where LA is the instantaneous A-weighted sound pressure level. For effectively constant noise levels an estimation of LDN can be made in the same way as the normal Leq 5
dB
to measured noiselevel forpercentage Figure 5.4 Correction

on-time
estimated (see above). LDN has found widespread acceptance in the USA for environmental noise assessment.
Ifthere are a numberofsources the corrections can be T (dB): The applied to each source in turn and then the total Equivalent continuous sound level, Leq i' continuous equivalent sound level, Leq,1' is a notional obtained decibel addition, by e.g. soundlevel. It is the soundlevel which ifmaintainedfor a On time Correction Corrected given length of time would produce the same acoustic Source Level level (dBA) (h) (dBA) as a noise over the same time energy fluctuating period. It is defined mathematically as 1 80 4 3 77
Iii p2 (t) dtl1dB r=lOXlogIl

[Ti
2 3
85 77
2 8
wherep(t) is the acoustic pressure which varies with time; Tis the total time over which the Leq,TiS calculated; p is 2 X iO Pa. If p(t) is A-weighted before the Leq,T15 calculated then the Leq.Twill have units of dBA. The above formula is implemented electronicallyin all good sound level meters and it is customary to measure rather than calculate the equivalent continuous sound The individual noises can be all on together, on level. It should be remembered that any value of Leq,r separately,or overlap.Itwill makeno difference to the Leq should be accompanied by the time over which it was level. measured. Leq, T is widely used to measure any environMaximum sound pressure level, This is the maxmental noise which varies considerably with time. imum value of the sound pressure level that occurs during Estimation of the equivalent continuous sound level: It is any given period.Itsvalue will depend upon the frequency possibleto estimate the equivalent continuous sound level weighting and meter time characteristic. The maximum for a source or numberof sources if theyhave effectively slowA-weightedsound level during an aircraft flyover is constantnoise levels over known periods of time. used in the assessment of aircraft noise (see 'perceived Ifa sourceofnoise level, L,, is on for a period of time noise level'). then the Leq value, over a period T where T is greater than or equal to t is Minimumsoundpressurelevel, This is the minimum soundlevel that occurs duringany given period.It is little = used in assessment procedures, comparedto L10. Leq, r L1, + 10 log t/TdB
8-hour Leq = 10 log + iO' + one use Alternatively, may Leq,8h = l0141,'10 x t1 + .. . + 10'-P" 10 log T L1 is soundpressurelevel which is on for time t1, etc. So, for the above example, the 8-hour Leq = 10 log (108 X 4 + 1085 X 2 + X 8) 10 log 8 = 82.5dB.
(10
10)
79 77 = 82.5dB
iO
l.:
140
Noise andnumber index, NNI: This is an indexwhich was where p(t) is the sound pressure which varies with time used in the UK for rating aircraft noise until 1990. It is over the period T The soundpressureis oftenA-weighted before the SEL is calculated. defined as The sound exposure level is related to continuous NNI = averagepeak perceived noise level + equivalent level by 15 logN-8O = SEL 10 log T dB 1-Seq. where Nis the number of aircraft having a PNL greater where T is the time in seconds over which the Leq is than 80 PNdB in the specifiedperiod.The average PNL is required. given by If identical SEL values occur in the time 7 the Leq is N given by 1 10 log I 4q,T = SEL 10 log T+ 10 log NdB IloL/N I dB If the events are not identical then the 4q equivalent of each event must be found and then the total whereL is the peak value of PNL during the passage of calculated by adding the individual Leq values as decibels the ith aircraft. are added. NNI has been replaced by 'tq, P An approximate relationship between NNI and the 16-h Statistical level, L1: This is the sound pressure level that is A-weighted Leq is exceeded for 1% of the measurement time. It gives an indication of the maximum sound levels that occur. NNI 16-h Leq (dBA) 35 57 Statistical level, L10: This is the sound pressure level that is 45 63 exceeded for 10% of the measurement time. Conse55 69 quently it isindicative ofthe higher levels that occurin the Peak sound pressurelevel: This is the sound pressurelevel measurementperiod. In the UK the A-weightedL10 value is used to measure corresponding to the peak sound pressure that occurs in and assess traffic noise. For fairly noisy traffic anygiven period.Its valuewill dependuponthe frequency weighting and the time characteristics of the measuring Leq + 3dB
system.
It is often usedto quantif' short durationimpulses, e.g. gunfire, explosions and high level impact noise. To measure the true peak sound pressurelevel of an event, great care must be taken in the selection and use of
microphone and measuring system. Perceived noise level, PNIL: The perceived noise level is a rating for single aircraftflyovers based originally on jury judgements of perceived noisiness, but it is now commonly derived by an extensive calculation procedure. Formost generalpurposes the perceived noise level can be obtained from measurements of the maximum slow A-weighted sound level that occurs during a flyover. PNL = dBA + 13 PNdB.
Statistical level, L90: This is the sound pressure level that is exceeded for 90% of the measurement time. Consequently it is indicative of the general ambient noise level in the absence of any higher level short-duration events that occur during the period. The A-weighted value is often used as a measurement of background noise in environmental assessment.
Sound insulation Sound insulation: Airborne
Single event noise exposure level, SENIELor equivalent to the sound exposure level. In the original definition it was assumed that the sound pressure was A-weighted andthat the integration was over the time that the signal was within 10 dB of the maximum value. Sound exposure level, SF1.. or The sound exposure level is a notional level. It is the sound level that if maintained constant for 1 s contains the same acoustic energy as a varying noise level. It is normally used to quantify short duration noise events such as aircraft flyover, single vehicle bypasses, impact or impulsive noise. It is defined mathematically as
L_:
protected from a space containing a noise source. With noise insulation the sound is effectively prevented from travelling in a specific direction by an impervious barrier. The greater the surface mass of the barrier, the greater the insulation will generally be. Unlike soundabsorption, This is sound insulation does not remove energy from the sound
field; it merely redirects it. Sound reduction index, Sm: The sound reduction index is the measurement generally used to express the insulation propertiesof a partitionin decibels. It is definedas SRI = 10 log10 (1/transmission coefficient) dB
sound insulation refers to the of a process separating, by physical barrier, a space to be
L:
The soundreduction indexis frequency dependentandis
SEL=lOXlogf
Jo
p2(t) dtdB 2
Po
usually measured in octave or one-third octave bands. If the transmission coefficient T = 0.01, i.e. 1% of the incidentsoundenergy is transmitted by the partition, then the sound reduction index is 20dB, while if'r = 0.001 the SRI is 30dB, etc. Hence for 50 dB insulation, which, for example, may represent a reasonable reduction between flats, the incidentintensity must be reduced by a factor of 0.000 01.
Technical infonnatio.i
141
The octave band soundreductionindex,R is obtained from the one-thirdoctave band indices R1, R2 and R3 as follows (see addition of attenuations, part (b)) R = 10 log 3 10 log [10_Riiio + 10o + 10/1oI dB R = 4.77 10 log[l0h/10 + 10?/o + l0-''I dB
Sound level difference between two spaces: The sound
level difference between two spaces separated by a partitiondepends upon the value ofthe sound reduction index, the area of the partition and the acoustic properties of the two spaces.
(a)
= L1 R + 10 loglo (S/A) dB Lp2 Figure 5.1 can be used to find C. This addition assumes equal energy in all three octave (b) inside-to-outside bands. R+ 10 log10 520 loglo r 17 + L2 = Sound transmission coefficient, T: The sound transmission coefficient is a measure ofthe incidentsound energy DI dB that 'passes through' a wall, partitionor any barrier. The sound doesnot actuallypass through the barrier. Incident (c) outside-to-inside sound energy causes the barrier to vibrate and the = L1R+10log10(S/A)K+6dB vibrating barrier then radiates sound into the receiving as The sound transmission coefficient is defined is the sound level on the sourceside (dB), space. pressure is the sound pressure level on the receiver side L2 Intensity incident upon a partition (dB), S is the area of the partition (m2), Intensity transmitted by partition R is the sound reduction index of the partition (dB), Transmission loss A is the absorption in the receiving room (m2), Coincident effect critical frequenc When sound waves DI is the directivity index of the facade, strike a partition, bending waves are excited in it, the r is the distance of the receiver from the partition. velocity of which depends upon the frequency. As the K is a constant, the value of which depends on where, frequency of the bending wave increases, the bending external to the the sound partition, pressure level was wavevelocity increases and at some frequency, known as measured: the critical frequency,it is equal to thevelocityofsoundin air. At this frequency the wavelengthof the bendingwave K = 6 dB if measured very close to the partition, is equal to the wavelength of the sound in air and if the K = 2.5 dB if measurementposition is about 1 m, sound wave impinging on the partition is of the same K = 0 dB if measurement position is far from facade. frequency, resonant excitation can occur and the sound transmission of the panel is increased and the sound Sound transmission class, STC: This is a single figure reduction index decreased. descriptor used for rating the sound transmission of a of the at the critical Matching wavelengths frequency partition obtained by laboratory measurements. The occurs at grazing incidence and little energy is actually measured sound reduction indices in one-third octave transferred to the partition. However, as the frequency bands are comparedwith a set of standard curves and at increases above the critical frequency, matching occurs at each frequency the difference between the measured increasing angles ofincidence and energy transference to valuesand the standardcurve valuesis obtained. The STC the partitionis significantlyincreased. value corresponds to that curve for which the sum of the The reduction in performanceof the panel is known as deficiencies is less than or equal to 32 dB and the the coincidence effect and the performance of the maximum deficiency at any one frequency is less than partitioncan be significantlyreducedat frequencies in the 8dB. The reference curve for an STC value of 52 is regionofthe critical frequency althoughat an octaveorso beyond the critical frequency the panel will again Frequency (Hz) Level (dB) approachits expected performance. 36 125 Field sound transmission class, FSTC: This the STC 160 39 obtained from values of the sound reduction index 42 200 measuredunder field conditions. 250 45 315 48 The transmission of sound transmission: flanking energy 400 51 via paths which bypass a partition is known as flanking 500 52 transmission. 630 53 Noiseisolation class, MC: This is the STC obtainedfrom 800 54 values of the sound level differences measuredbetween 1 000 55 two spaces under laboratory conditions. 1 250 56 1 600 56 Normalizednoise isolation class, NNIC: This is the STC 2000 56 obtained from values of the sound level differences 2500 56 measured between two spacesunderfield conditions. The 56 sound levels in the receiving room are corrected to a 3150 4000 56 standardreverberation time of 0.5s.
