Acoustic Test Building Codes & Rules

Important Terms

• Acoustic Comfort^{NCC 2022 HP, 10.7.2}
• Quality of sound & its impact to our ability to focus, communicate effectively, rest, & maintain overall health
• (Rw) Weighted Sound Reduction Index^{NCC 2022 HP, 10.7.2}
• A measure of Airborne Sound Insulation, in decibels^Informative
• Determines effectivity of soundproofing through walls
• Laboratory-measured values
• (Ctr) Spectrum Adjustment Factor^Informative
• Adjustment for low frequency sound levels^Informative
• Always a negative number
• So (Rw + Ctr) will always be less than the Rw value
• (DnT, w) Weighted Standardized Level Difference^Informative
• Describes Airborne Sound Insulation between rooms^Informative
• Refers to the building element's on-site insulating power
• (LnT, w) Weighted Standardised Impact Sound Pressure Level^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, F7V3 (a)}
• Refers to Impact Sound Insulation on horizontal surfaces^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, F7V3 (b)}
• Laboratory-measured values
• NRC, Noise Reduction Coefficient^Informative
• Measures how much a material absorbs sound
• The lower the NRC values, the less the material absorbs sound
• Reverberation Time^Informative
• Refers to the duration it takes for a sound to diminish and fade away after the source has stopped

Ducting

Penetrations

Sound Level Meter

Types of Acoustic Testing^Informative

• Airborne Sound Insulation Test
• Impact Sound Insulation Test

Tapping Machine

Factors Affecting Testing Conditions^{NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.1}

• Insufficient room size hinders uniform sound distribution
• Test element not being uniform
• Size variations may give inconsistent readings as compared to standard panel sizes
• Inconsistent absorption in the field space
• Flanking Paths may reduce acoustic performance
• Background noise may also reduce testing accuracy
• Inadequate soundproofing measures around penetrations
• Inadequate acoustic sealing at wall junctions
• Poor-quality wall or floor construction

Speaker

Acoustic Test^{Manufacturer's Recommendation}

• Assesses the effectiveness of sound insulation between different areas or sections within a building
• Aspires to reduce the transfer of sound between adjacent buildings or rooms
• Why is it important
• Consider that noise pollution affects mental health
• Acoustic Testing guarantees privacy & improves quality of life
• It is conducted for Building Classes 1, 2, 3, & 9c^{NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , 2.3}
• Certification^{NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.2}
• Is issued to