R = 4.77 + C
room-to-room
142
Acoustics
The value of the STC is equal to the dB value of the curve correctedto a standard receiving room reverberation time at 500 Hz. Other standardcurves are obtainedby moving of 0.5 s. Hence this curve up or down in increments of 1 dB. DnT = measured level difference + 10 log T/0.5 dB SRIofcomposite construction: A composite construction T = reverberation time in receiving room. is one havingareas with different sound reduction indices, Structureborne sound: Sound which travels from one e.g. a wall with windows. space to another not through the air but through the For a facade consisting of areas S1, 2 with S fabric ofthe building is known as structurebornesound. It sound reduction indices R1, R2 R,1, the value of the is one form of flanking transmission. Structureborne sound reduction index for the facade is given by sound can travel long distances with little attenuationand be re-radiated, causing problems far from the original + ... + S, S1 + source of noise. R= 10 log10 i x X + 1o-R10 S1 Lb0R1b0 2 Transmission loss, TL: Transmission loss is an alternative name for the sound reduction index. +. + X Sn Weighted apparent sound reduction index, R: This is similar to R.but is usedifit is thoughtthat the value of The composite sound reduction index may also be was obtained with flankingtransmission. obtained using Figure 5.5, taking two areas at a time. sound level difference, D: The weightedlevel Small areas of very low insulation can drastically Weighted difference is obtainedfrom level differences, measured in reduce the overall performance of a facade, e.g. an one-third octave bands, in exactly the same way as the opening of area 0.1 m2 and SRI 0dB in a facade of area airborne sound insulation index rating, R, is obtained. 25 m2 and SRI 50 dB reduces the overall SRI value to 50 26 = 24dB. Weighted sound reduction index, R: This is a weighted single figure descriptor of the sound insulation performStandardized sound level difference, DflT: The standar- ance of a partition measured under laboratory condidized sound level difference is used to assess airborne tions. The sound reduction index in each of the onesound insulation between rooms in buildings. As the third octave bands from 100Hz to 3150Hz is compared sound level difference across a partitionwill depend upon with a standard set of curves. The value of I? for a given the absorption in the receiving room it is recommended partition is obtained from the standard curve which (BS 5821: 1984) that the measured level difference is when comparedwith the measured SRI values produces
Il
60 50
.lJ
0
U
OH
.IJW
43
40
(flW
JL
00)
0 4E 0
30 20
1.0
rl
>
0
JIj
, ,z 1ii1:
10
1.0
1.
.1 .01.
001
.0001
20
30
40
50
60
Difference in Sound Reduction Indices (Higher Lower)
Figure5.5 Sound reduction indices loss
143
an adverse deviation as close to 32dB as possible. Only Direct sound field: The direct sound field refers to the the SRI values which fall below a particular standard acoustic energy that arrives at a listener directly from the
curve are considered in the sum. Positive deviations source without any reflections from nearby surfaces or from the standardcurve are not taken into account. The objects. standardvalues for the curve corresponding to an R of Early decay time, EDT: This is the time in seconds, 52 are multiplied by six, which the sound in an enclosure takes to Reference value (dB) decay by 10dB from its equilibrium value. It is thoughtto Frequency (Hz) be important in determining the quality of auditoria, 100 33 especiallyfor music. The EDT is sometimes referred to as 125 36 the subjective reverberation time. 150 39 Noise reduction coefficient, NRC: This is the average, to 200 42 45 the nearest multiple of0.05, ofthe absorption coefficients 250 48 measured in the octave bands centred on 250, 500, 1000 315
400 500 630 800 1 000 1 250 1 600
51
and 2000Hz.
52 53
54
55
2000
2500
3150 curve at 500 Hz.
56 56 56 56 56
Normalroom modes: Sound waves in an enclosure travel around in all directions being reflected obliquely off the walls. Some paths repeat themselves continuously, formingwhat are known as normal modes. The normalmodesoccurat specificfrequencies related to the dimensions of the room. For a rectangular room the frequencies are given by
The R value is the value in decibels of the reference To obtain other reference curves the one-third octave band values are changedin 1 dB steps up or down. To obtaina Weightedstandardized level difference, single figure rating value from field measuredvalues of the standardized level difference, DT, the one-third octavevalues are weighted usingthe same methodused to obtain the airborne sound insulation indexrating, R.
fn =
1/
V
and are the room dimensions (m), and and n7 can independently n.7 have values 0, 1, 2, If the source containsfrequencies equal to the normal mode frequencies, resonances occurand large variations in sound level throughoutthe room can result especially at low frequencies. This is generally to be avoided. NorrisEyringequation: Thisequationisamodified form of the Sabine equation and is suitable for use when the Sound in enclosedspaces average room absorption coefficient is greaterthan 0.1. Absorption: Absorption is the term applied to the process 0.161V by which energy is removed from a sound field. Most 5 materials will, to a greater or lesser extent, absorb sound, 2.3 X Slog10 (1 ) i.e. convert the acoustic energy into heat. However, to be a goodabsorber a material should generallyhave an open Reverberance: When a sound source, in an enclosure, is surface structure which allows sound to enter and turned off, the sound does not immediately stop but internally it should provide many interconnecting path- persists for a short time due to the reflection of energy ways through which the sound may pass to dissipate its from the walls ofthe enclosure. Similarly, it takes a finite energy. Good fibrous absorbents are glass fibre and time for sound to reach its equilibrium value after the source is turned on. This behaviour is known as reverbermineral wool. In acoustics absorption, A, has a morespecific meaning. ance andit is a majorfactorin determining the level and It is the product of the area, 5, of an absorbing material quality of sound in any enclosed space. and its absorption coefficient a. So Reverberant sound field: This is the sound fieldwithin an enclosure due to the continual reflections of the sound A = S X m2 or Sabines. from the walls of the enclosure. Air absorption: The absorption of sound by air is energy significant for propagation over long distances and in Reverberant sound pressurelevel: The steady value of the largeenclosures. High frequencies are absorbed the most sound pressure level through the body of an enclosure, and the absorption is dependent upon both temperature and away from the sound source, is referred to as the reverberant soundpressurelevel,L.,.Its value will depend and humidity. the sound upon power, R of the source and the total Diffuse sound field: When the sound energy in an within the enclosure A, absorption, enclosure is uniform throughout the space, the sound = 10 log F 10 log A + 126dB field is said to be diffuse. This is normally the case for 14,:,Ienclosures with conventional aspect ratios and small or absorption which is uniformly distributedthroughout the 10 enclosure. log A + 6dB 1pr =
where c= velocity ofsound (mis),
(2 \1i (2 \'i
+
(n2
\LLJ
D:
n,
144
Reverberation time: The time which is taken for the reverberantsoundenergy in an enclosure to decay to one millionth of its equilibrium value, i.e. by 60dB, after the source is turned off, is known as the reverberation time. The reverberation time is frequency dependent and it is customary to measure its value in octave or one-third octave bands. There are a number ofsimple equations for predicting reverberation times. Room radius: For a source operating in an enclosure there are two soundfields, the reverberant and the direct, and the value of the sound pressure level at any point is the sum, that is the decibel sum, of the direct and reverberant soundpressurelevels. Far from the source the reverberantfield will dominatewhile close to the source the direct field will be greatest. The distance, r, from the source where the direct and reverberant sound pressurelevels are equal is known as the room radius and it can be found from
Sound absorption coefficient: The sound absorption coefficient is the quantity used to describe how well a particular material absorbs sound. It is denoted by a and is defined as Sound energy not reflected from material Sound energy incident upon material
r=-J
y l6lT
where Q = source directivity factor, and A = room Assessinginternal spaces absorption. Articulation index, Al: The articulation index is a weighSabine equation: The Sabine equation gives the reverbera- ted fraction representing, for a given speech channeland tion time in terms of the room volume and total room noise condition, the effective proportion of the normal absorption as speech signal that is available to a listener for conveying speech intelligibility.It is obtainedfrom measurements or 0.161 V estimates of the speech spectrum and of the effective T= s
A
For a perfect absorber a would have a value of 1 while for a perfect reflector a would equal zero. The absorption coefficient varies with frequency and also with the angleatwhich the sound strikes the material. Because ofthe angulardependenceit is usual to measure the absorption coefficient of materials in diffuse sound fields so that sound effectivelystrikes the material at all angles of incidence. The absorption coefficient measured under theseconditions is known as the randomincidence sound absorption coefficient and is denoted by It is usually measured in one-third octave or octave bands. There is no accepted way of obtaining the octave band value from the one-thirdoctave band values. The average of the three values or the highestvalue are both used.
if Vis in cubic metres and A in square metres.
The equation is valid for diffuse sound fields only and gives the best results when the average absorption coeffficient is less than 0.1. However,it is often usedwhen this condition is not met. For large enclosures air absorption is included so that T=
where
UI
80
0 'I
x
UI
70
0.161 V A + 4 mV
L 60
U)
m is a soundattenuation. Coefficient values for 4 m
as given
in Table 5.4.
-l UI
50
>
UI
Table 5.4 Air absorption (values of4mV in m2 unitsfor a volume of 100m3 at 20C)
Relative humidity (%)
Frequency
UI
40
30
L 3
UI UI UI
a
70
L C 3
(Hz) 125
20
30
40
50
60
80
t 20
U)
0
UI
250 500
1 000 2 000 4 000 8 000
0.06 0.14
0.25 0.57 1.78 6.21 19.00
0.05 0.13 0.25 0.47

1.21
4.09 14.29
0.10 0.26 0.26 0.46 0.48 1.00 0.90 0.88 3.10 2.60 2.27 11.00 8.95 7.61
0.04 0.12 0.26 0.46
0.04 0.03 0.03 0.02

0.11 0.09 0.25 0.50 0.88 2.08 6.69 0.08 0.25 0.51 0.88 1.95 6.04 8
10
0
I')
ID
8 l
fli
0
U)
0 0
In
(U
0 0 1
0 0 0
(U
0 0 0
'UI
0 0 0
(Hz)

Figure 5.6
Noue criterion curves
145
masking spectrum of any noise which may be present along with the speech at the ear of the listener. If the Al is zero then there will be no understanding while if the AT is one there will be complete
intelligibility. S3.5.
140
-' 130
ci.
120 110
Details ofthe calculation methodcan be found in ANSI
0 'I
'C
Balanced noise criterion curves, NCB: These are a set of curveswhich have been proposedas an update ofthe NC curves. They are not asyet generally accepted. Details can be found in a paper by Beranek, Balanced Noise Criterion Curves,j Acoust.Soc.Am., 86(2),August 1989,pp.650664. Noisecriterion, NC: The conceptofthe noise criterionwas originally developed in the United States specificallyfor application in commercial buildings. Its calculation is based onan octaveband analysis ofa noise andreference is madeto a setofcurves whichare shown in Figure 5.6. The noise criterion is obtained by plotting the octave band soundpressurelevelsonto the reference curves and determining the lowest curve which is nowhere exceeded by the plotted octave band levels. Noise rating number, NR: The noise rating number is a single figure index obtainedfrom an octave band analysis of a noise. To obtain the NR number the octave band sound pressure levels are plotted onto a set of reference curves which are shown in Figures 5.7 and 5.8. The highestNRcurve that is intersected by the curve forming the plotted sound pressure levels gives the noise rating number. The octave band sound pressure levels are normallyjoined by straight lines.
ii L
to
100 80
'-;;;
S S
%
-- -.
90 'S 70 50 40 30 20 10
NA I

i30 NA 125
130
M ItO
go
is
'-I
0 60 1
It
>
\ ,,,,
S S
::: :::_

NA 105
JR too NA go NA .5 0 NP 75
(
II
s _ ..
S S
..-,.
.'.r 70
NR 05

0
NA 55
,-.,4 50
.
S
- NA 45
: NI 40
to 10
II L) (. II U U 0 II a.) a) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Eewoo'coe.,oopoonooonoooo
1
In
) I
NA 35 NA 30 NA 25 NA 20 NA 15 NA 10 NA 5 NA 0
Third
(Hz)
Figure 5.8 Noiserating curves (one-thirdoctave band)
a.
130 125
0
'C
tao
115 ato 105
I)
C.
too
I0
.5
go
U
e1
.5
0
75 70
I, >
.5
50 55 50 45 40 55 30 25 20
15
I,
C-
U U
I'
a
U
UI
C.
U
cli
to
io,
,1
In ID (U
0)
0
Ii
0 0
0 0 0
(U
0 0 0
0 0 0 5
(Hz)
5 0
Octeve Sand Centre Frequency

Figure 5.7 Noise rating curves (octave band)
transmission index. By restricting the number of noise bands to two and modulation frequencies to five in the calculation, rapid assessments of room speech intelligibility can be made; see Chapter 4. Room-noise criterion, RC: This is a single figure rating, used for assessing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. The RCvalue is obtained by comparing noise levels, made in unoccupied rooms with all systems operating, with a set ofcurves. In additionthe RC number is classifiedinto four categories dependingon the overall shape of the spectrum. It is used as an alternative to NC. Details of how to calculate RC values can be found in the ASHRAE Handbook. Speech interferencelevel: Speech interference level is a simple-to-estimatemeasure of the masking of speech by noise. It is derived by taking the arithmetic average of the noise levels in the fouroctavebandscentred on 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz.
Preferred noise criterion, PNC: The preferred noise criterionis very similar to the noise criterion in concept. However, the set of curves from which it is obtained extend to a lower frequency than that of the noise criterion curves and more emphasis is placed on low frequency noise. The curves for PNC are shown in Figure 5.9. PNC is not widely used, except for low-value curves e.g. in concert halls. RASTI: Rapid speech transmission index (RASTI) is a method for the objective measurement of the speech
146
no
a-
The standardcurves are identical to the Lw.. curves and the hG is equalto 110 minus the sound level at 500 Hz on the selected standard curve.
= 110 JIG
0
x
01
.i 70
L 60
B C r1 a > a
-J
OJ
50 40
directly on a structure. The frequency content of the soundwill depend upon PNC 40 the duration of the impact; a short sharp event giving a broadband frequency content while a longer duration ao PNC n L event caused, for example, by having a resilient layerover a PNC 30 the structure, will contain mainly low frequency sound C C 20 and will be subjectivelyless disturbing. PNC25 0 U) Normalized impact noise level, L,: The impact noise level PNC20 as measured in the laboratory will depend upon the 10 PNC is C acoustic characteristics of the receiving room so to B normalize results the measured noise levels are corrected to a constant10 m2 of absorption. 0 Ui ('1 Ui 0 0 0 0 0 0 U) (U Ui 0 0 0 0 0 = L 10 log A/A0 Hence .-I (U U) 0 0 0 0 1 (1 B A = actual sound absorption in the receiving room in the Octave Band Centre Frequency (Hz) one-thirdoctave band under consideration. 5.9 noise criterion curves Figure Preferred A,1, = 10m2 L'0 is used if flanking transmission cannot be eliminated. Speech transmission index, STI: The speech transmission See BS 5821, Part2. indexquantifies the effect ofa sound transmission system on speech intelligibility.It is based upon an analysisof the Resonant frequency, J: The resonant frequency of an reduction in intensitymodulationofa signal which occurs isolator of stiffness K (Nm1) which supports a mass M along the transmission path from source to receiver. The (kg) is analysis is carriedout for 8 octavebands ofnoise, typically 125 Hz to 8kHz, and 14modulation frequencies. The .Hz results of this analysis are then combinedandnormalized 2'rr V M to give thespeech transmissionindexwhich hasavalue of1 for perfect transmission and a value of 0 for no signal This is often re-written as recognition. 15.8 Relationshipsexist between the STI values,the signal-tonoise ratio and the reverberation time of an enclosure, r fl\/ d allowing theoretical calculations to be made of the STI value. This is most useful at the design stage ofaproject. dbeing the static deflection (inmm) ofthe isolator when Details may be found in Bruel and Kjaer Technical the mass Mis placed on it. Review 3. For rubber isolators the constantbecomes 19.5. For an isolator to be effective its resonant frequency Impact soundand vibration must be at least three times lower than the lowest Impact insulation class, IIC: This is a single number frequency to be isolated. rating, used in the United States, which permits easy comparison of the impact isolation performanceoffloor/ Standardized impact sound level, LT: This is the impact ceiling assemblies. Impact sound levels normalized to a sound level measured between two rooms under field room absorption of 10 m2 are compared with a set of conditions and standardized to a reverberation time of standardcurves to producethe impactinsulation class. 0.5s, The calculation is exactlythe same as that described to T determine the weighted normalized impact sound presi.e. L'OT = L' 10 log sure level, L,, except that in additionto the total adverse 0.5 deviation being less than or equal to 32dB, no one deviation must exceed 8 dB. L' = measured impact noise level.
L
U:
'I
I I
See ASTME E49286and E98984.

PNC65 PNC no PNC 55 PNC
Impact noise level, L: This is the sound pressure level, measured in a one-third octave band, when a standard tapping machine is operating on the floor above the
room.
Impact sound: Impact sound refers to sound produced when a short duration impulse, such as a footfall, acts
f=/
147
See BS 5821, Part 2: 1986 and BS 2750, Parts 6 and 7:

1980.
Acceleration is what is commonly measured to quantifr the vibration of a surface. Vibration displacement, d: When an object vibrates, its surface will oscillate about its stationary position. These changes represent the vibration displacement. Vibration isolation: Vibration isolation is a means of reducingthe transmission of vibrating motions or forces from one structure to another. It is usually achieved by separating the two structures by an elastic element,known as a vibration isolator. Vibration velocity, v The velocityof a vibrating surface is related to the displacement by
Standard tappingmachine: A standardtapping machineis used to rate the impact noise isolation of floors. The machinehas five hammers, each of mass 0.5kg, equally spaced along a line. The hammers are dropped, from a height of 4cm, successively to give 10 impacts per second. The effectivenessofa vibration isolator is Transmissibility: measured in terms of its transmissibility. Two types of are generally defined: (1) Force transmissitransmissibility bility which is the ratio of the force transmitted by the isolator to the force applied to the structureon top ofit; (2) displacement transmissibilitywhich is the ratio of the displacement transmitted by the isolator to the displacement appliedat its base. In both cases the transmissibility, 7 is, for lightly dampedsystems, given by
v= v(m/s) = d(m) X o(rad/s)

wherew = angular frequency.
J(f/f)2 fis the frequency of vibrating motion andJr is the resonant frequency of the isolator together with the
This is Weightednormalized impact sound level, a obtained from one-thirdoctave figure descriptor single where values of the normalized impact sound levels L, (laboratory) or L' (field). The normalized levels are compared structure mounted on it. The variation of the transmissi- with a set of weighting curves and the curve found for bility with frequency is shown in Figure 5.10. which the total adverse difference between the normalVibration acceleration, a: The acceleration of a vibrating ized levels and the curves is less than but as close to 32dB as possible. Adverse differences occur when the normalsurface is related to the displacement and velocityby ized levels fall above the rating curve. a = dw2 = The weighted normalized impact soundpressure level is the sound pressure level at 500 Hz on the standardcurve, which meets the above criterion. For an LNW or L'NW of 60 jo the curve is defined by
>'
4J
T=
I, L:
5 2
m m
E
m
ii
I-
C.
.5 .2
.1 05
C
m
E
U m
ri
a
U
.1
0
C
0 S
CLi.
iJ \
______
Frequency
100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800
Level (dB) 62
62 62 62 62 62
61
mm
ioo
1 600
1250
60 59 58 57 54
51
.02 .01 .1
Ii
1
.5
2000
2500
48
45
3150
42
.1 05
0
Other curves are obtainedby moving the one-third octave band values up or down in 1 dB steps. See BS 5821, Part 2 and BS 2750, Parts 6 and 7.
Weightedstandardized impact soundlevel, L',1. Thisis a single figure descriptor obtained from one-third octave band values of the standardized impact sound levels, L'IIT, w It is obtained in exactly the same way as the weighted normalized impact sound level, L.,. See BS 5821, Part 2 and BS 2750, Parts 6 and 7.
.2
.5
10
Ratto of Forcing Frequency to Natural Frequency

Figure 5.10
Transmissibility
148
Acoustics
Equivalent Standards Assessinge,wironmental noise
BS 4142: 1990
ASTM E101484
BS 5228: 1984/1994 DIN 18005: 1987 DIN 45641: 1976/1987 DIN 45642: 1974 DIN 45643: 1984 DIN VDI 2714: 1988 DIN YDI 3723: 1982 DIN VDI 2718: 1975
ISO 1966: 1986 ISO 2204: 1979 ISO/DP 7196
ANSI S3.23: 1980 ANSI S12.4: 1986
NF S30010: 1974 NF S30008: 1984 NF S31010: 1987 NF S31050: 1987 NF S31110: 1985
Rating ofperformance ofbuilding BS 5821: 1984 ASTM C107186
ISO 717: 1982
ASTM E41373
ASTM E98984 DIN 52210: 1984 NF P05321: 1096 NF S31057: 1982
Measurement ofimpactinsulation BS 2750: 1980 ASTM E49277
ISO 140: 1980
ASTM E100784
DIN 52210: 1984 NF S31052: 1979 NF 531053: 1979 NF S31056: 1982
Measurement ofsoundpower BS 4196: 1986
ASTM E112486
ISO 3740: ISO 3741: ISO 3742: ISO 3743: ISO 3744: ISO 3745: ISO 3746: ISO 3747:
1980 1988 1988 1988 1981 1977 1979 1987
ANSI 81.23: 1976 ANSI 81.30: 1985 ANSI S1.31: 1986 ANSI S1.32: 1986 ANSI S1.33: 1982 ANSI S1.35: 1985 ANSI S1.36: 1979 ANSI S2.34: 1988
DIN 45635: 1985
NF S31025: 1977 NF S31026: 1978 NF S31027: 1977

NF S31022: 1989 NF S31024: 1989 NF 831067: 1986
Noise emissionfrom computers and business machines ECMA 74: 1981 ECMA 109: 1985
ISO 7779: 1988

ISO 9296: 1988
ANSI S12.10: 1985
DIN YDI 3729: 1982

Sound jorcementsystems BS 6259: 1982 BS 6840: 1987 DIN 45589: 1979
IEC 268: 1985
Technical informabon
Speech andnoise ISO/TR 3352: 1974
ASTM E104185
ASTM E111086 ASTM E113088
ANSI S3.2: 1960 ANSI S3.5: 1969 ANSI S3.14: 1977
DIN 18041: 1968 DIN 45621: 1973
NF S31047: 1975 NF S32001:1975

NFXS5108: 1987 IEC 84(CO)2: 1986
Vibration measurementandresponse BS 6177: 1982 BS 6472: 1984 BS 6841: 1987 BS 6611: 1985
ISO 2017: 1982 ISO 2631: 1985 ISO 5805: 1981 ISO 6897: 1984 ISO 7849: 1987 ISO 4866: 1986 ISO 8569: 1989 VDI 2057: 1987
ANSI S3.18: 1979 ANSI S3.29: 1983 ANSI S3-W-39
DIN 4150: 1986 DIN 45669: 1981/1989

Mechanical services BS 848: 1985 BS 4718: 1971 ASTM E477-84
ANSI S12.11: 1987
DIN 45646: 1988 DIN VDI 2081: 1983 DIN 45635: 1986 DIN VDI 3731: 1982 Soundinsulation in buildings BS 8233: 1987 DIN 4109: 1989 DIN 18165: 1987 DIN VDI 2569: 1990 DIN VDI 2571: 1976 DIN VDI 2711: 1978 DIN VDI 2719: 1987 DIN VDI 3728: 1987
Acousties qrbuildings
NF E51701:
1980
NF P50402:
1985
NF E51706: 1988 NF S31021: 1982 NF S31046: 1988

ISO/DIS 6242: 1989
NF P90207: 1987
Instrumentation BS 2475: 1964 BS 3593: 1986 BS 5969: 1981 BS 6698: 1986
IEC 196: 1965 IEC 225: 1966 IEC 651: 1979

IEC 804:
1985
ISO 266: 1975
DIN 45401: 1985 DIN 45651: 1964 DIN 45652: 1964
NF S30002: 1972 NF S31109: 1983
ANSI ANSI ANSI ANSI ANSI ANSI
S1.4: 1983 S1.4: 1985 S1.6: 1984 S1.11: 1986 S1.13: 1971 S1.42: 1986
BS4727: 1985
BS 5775: 1979 DIN 1320: 1990 DIN 45630: 1971 DIN 52217: 1984
Terminology
ASTM C634-86
ISO 317: 1978 ISO 131: 1979 NF S30004: 1966 NF S30101: 1973
ANSI S3.32: 1982
IEC 50(801): 1984
NF S30102: NF S30103: NF S30106:
1973 1973 1975
NFXO2207: 1985
150
Measurement ofreverberation time
BS 5363: 1986 DIN 52216: 1965

Measurement
Iso 3382: 1975
NF S31012:
1973
BS 3638: 1987 DIN 52212: 1961 DIN 525215: 1963

Measurement
ofabsorption coefflcientc
ASTM C42389
ISO 354: 1985
NF S31065: 1981
ASTM E9083 ASTM E336-84 ASTM E596-78 ASTM E966-84 ASTM E122287 ISO 140: 1980
BS 2750: 1980
ofsound insulation
DIN 52210: 1984
NF S31045: 1989 NF S31051: 1985 NF S31049: 1982 NF 534054: 1982 NF S34055: 1982
Internationalstandards
InternationalElectrotecilnical Commission (IEC) lEG 50 Internationalelectrotechnical vocabulary. 801: 1984 Vocabulary: acoustics and electoacoustics. lEG 84 (GO) 2: 1986 sound system equipment; report on the RASTI
speech intelligibilityin auditoria; (Central Office) 2.
method for the objective rating of
lEG 196: 1965 lEG 225: 1966 lEG 268
lEG standard frequencies. Octave, half-octaveandthird octaveband filters intendedfor the analysis ofsoundsand vibrations.
Part 1: 1985 Part 2: 1971 Part 4: 1972 Part 5: 1989 Part 7: 1984 Part 16 Draft
lEG 651: 1979 lEG 804: 1985 ISOStandards ISO 317: 1978 ISO 131: 1979 ISO 140
Sound system equipment
Report on the RASTI

auditoria. Soundlevel meters Integrating
General Explanation of general terms Microphones Loudspeakers Headphones
method
for the objective rating of speech intelligibility in
averaging sound level meters.
Quantitites
Acoustics air. Acoustics
and units of acoustics. expression of physical and subjective magnitudes of sound or noise in
Part 1: 1978 Part 2: 1978 Part 3: 1995 Part 4: 1978 Part 5: 1978 Part 6: 1978 Part 7: 1978 Part 8: 1978 Part 9: 1985
measurement of sound insulationin buildings and building elements. Requirements for laboratories. Statementof precision requirements. Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of building elements. Field measurements of airbornesound insulation between rooms. Field measurements of airbornesound insulation of facade elements and facades. Laboratory measurements of impact sound insulationoffloors. Field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors. Laboratory measurements of the reduction of transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a standard floor. Laboratory measurements ofroom-to-room airborne sound insulation ofsuspended ceiling with a plenum above it.
151
Iso 266:
1975
ISO 354: 1985 ISO 389: 1991 ISO 717
for measurements. Acoustics preferred frequencies Acoustics measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.
Acoustics: Acoustics
audiometers.
standard reference zero for the calibration of pure tone air conduction
Part 1: 1996 Part 2: 1996 Part 3: 1982

Part 1: 1982 Part 2: 1987 Part 3: 1987
rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Airborne sound insulation in buildings and of interior building elements. Impactsound insulation. Airborne sound insulation of facade elements and facades.
ISO 1996
Acoustics description and measurement Basic quantities and procedures.
of environmental noise.
ISO 2017: 1982 ISO 2204: ISO 2631
Acquisition of data pertinent to land use. Application to noise limits. Vibration and Shock Isolators: procedurefor specifiing characteristics.
guide to International Standards on the Measurement of airborne acoustical noise and evaluation of its effects on human beings.
Acoustics
Part 1: 1985 Part 3: 1985 ISO/TR 3352: 1974

ISO 3382: 1975 ISO 3740: 1980 ISO 3741: 1980 ISO 3742: 1988
Evaluation of human exposure to whole bodyvibration. General requirements. Evaluation of exposure to whole bodyz-axis verticalvibration in the frequency range 0.01 to 0.63Hz. Acoustics assessment of noise with respect to its effect on the intelligibility of speech. Acoustics measurement of reverberation time in auditoria. Acoustics determination ofsound power levels of noise sources: guidelines for the use ofbasic standards and for the preparationof noise test codes. Acoustics determination of sound power levels of noise sources: precision methods for broad band sources in reverberation rooms. Acoustics determinationofsound power levels ofnoise sources:precision methods of discrete frequency and narrow band sources in reverberation rooms. Acoustics determination ofsound power levelsofnoise sources:engineeringmethods for special reverberation test rooms. Acoustics determination ofsound power levels ofnoise sources:engineeringmethods for free-field conditions over a reflecting plane. Acoustics determinationof sound power levels of noise sources: precision methods for anechoic and semi-anechoic rooms. Acoustics determination of sound power levels of noise sources: survey method. Acoustics determination of sound power levels ofnoise sources: survey methodusing a reference sound source. Mechanical vibration and shock: measurementand evaluation ofvibration effects on buildings; guidelines for the use ofbasic standard methods. Noise labelling of machinery and equipment. Mechanical vibration and shock affecting man: vocabulary. Guidelines for the evaluation of the response of occupants of fixed structures, especially buildings and off-shore structures, to low frequency vibration horizontal motion (0.063 to 11 Hz). Building construction: expression ofusers' requirements. Acoustical requirements. Acoustics measurement procedures for ductedsilencers. Acoustics measurement of airborne noise emitted by computer and business equipment.
Iso 3743: 1988

ISO 3744: 1981 ISO 3745: 1977 ISO 3746: 1979 ISO 3747: 1987
ISO/DIS4866: 1995
ISO 4871: 1984 (new version in preparation) ISO 5805: 1981 ISO 6897: 1984
ISO/DIS6243 Part 3: 1989

ISO 7235: 1991 ISO 7779: 1988
152
ISO/TR 7849: 1987
Iso 8569: 1989

ISO 9296: 1988
Acoustics estimation of airborne noise emitted by machinery using vibration measurement. Mechanical vibration: shock-and-vibration-sensitive electronicequipment; methodsof measurement and reportingdata of shock and vibration effects in buildings. Acoustics declared noise emission values of computer and business equipment.
EuropeanComputer Manufadums Association ECMA 74: 1981 Measurement of airborne noise emitted by computers and business machines.
ECMA 109: 1985
Declared noise emission values of computerand business equipment.
GemianNational Standards DIN 1320: 1990 DIN 1800: 1987
Acoustics: terminology.
DIN 1804: 1968 DIN 18165: 1987 DIN 4150: 1986 DIN 4109: 1989 Beiblatt 1 Beiblatt 2 DIN 45035: 1980 DIN 45401: 1985 DIN 45589: 1979 DIN 45621: 1973 DIN 45630: 1971 DIN 45635: 1985 DIN 45635: 1986 DIN 45635: 1985 DIN 45635: 1986 DIN 45641: 1976 DIN 45641: 1987 DIN 45642: 1974 DIN 45643: 1984
Teil 1. Noise abatementin town planning; calculation methods. Teil 1, Beiblatt 1. Noise abatement in town planning; acoustic orientationvalues in town planning. Acousticalquality in small to medium size rooms. Teil 2. Fibre insulatingbuilding materials: impact sound insulating materials. Teil 3. Structural vibration in buildings: effects on structures. Sound insulation in buildings: requirements and verifications. Soundinsulation in buildings: construction examples and calculation methods. Soundinsulation in buildings: guidelines for planningandexecution; proposals for increased sound insulation; recommendations for sound insulation in personalliving and working areas. Teil 14. Noise measurement on machines: airborne noise measurement, enveloping surfacemethod, air cooled heatexchangers (air coolers). Acoustic, electroacoustic: standard frequencies for measurements. Requirements for congress microphones. Teil 2. Word listsfor intelligibilitytest. Teil 2. Sentence lists for intelligibilitytest. Teil 1. Physical and subjective magnitudes of sound. Teil 3. Measurement of airborne noise emitted by machines: engineeringmethod for special reverberation test rooms. Teil 38. Measurement of noise emitted by machines; airborne noise emission; enveloping surface method, reverberation room method and indirect methods; fans. Teil 46. Measurement of noise emitted by machines; airborne noise emission; enveloping surface method; cooling towers. Teil 56. Measurement of noise emitted by machines; airborne noise emission; enveloping surface methodand indirectmethod;fan assistedwarmair generators, fan assisted air heaters and fan units of air handlingdevices. Averaging of time varying sound level; ratinglevels. Averaging of sound levels; single eventlevel. Measurement of traffic noise. Teil 1. Measurement and assessment of aircraft noise; quantities and parameters. Teil 3. Measurement andassessment of aircraft noise; determinationofrating level of aircraft noise exposure. Measurement procedures for ducted silencers; insertion loss, transmission loss, flow noise, total pressureloss. Octave filters for electroacoustical measurements. Third octave filters for electroacoustical measurements.
DIN 45646: 1988 DIN 45654: 1964 DIN 45652: 1964
Technical infonuation
153
DIN 45669: 1981 DIN 45669: 1989 DIN 52210: 1984
DIN 52210: 1987
DIN 52210: 1984 DIN 52210: 1985 DIN 52210: 1989 DIN 52210: 1989 DIN 52212: 1961 DIN 52215: 1963 DIN 52216: 1965 DIN 52217: 1984 VDI 2057 Blatt 4.1: 1987 VDI 2081: 1983 VDI 2566: 1988 VDI 2569: 1990 VDI 2571: 1976 VDI 2711: 1978 VDI 2714: 1988 VDI 2718: 1975 YDI 2719: 1987 VDI 3720 Blatt 1: 1980 VDI 3720 Blatt 2: 1982 BDI 2723 Blatt 1: 1982 VDI 3728: 1987 VDI 3729 Blatt 1: 1982 VDI 3729 Blatt 2: 1982 VDI 3729 Blatt 3: 1982 VDI 3729 Blatt 5: 1982 VDI 3729 Blatt 6: 1990 VDI 3731 Blatt 1: 1982 VDI 3731 Blatt 2: 1988
of vibration emission; requirements on vibration meter. Teil 1. Measurement Teil 2. Measurement of vibration emissions; measuring method; amendment1. Teil 1. Tests in building acoustics; airborne and impact sound insulation; measuring methods. Teil 2. Tests in building acoustics; airborneand impact sound insulation; laboratories for measuring of the sound reduction of building elements. Teil 3. Testing of acoustics in buildings, airborne and impact sound insulation; laboratory measurements of sound insulation of building elements and field measurements between rooms. Teil 4. Tests in building acoustics;airborneand impact sound insulation; determination of single-number quantities. Teil 5. Testing in building acoustics; airborne and impact sound insulation; field measurements of airborne sound insulation of exterior building elements. Teil 6. Testsin building acoustics;airborneandimpactsound insulation; determination of the level difference. Teil 7. Tests in building acoustics; airborneandimpact sound insulation; determination of the lateral sound reduction index. Testing of architectural acoustics; measurement of sound absorption coefficient in a reverberation room. Testing of architectural acoustics; determinationof sound absorption coefficient and impedance in a tube. Testing of architectural acoustics; measurementof reverberation time in auditoria. Test in building acoustics; flanking transmission; terms and definitions. Effect of mechanical vibrations on human beings; measurements and assessment for workshop places in buildings. Noise generation and noise reduction in air-conditioning systems. Noise reduction on lifts. Sound protection and acoustical design in offices. Sound radiation from industrial buildings. Noise reduction by enclosures.
Outdoor soundpropagation. Noise abatementin town planning. Sound isolation of windowsand theirauxiliary equipment. Noise abatementby design; general fundamentals. Noise abatementby design; compilation of examples. Application of statistical methods for the description of variating ambient noise
levels.
Airborne sound isolation of doors and movable walls. Characteristic noise emissionvalues oftechnical sound sources; office machines; basic directions. Characteristic noise emission values of technical sound sources; office machines,
typewriters.
Characteristic noise emission values of technical sound sources; office machines, duplicating machines and copiers. Characteristic noise emission values of technical sound sources; office machines; mail processing (preparation) machines. Characteristic noise emissionvalues of technical sound sources; computer andbusiness equipment; computer. Characteristic noise emission values of technical sound sources; compressors. Characteristic noise emission values of technical sound sources; fans.
154
VDI 3733:1983 VDI 3744: 1983
Noise
at pipes.
in hospitals and sanatoriums; instructions for planning.
Noise control
American National Standards Institute ANSI S1.4: 1983 Specification
for sound level meters.
ANSI Sl.4a: 1985 ANSI S1.6: 1984 ANSI S1.11: 1986 ANSI 51.13: 1971 (R 1986) ANSI 51.23: 1976 (R 1983) ANSI 51.30: 1979 (R 1985)
ANSI 51.31: 1980 (R 1986) ANSI 51.32: 1980 (R 1986) ANSI S1.33: 1982 ANSI 51.35: 1979 (R 1985) ANSI S1.35: 1979 (R 1985) ANSI S1.42: 1986 ANSI S2.8: 1972 (R 1986) ANSI 53-W-39
Sound level meters. Preferredfrequencies and band numbersfor acoustical measurements.

Octave-band and fractional octave-bandanalogand digital filters. Methods for the measurements of sound pressure levels. Method for the designation of sound power emitted by machinery and equipment. Guidelines for the use of sound power standards and the preparation of noise test codes. Broad-band noise sources in reverberation rooms. Precision methods for the determination ofsound power levels. Discrete-frequencyand narrow-band noise sources in reverberation rooms, precision methods for the determination of sound power levels. Engineering methods for the determinationof sound power levels of noise sources in a special reverberation test room. Determination of sound power levels of noise sources in anechoic and semi-anechoic rooms. Survey methods for the determinationof sound power levels of noise sources. Design response of weighting networks for acoustical measurements. Guide for describing the characteristics of resilient mountings. Effects of shock and vibration on man. (A special report not a standard.) Method for measurement of monosyllabicword intelligibility. Methods for the calculation of the articulation index. Rating noise with respect to speech interference. Guide for the evaluation of human exposure to whole-bodyvibration. Sound level descriptors for determination of compatible land use. Guide to the evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings. Vibration and shock affecting man, mechanical-vocabulary. Method for assessment of high energy impulsive sound with respect to residential communities. Quantities and procedure for description and measurement of environmental sound
ANSI S3.2: 1960 (R 1982) ANSI S3.5: 1969 (R 1986) ANSI S3.14: 1977 (R 1986) ANSI S3.18: 1979 (R 1986)
ANSI S3.23: 1980 (R 1986) ANSI 53.29: 1983 ANSI 53.32: 1982 ANSI 512.4: 1986 ANSI 512.9: 1988 ANSI 512.10: 1985 ANSI 512.11: 1987 ANSI 512.34: 1988
(part 1).
Methods for the measurement and designation of noise emitted by computer and business equipment. Methods for the measurement of noise emitted by small air-movingdevices. Engineering methodsfor the determination ofsound powerlevels ofnoise sources for essentiallyfree field conditions over a reflecting plane.
American Society for Testing and Materials Standards ASTM C 38488 Test method for impedance
ASTM C 42389
and absorption of acoustical materials by the impedance tube method. Test method for sound absorption and sound absorption coefficients by the reverberation room method.
155
ASTM C 634-86 ASTM C 107086 ASTM E 9087 ASTM E 336-84 ASTM E 413-87
ASTM E 477-84 ASTM E 492-86 ASTM E 49787 ASTM E 59688 ASTM
E 59781 (1987)
ASTM E 795-83 ASTM E 966-84

ASTM E 100784 ASTM E 101484 ASTM E 104185 ASTM E 111086 ASTM E 112486 ASTM
Definitions of terms relatingto environmental acoustics. Standard specification for thermal and acoustic insulation (mineral fibre, duct lining material). Method for laboratory measurement of airborne sound transmission loss of building partitions. Test method for measurement of airborne sound insulation in buildings. Classification for determination of sound transmission class. Method oftesting duct liner materials and prefabricated silencers for acoustical and air flow performance. Method of laboratory measurementof impact sound transmission through floor ceiling assemblies using the tapping machine. Practice for installing sound-isolating gypsumboard partitions. Method for laboratory measurement of the noise reduction of sound-isolating enclosures. Practice for determining a single-number ratingof airbornesound isolation for use in multi-unit building specifications. Practices for mountingtest specimens during sound absorption tests. Guide for field measurement of airborne sound insulation of building facades and facade elements. Test method for field measurementof tapping machine impact sound transmission through floorceiling assembliesand associated support structures. Guide for the measurementofoutdoor A-weightedsound levels. Guide for measurementof masking soundsin open offices. Classificationfor determiningof articulation class. Test method for field measurement of sound power level by the two-surface method. Test method for objective measurement of speech privacy in open offices using articulation index. Test method for laboratory measurement ofinsertionloss of pipe-lagging systems.
E 113088
ASTM E 122287
French Standards NF E51701: 1980
Controlledmechanical ventilation components. Code for aerodynamic and acoustic testing of extract air terminaldevices.
Controlled mechanical ventilation components. Code for aerodynamic and acoustic testings of extraction units for private houses. Simple flux. Performance standardin building. Presentation of the performances of facades made ofcomponents from the samesource. Ventilation components. Code for aerodynamic and acoustic testing of facade air
inlets.
NF E51706: 1988 NF P05321: 1986 NF P50402: 1985
NF P90207: 1986 NF S30002: 1972 NF S30004: 1966 NF S30008: 1984

NF S30010: 1974 NF S30101: 1973 NF S30102: 1973
Sporthalls. Acoustics. Acoustics.Standard frequencies for acoustic measurement. Acoustics.Expressing the physical andpsychophysiologicalproperties of a sound or a
noise.
Guide to standards on the measurement of airborne acoustical noise and evaluation of its effects on human beings. Acoustics. NR curve for the assessment of noise. Acoustics.Terminology: generaldefinitions. Acoustics. Terminology: transmission systems and transducers for sound and vibrations.
Acoustics.
156
Acoustics
in the Built Environment Acoustics. Terminology: instruments. Acoustics vocabulary: architectural acoustics.
NF S30103: 1973 NF S30106: 1975 NF S31O1O: 1987
NF S31012: 1973 NF S31021: 1982 NF S31022: 1989 NF S31025: 1977

NF S31026: 1978 NF S31027: 1977 NF S31045: 1989
Acoustics. Description and measurement of environmental noise: investigation of complaints against noise in inhabited areas. Acoustics. Measuring the period ofreverberation in auditoria. Acoustics. Platform measurement of the noise emitted by ducted fans. Reduced chamberon discharge method. Acoustics.Determination ofsound power levels ofnoise sources. Precision methodsfor broad-band sources in reverberation rooms. Acoustics.Determination of sound powerlevels of noise sources. Part 4: Engineering method for free fieldconditions over a reflecting plane. Acoustics. Determination of the sound power emitted by noise sources. Part V: Laboratory methods in anechoic and semi-anechoic rooms. Acoustics.Determination ofthe level ofacoustic power emitted by noise source. Part6: Control method for on-site measurements. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of building and building components. Laboratory measurement of insulation against airborne noise of small sized building components. Acoustics.Assessmentof speech intelligibility distances in noisy conditions. Acoustics.Measurement of the acoustic insulation of buildings and building components. Precision specifications. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of building and building components. Specifications relatingto laboratories. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of buildings and building components. Laboratory measurement of insulation against airborne noise of building components. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic laboratorymeasurementof transmission of impact noise by floors. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of building and building components. Laboratory measurementof the reduction in transmission of impact noise due to floor covering and floating floors. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of buildings and building components. Investigatorymethod for the in-situ measurement ofairborne soundinsulation between rooms. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of buildings and building components. Investigatorymethod for the in-situ measurement ofairborne soundinsulation of rooms from road traffic noise. Acoustics. Measurement of the acoustic insulation of buildings and building components. Investigatory method for the in-situ measurement of impact sound transmission. Acoustics.Verificationof the acoustic quality of buildings. Acoustics.Test code for the measurementof noise emitted by bar guide tubes (screw cutting industry). Acoustics. Testing of architectural acoustics. Determination of sound absorption coefficient and impedance in a tube.
NF S31047; 1975 NF S31049: 1982 NF S31050: 1979

NFS31051: 1985
NF S31052: 1979 NF S31053: 1979 NF S31054: 1982

NF S31055: 1982
NF S31056: 1982
NF S31057: 1982 NF S31059: 1983 NF S31065: 1981 NF S31067: 1986 NF S31109: 1983
NFS3111O: 1985
usinga reference soundsource. Acoustics. Integrating sound level meters.
Acoustics. Determination ofsound power levels ofnoise sources. Part 7: Surveymethod
Acoustics.Description and measurement ofenvironmental noise. Basic quantities and general evaluation methods.
Technical Infonnation
157
NF S32001: 1975
NF X02207: 1985 NF X35108, NF ISO 7731: 1987
Acoustics.Soundsignal for emergency evacuation. Fundamental standards. Quantities, units and symbolsofacoustics.
Dangersignals for work places. Auditory danger signals.
British Standards
BS 648: 1964 BS 848
Part2: 1985 Part6: 1989

Part 1: Various dates by section 1981 to 1993
Schedules ofweights ofbuilding materials. Fans for general purpose. Methods of noise testing. Methods of measurement offan vibration. Pressure differential devices.
BS 1042
Specification for octave and one-thirdoctave band pass filters. Measurement ofsound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Recommendations for laboratories Determination, verification and application of precision data. Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of building elements. Field measurements of airbornesound insulation between rooms. Field measurements of airbornesound insulation of facade elements and facades. Laboratory measurements ofimpact sound insulation of floors. Field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors. Laboratory measurements of the reduction of transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a standardfloor. Method for laboratorymeasurementof room-to-room airborne sound insulation of Part 9: 1987 a suspended ceiling with a plenum above it. BS 3593: 1986 Recommendation on preferredfrequencies for acoustical measurements. BS 3638: 1987 Method for measurement of sound absorption in a reverberantroom. Acoustics Determinationofsound power levels of noise sources usingsound pressure: BS EN ISO 3746: 1996 survey methodusing an enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane. BS4142: 1990 (under review) Method of rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. BS 4196 Soundpower levels ofnoise sources. Part 0: 1986 Guide for the use ofbasic standards and for the preparationof noise test codes. Precision methodsfor determinationof sound power levels for broad-band sources Part 1: 1991 in reverberation rooms. Precision methods for determinationof sound power levels for discrete-frequency Part 2: 1991 and narrow-band sources in reverberation rooms. Part 3: 1991 Engineering methodsfor determination ofsound power levels for sources in special reverberation test rooms. Part 4: 1981 Engineering methods for determinationof sound power levels for sources in free field conditions over a reflecting plane. Part 5: 1981 Precision methods for determinationof sound power level for sources in anechoic and semi-anechoic rooms. Part7: 1988 Survey method for determination of sound power levels of noise sources using a reference sound source. Part8: 1991 Specificationfor the performance and calibration of reference sound sources. BS 4718: 1971 Methods of test for silencers for air distribution systems. BS 2475: 1996 BS 2750: Part 1: 1980 Part 2: 1993 Part 3: 1995 Part 4: 1980 Part 5: 1980 Part 6: 1980 Part 7: 1980 Part 8: 1980 BS 4727: Part 3 Group 08: 1985 BS 4773: 1989 Acoustics and electroacoustics terminology. Methods for testing and rating air terminaldevices for air distribution systems. Acoustic testing. Methods for testing and rating fan coil units, unit heaters and unit coolers. Acousticperformance,withoutadditionalducting. Acousticperformance,with ducting.
Part 2: 1989
BS 4856
Part 4: 1978 Part 5: 1979
158
Acoustics
in the Built Environment Acoustics
BS
Part 2: 1994
BS 4857
Iso 4869
Hearing protectors. Estimation of effective A weighted sound pressure levels when hearing protectors are worn.
Part 2: 1978 (1983)

BS 5108
Methods for testing and rating terminalreheat units for air distribution systems. Acoustic testingand rating. Sound attenuationof hearing protectors. Determination of sound power levels of noise from air terminaldevices. Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Code of practice for basic information and procedures for noise and vibration control. Guide to noise and vibration control legislation for construction and demolition including road constructions and maintenance. Code of practice applicable to surface coal extraction by opencastmethods. Code of practice for noise control applicable to piling operations. Method for measurement of reverberation time in auditoria. Buildings and structures for agriculture: Guide to noise attenuation Method for describing aircraft noise heard on the ground. Specificationfor quantities, units and symbols: Acoustics. Industrial process control valves. Noise conditions. Methods for rating the sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Methodfor rating theairbornesoundinsulation in buildings andofinteriorbuilding elements. (Superceded by BS ENISO 717/1 1997 at 1/9/1997) Method for rating the impact sound insulation. (Superceded by BS ENISO 717/2 1997 at 1/9/1997) Methodfor ratingthe airborne sound insulation offacade elements and facades. Specificationfor sound level meters.
Part 1: 1991
BS 5135: 1995 BS 5228
Part 1: 1997 Part 2: 1997 Part 3: 1997 Part 4: 1992
BS 5363: 1986 BS 5502: Part 32: 1996 BS 5727: 1979 BS 5775, Part 7: 1979 BS 5793
Part 8: 1991
BS 5821
Part 1: 1984 Part 2: 1984 Part 3: 1984
BS 5969: 1981 BS 6083
Part 3: 1991
Hearingaids. Methods for measurement of electroacoustical characteristics
BS 6177: 1982 BS 6259: 1997 BS 6472: 1992 BS 6611: 1985
equipment. Guide to selection and use of elastomeric bearings for vibration isolation of buildings. The design, planning, installation and maintenance of sound systems.
of hearing
aid
Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings (1Hz to 80 Hz). Guide to evaluation of the response of occupants of fixed structures, especially buildings and offshore structures, to low-frequencyhorizontal motion (0.063Hz to
1 Hz).
Part 1: 1986
Part2 Sect 2.2: 1990 Part2 Sect 2.3: 1991

BS 6698: 1986 Amd 1: 1991 BS 6840 Part 1: 1987
Part 2 Sect 2.1: 1990
Methods for determination of airborne acoustical noise emitted by householdand similar electrical appliances.
Specification for integrating-averagingsound level meters. Sound system equipment. Methods for specifyingand measuring general characteristics used for equipment performance. Glossaryof general terms and calculation methods. Methods for specifring and measuring the characteristics of sound system amplifiers. Methods for specifyingand measuring the characteristics ofmicrophones. Methods for specifyingand measuring the characteristics ofloudspeakers.
Part 2: 1993 Part 3: 1989 Part 4: 1987 Part 5: 1995
159
Part 6: 1987
Part 8: 1988
Part 9: 1987
Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of auxiliary passive elements. Methods for specifyingand measuring the characteristics of automatic gain control
devices.
Methods for specifyingand measuring the characteristics of artificial reverberation, time delay and frequency shift equipment. Part 11: 1988 Specification for application of connectors for the interconnection of sound system components. Part 12: 1995 Specification for applications of connectors for broadcast and similar use. Part 13: 1987 Guide for listening tests on loudspeakers. Part 14: 1987 Guide for circularand elliptical loudspeakers; outer frame diameters andmounting dimensions. Part 15: 1988 Specification for matching values for the interconnection of sound system components. Part 16: 1989 Guide to the 'RASTI' method for the objective rating of speech intelligibility in auditoria. Part 18: 1996 Guide for digital peak level indicator. BS 6841: 1987 (under review) Guide to measurementand evaluation of human exposure to whole body mechanical vibration and repeated shock. BS 6912: Part 3: 1990 Safetyof earth-moving machinery sound test methodfor machine-mounted forward and reverse warning signal. BS 6926: 1995 Determination of sound powerlevels of noise sources. BS 7385 Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings. Guide for measurement ofvibrations and evaluation of their effects on buildings. Part 1: 1990 Part 2: 1993 Guide to damage levels from groundbornevibration. BS 7443: 1991 Specificationfor sound systemsfor emergency purposes (IEC 849) (largely updatesBS 5839 'Fire detectionand alarm systems for buildings'). BS 7445 Description and measurementof environmental noise. Part 1: 1991 Guide to quantities and procedures. Part 2: 1991 Guide to the acquisition of data pertinent to land use. Part 3: 1991 Guide to the application to noise limits. Test code for the measurement of airborne noise emitted by rotating electrical BS 7458 machinery. Part 1: 1991 Engineeringmethod for the free-field conditions over a reflecting plane. Part 2: 1991 Survey method. Code of Practice for Audio-FrequencyInductionLoop Systems(AFILS). BS 7594: 1993 Shortened procedurefor type 2 sound level meters. BS 7580, Part 2: 1995 BS 7636: 1993 Method of determination of thresholds of hearingusing sound field audiometrywith pure tone and narrow-band test signals. BS 7643, Part 3: 1993 Building construction: expression of users' requirements: Acousticalrequirements. BS 7698, Part 9: 1996 Measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibrations. Acoustics Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound BS 7703, Part 1: 1993
intensity.
BS 7827: 1996 BS 8233: 1987 BS 8297: 1995
Code of Practice for designing, specifying, maintaining, and operating emergency sound systems at sports venues Code of Practice for sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Determination of sound power levels of multi-source industrial plants.
Page blank
in original
Index
A-weighting, 136
Abatement notice, 27, 33 Absorbers, fibrous,50 Absorption, 48, 53, 54, 143 Absorption coefficients,50, 512 Acceleration, 29 Accelerometer, 12 Acoustic appraisal, 13 Acoustic canopies, 64 Acoustic curtains, 102 Acoustic doorsets, 99 Acoustic laboratories, 52 Acoustic louvres, 101, 102 Acoustic modeltesting, 66 Acoustic plaster, 52 Acoustical parameters, 118 Air-handlingunits, 91, 93, 104 Mr space, 48 Aircraft flight path, 22 Aircraft frequency spectra, 21 Aircraft noise, 11, 19, 21 Albert Hall, seeRoyal Albert Hall Ambient noise level, 120 American National Standards Institute, 154 American Societyfor Testingand MaterialsStandards (ASTMS), 1545 American Societyof Heating, Refrigeration and Mr-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 87, 91, 92, 107 Amsterdam,Concertgebauw,57 Anechoic chambers, 53, 107 Annoyance, 78
Appraisals:
Berlin Philharmonic, 58, 62, 64 Bestpractical means, 33 Blockwork, 39, 43 Boilers,92, 102 Brickwork, 43, 45 BridgewaterHail, Manchester,54, 58, 59 British Gypsum,43, 44, 45, 47, 56 British Standards, 1579 British Standards Institution, 107 Broadcasting,64, 67 Broadcastingauthorities criteria, 88 Builder's work enclosure, 102 Builder's work penetrations, 97, 99, 102 Building control, 3 Building damage, 29, 30, 89 Building regulations, 3, 5, 24, 37, 48, 70 Building services, 26 Building vibration: humanresponse, 31 Cable routes, 115 Calculation ofrailway noise (Dept ofTransport), 18 Calculation ofroadtraffic noise (CORTN),14 Calibrator, 12 Cardiff, St David'sHall, 61 Cavitywalls, 41 Ceiling panels, soundreflecting, 72 Ceiling reflectors, 65 Ceiling tiles, 52 Ceiling voids, 43 Ceilings, 43, 51 suspended, 43, 44 Centralized plant, 98 Channel tunnel, 10 Chartered Institute ofBuilding ServicesEngineers (CIBSE),87, 91, 92,
94, 109
Cinemas,28, 56, 57
Cladding: Clarity, 61
ductsand pipes, 40, 101
environmental, 7, 31 Articulation index, 128, 144 ArupAcoustics,54, 59 Assessment procedure: industrial noise, 28 Association ofNoise Consultants (ANC), 7, 109 Atkins,W. 5., 14 Atria, 75 Attenuation, 16, 22, 96 cross talk, 96 definition, 133 train noise, 18 Attenuators, 94, 100, 101, 107 Audience, 52 Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS), 125, 131 Auditoria modelling, 54 Auditorium ventilation, 100 Auralization, 54, 56 Authorities, regulatory, 3 Average sound insulation index ratingRw, 38 Axial fan, 92, 104 Background noise levels, 10, 26, 33, 45, 78, 88, 108, 116, 140 Balconyfronts, 81 Band limitfrequencies, 138 Banners, side wall absorbers,65 Barrier attenuation, 15 Barriers, 23 Bass traps, 52 BBC, 80 BDPAcoustics,55, 56 Belfast, Waterfront Hall, 58, 60, 61 Beranek and Ver, 5
ClarityindexC50, 64 ClarityindexC80, 64 Clay pigeon shooting, 28, 29 Clubs, 28, 33 Coincidence, 35, 42, 48 Commissioning:4 sound systems, 116 Commissioningtests, 108 Compositeconstruction, 35, 42 Compression,119 Compressors,104, 105 Computer-aided theatre technique Computer rooms, 78 Concert halls, 30, 5768 shape, 57 Concertgebauw,Amsterdam, 57 Condenser units, 91, 99 Conference rooms, 72, 73 Construction noise, 11, 13, 236 prediction of, 24 Construction plant noise, 23 Contours, 16 Control ofPollution Act, 23, 24 Conversions,57 Cooling towers, 91 Council chambers, 67, 72 Courtorder, 33 Cross-talk, 97, 93 Curtains, 51 Curtains, acoustic, 102 Damping, 89 Damping, edge, 48 Daytime, 10
(CAn),54
'Deafaid loop systems, 125
162
Index
Decibel, 134 Density, 42, 43 Department ofthe Environment, 23, 29 circular 1/85, 27 Department ofTransport, 17, 18, 20 Design acoustics, 5, 3584 Design and build, 86 Design discipline, 4 Design stages, 2, 4 Deutlichkeit,64 Diesel engine noise, 23 Diffusion,54, 61 DIN (standards), 152 Directed sound,64
Directivity, 36, 38
Fan testing, 107

Fans:
axial, 92, 104 centrifugal, 92 Filter, octave band, 137 Finishes, 54 floor, 52
hard, 51
flanking: path, 35, 36 transmission, 141
flight path, 22 floors,40, 48
factor, 134 index, 134
Discontinuity, 42
Discotheques,28, 29, 68 Docklands Light Railway, 17 Doors, 40, 45, 46 sliding,46 Doorsets, acoustics, 99 Double glazing,39 Double leaf, 40, 41 Dryconstruction, 41 Drylining, 45, 69
Ducts:
systems, 42, 95, 133 velocities,96 Dwellings, 14 Dynamic range, 64
noise break-out,64, 96 regenerated noise, 96 riser, 97 shape, 97
floating, 48, 50, 70 timber, 47, 48, 49, 50 Footfall, 89 noise, 64 Free-field measurements,9 French standards, 1557 Frequency, 132 hand limit, 138 bands, 136 natural, 89, 90 range, 50 response, 64, 116, 117, 121, 126 spectra, 11, 12, 16, 20 aircraft, 21 fan noise, 91 train,00 Gas turbines, 93 Generators, 89, 92 German national standards, 152 Glass fibre, 51, 52 Glyndebourne Opera House, 66 Groundbourne vibration,29 Halcrow Fox, 14 Hail shape, 57 Hangers, 106 Health buildings,69 Hearing: loss, 71, 132 risk, 68 Hclmholz resonators, 52 Hertz, 132 HFA noise (computer program), 14 Hospitals, 69 Hotels, 69 Hoursofoperation, 24, 28 Housing, 69
Early decay time, 61, 143 Early lateral energy traction, 63 Echoes, 116, 117, 126 Education buildings,69 Electroacoustics,81, 82, 110 Electroacousticssystems, 118 Electro-acousticsimulators for engineers (EASE), 54 Emissionlimits, 88 Enclosures,102, 103 Envelopment, 63 Environmental:
acoustics, 5 assessments,
7, 31, 32 healthdepartment, 9, 33 officer,33, 88 noise, 1, 5

measures, 137 standards, 148 Protection Act, 26, 27, 28, 33 statement, 7, 31, 32 Equalization,120 Equipment, 11, 26, 104, 105,106 electrical, 85 locations and housing, 115 mechanical services, 190 rack, 124 refrigeration, 12, 92, 104 selection, 12 signal processing, 120 Equivalentcontinuous soundlevel, 139
Escalators,
Ice rinks, 79, 110
94, 102
European BroadcastingUnion, 79, 88 Evening, 10

Facilities, airflow testing, 107 Fan coil units,99
Impact sound, 48, 107, 146 Impulsivevibration excitation,31 Independentlining, 43 Industrial buildings, 71 Industrial noise, 11, 32 assessmentprocedure, 28 Inertiablock, 105, 106 Insertion loss, 96 Institute ofAcoustics, 7 Instrumentation, standards for, 149 Insulation, 48 Intelligibility,73 speech, 82 International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 107 International standards, 1507 Intensity level, 134 Inverse square law, 117
IR systems, 125
Isolation, 48 Isolators, 106
Fan noise, calculation of, 90, 94, 95
Index
163
Jordan Akustik, LAb, 11, 13
57
LA90, 11, 26 LAeq, 11, 13, 20, 21, 26, 29
IAmax, 11 Laboratories,89 Laboratory tests, 107 Lamination, 48 Land Compensation Act, 13 Landfillsites, 27 Lateral efficiency, 59, 61 Law courts, 64, 67, 68 Lecture theatres, 67 Lecture rooms, 72 Legislation,2, 3, 17, 23, 26 Leisure noise, 28 Libraries,73
Lifts, 94, 102 Lighting, 94 LinkOping ConcertHaIl, 66
aircraft, 11, 19, 21 and NumberIndex (NNI), 20, 21, 140 and Statutory Nuisance Act, 26 at Work Regulations, 2 barriers, 22 break-in, 60 break-out, 38
duct, 64
climate,external, 38 construction, 11, 13, 236 control, 26, 28, 85 building services, 100, 101 criterion (NC), 87, 145 definition, 132 diesel engine, 23 exposure categories, 13, 18, 20 external, 88 fan, 90, 94 footfall, 64 industrial, 11, 32 assessmentprocedure, 28 insulation regulations, 13 Insulation (Railways and OtherGuided Transport Systems) Regulations1995, 17 intermittent, 89
levels:
Local authority, 24, 26 Locomotives, 19, 20 Loudness, 116 Loudspeaker(s): coverage,121 line losses, 125 re-entrant horn, 121 signal distribution, 123 Louvres,acoustic,101, 102
Manchester,BridgewaterHall, 54, 58, 59 Masonry, 39, 41, 45

Mass, 43 Mass law, 35, 38, 41
Measurement: free-field,9 locations,9, 12 percentage alcons, 129 sound system intelligibility, 126 units, 11, 20, 23 vibration, 9, 11 Measurements,56 Mechanicalservices, standards, 149 Meeting rooms, 67 Metalfabrication, 26 Microphone, 10, 118, 119 height, 9 MIDAS, 59 Mineral extraction, 26, 27, 31 Mineral wool, 52 MinistryofDefence, 20 Model, physical, 54, 61 Monitoring, 10 vibration, 10 Mounts,antivibration, 104, 106 Multiplex cinemas,56, 57, 67 Multi-use, 64, 67 Museums, 73 Music noise, 29 Music practice rooms, 73, 74, 76, 77 Musicians, 64 Musikvereinsaal, Vienna, 57 National MeasurementAccreditation Service (NAMAS), 11, 46 Newdevelopments, 30 Night clubs, 28, 33 Night-time,10 NNI, see Noise and Number Index
Noise:
averaging,133 boilerroom, 93 plant, 23 rail, 11, 17, 19 rail, calculation of, 18 ratingnumber (NR), 50, 145 ratings, 69, 87 regenerated, 94, 96 sensing, 120 services,5, 85109 traffic, 12, 13, 14, 15 traffic, calculation (CORTN), 14 transportation,12 control of, 22 NorrisEyring equation, 53, 143 Octave band, 137 Odense concerthall, 57 ODEON,54, 55, 59 Offices, 18, 75, 78, 89 open plan,77 Opera houses, 67, 80, 83 Orchestras, 52, 64, 68 pits, 67 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),
12
Overhead reflectors,61 Overhead soundabsorbers, 53
Act 1996,
abatement notice, 27, 33

2
AdvisoryCouncil, 16, 29 air conditioning, 87
Panels, 51 Partitions, 35, 43 folding, 43 stud, 39 Pascal, 132 Pathdifference, 15, 22 Percentage alcons, 129, 131 Peutz and Associates BV, 56 Physical model, 54, 61 Piling, 23 Pistonphone, 12 Planning conditions, 27, 32 Planning permission,3, 13, 18 Plant: air-eonditioning,85 external, 99, 103 mobile, 25 noise, 23 stationary,25
164
Index Separation, 36 Servicepenetrations, 93, 99

Services:
Plant rooms, 85, 99 absorption, 99 structure, 99 Plaster,acoustic,52 Plenum chambers, 98 Pop concerts, 29 Power amplifiers,120 Power train noise, 12
Pre-amplifsers, 19
Prediction: construction site noise, 24, 25 PreferredNoise Criterion (PNC), 145 Priorconsent, 24 Privacy, 69, 77, 78 Publications:reference, 3 Pumps, 104, 105 Pure tone audiometry, 71
noise, 5, 85109 advice timing, 86 design criteria, 87 piped,85 Sheetmaterials, 39 Shopping malls,53
Signal:
direct-to-reverberant, 127 distribution, 123 Signal-to-noise ratio, 116, 117, 127 Silencers,28, 93, 96 Silencing,85 Single event roadvehicle noise, 16 Single glazing, 39
Site:
Quadratic residue sequence, 64 Quilt, 40
Radio facilities, 79 Rail noise, 11, 17, 19 attenuation, 18 Railway Noise Insulation Regulations, 17 Rapid Speech TransmissionIndex (RASTI), 54, 128, 130,131 definition, 145 Ratio of early to late energy, 63 Ratio of early to reverberant energy, 59 Real timeanalyser, 12 Recording, 64 Recording studios, 79 Reflection,54 Refrigeration equipment, 12, 92, 104 Regenerated noise, 94, 96 Regulatory authorities, 4 Renton Howard Wood Levin,59 Resilience, 104 Re-radiation, 42 Resonances,52, 104 partition, 35, 42 Resonant frequency, 40 definition, 146 Reverberation, 116, 117, 127 time, 52, 53, 59, 64, 67, 68, 77, 79, 120, 140 Riser ducts, 97 Roadnoise, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22 computerprogram, 14 Robinson and Mcllwaine, 61 Rolling noise, 12 Roofs, 42 flat,43 lightweight,43
Room(s): acoustics, 36, 38, 54 radius, 144 reverberation, 107
boundary, 85 survey, 8, 12 Slant distance, 22 Sound, 1, 132 absorbers,overhead, 53 absorption, 48 coefficient,144 Attenuators Ltd, 48, 50 decay analysis, 55 exposure level, 17, 140 insulation, 35, 48, 140 standards for, 149 leaks, 42 level difference, 35, 37, 141 standardized, 142 level, 136 measurement, standards for, 148 pressure level, 118, 133,135 maximum, 139 octave band, 137 peak, 140 reverberant, 53, 143 reduction index (SRI), 37, 39, 40, 140 composite construction, 142 reinforcement systems, 59, 11013 standards for, 148 Research Laboratories,5, 68, 91 systemintelligibilitymeasurement, 126 systems, 5, 11031 design checklist, 114 input requirements, 115 quality, 114 transmission class, 141 coefficient, 141 Spatial impression,63 Speech intelligibility, 82, 125 interference level, 145 transmission index, 146 transmission tests, 130 Sports stadia, 110 Standardized soundlevel difference DnT, 142 Standards, 14859 American, 1545 British, 15769 French, 1557 German, 1524 International, 1507 Standby diesels, 105 Static deflection, 90, 104, 106 Statutes, 3 Stiffness,35, 42, 48 Structureborne noise, 23, 25, 30, 89, 142 Studios, 30, 43, 52 modular, 80 production, 46 recording, 79
privacy, 45, 88, 128 reinforcement, 68 power:
units, 98 Royal Albert Hall London, 54, 63
St. David's Hall, Cardiff, 61
Sabine equation, 53, 144 Sabine RT, 61, 63 Sample periods, 12 Sandy Brown Associates, 60
Schools, 69
Screens, 102, 103 SEL (Sound exposure level), 11, 17, 20 Seating, 58, 64 vineyard,58, 62 Seats, 52, 65 SegestromHall, California,58, 66 Separating walls, 57, 70
Index Surfaces,reflecting, 72
165
Survey procedure, 9 Swimmingpools, 79, 110 Technical information, 13259 Televisionfacilities,79 Temperature inversions, 11 Ten-pin bowling, 28, 33
Tests:
commissioning,108 laboratory, 107 works, 107 Theatres, 67, 69, 80 Timber Research and DevelopmentAssociation (TRAI)A), 49 Trading rooms, 83
Traffic:
Ventilation noise, 57, 69, 94 Ventilation openings, 99 Vibration, 5, 85109, 147 acceptable levels, 29 groundborne, 29 Vibration isolation,90, 93, 102, 104, 105, 106 Vibration levels, 30 Vibration measurement, 9, 11 standards for, 149 Vibration monitoring, 10 Vibration transmission,89, 93 Video conferencing, 73 Vienna, Musikvereinsaal, 57 Vineyard seating, 58, 62 Voids, ceiling, 43 Volume,58
Walls, 43 Water-skiing, 29
noise, 12, 13, 14, 15 speed, 15 Trains, frequency spectra, 20

se also Rail
Transfer grilles,97 Transformers, 105

Transmission:
flanking, 141 loss, 141 path, suites, 107 Transportation noise, controlof, 22 Treatments, 51 Units, measurements, 11, 13, 17, 20, 23, 28, 29
Valves, 94 Velocity, 29
Waterfront Hall, Belfast, 58, 60, 61 Weather, 10, 11, 12 Weighted normalized impact soundlevel, 147 Weighted sound reduction indexRw, 142 Weighted standardized level difference (D,,T), 37, 143 Weightingnetworks, 136 specthcation, 137 Wellington TownHall, New Zealand, 63 Windfarms, 32 Windows,48, 69 Winds, 10 Wiring, 124 WycombeEntertainments Centre, 66 Young's modulus, 42 Zoning, 78
Ventilation,64, 108 auditorium, 100 natural, 2, 14, 75
ARCHITECTURE ACOUSTICS
Acoustics in the Built Environment is an invaluable

work of reference for the building professional,covering all
aspects
of acoustics. It is unique in its range of topics: the
environment, transport infrastructure, building design,

building systems and buildings in use. Each section has been contributed by an expert in the field, and updatedin the light
of current legislation for this second edition.

The book presents information relevant to the day-to-day
work of project
design teams
in a concise, readily accessible
and usable form. Frequent reference is made to appropriate
Standards, Acts
of Parliament and other prescriptive
documents,which can be cited in performancespecifications.
Its broad range
of subject matter and for anyone
its ease of use make
Acoustics in the Built Environment an indispensable

source of information
acoustics,
concerned with building
whether they are architects, planners, engineers
or environmentalhealth officers.
A qualified acoustician and architect of long experiences

Duncan Templeton has co-written three other books on
architectural acoustics arid worked closely with his coauthors ofthis work on manyoccasions.
ISBN 0750636440
ARCHITECTURAL PRESS
_____ Ankir*d.,flk-HL.....IIm
I
9 780750 636445
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hupi/www.bh.com
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Edited by DUNCAN TEMPLETON

Acoustics in the Built Environment

Acoustics in the Built Environment

MIOA, RIBA BArch(Hons),MSc(Acoustics), BSc(Hons), MSc, MbA, CEng, MIMechE

Duncan Templeton (Editor)

Peter Mapp BSc, MSc (Acoustics), MIOA, MInstP, FInstSCE,AMIEE

A member ofthe Reed Elsevierplc group

First published 1993 Second edition 1997

Reed Educational and ProfessionalPublishing Ltd 1997

A catalogue recordfor this book is available from the British Library

British Library Cataloguingin Publication Data

Acknowledgements vi Contributors vii Introduction

Chapter3: Services noise andvibration 85

Chapter4: Sound systems 110

Chapter 1: Environmental acoustics 7

DetailingforAcoustics, The ArchitectureofSound, andAcoustic David Saunders

on acoustics fall into several

Figure 1.1 RAG Walsall external. Challenge ofkeeping out

Acousticsin the Buift Environment

Classification Airborne noise Vibration Transportation

HVAC noise acoustics Room Separation Trouble shooting Remedialwork

Introduction CONSTRUCT BUILDING IN USE

Diagram 1.2 Regulatory authorities and examples oflegislation

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTh Control of Pollution

INSTALLATIONS Offices, Shops and

Town & Country

premises Act, 1963

Public Health Acts, Amendment Act,

2/76 1/85 SDD circular

TheNoise Act 1996 Noise at work HSE guidance/ Regs 1990

23/73 Noise Insulation Regulations 1975

Hospital design note 4 (Amendment HN 76/126) DHSSDATA sheet

Diagram 1.3 Statutes: sample reference publications

Acoustics iii the Built Environment

SUPPLIER/ SUBCONTRACTOR APPOINTED

CHECK TOTAL SYSTEM

LABORATORY TESTS, VALIDATION

Diagram 1.4 Designand construction stages

QUANTITYSURVEYOR TOWN PLANNER

LIGHTING ACOUSTIC ENERGY SYSTEMS DUST/POLLUTION

Effect on External noise

I construction, mineral extraction sources

e.g. Transportation, industrial,

Diagram 1.1 Acowstic appraisal:need

Acoustics in the Built Environment

Predict noise/vibration climate

Assess climate against criteria

Identify noise control

Diagram 1.2 Acowstic appraisal: requirements

Site analysis Site inspection

Site inspection to determine:

Obtain base data including up-to-date plans identifying site location

Diagram 1.3 Site inspection

[ Check weather to avoid windy or rainy conditions

[ Select equipment types

Diagram1.4 Survey procedure

in the Built Environment

*Preferred microphone position

e.g. fence or earth bank

e.g. road or railway

Figure 1.1 Elevated monitoring need

Table 1.1 Measurement units

SEL (to determine L&eq)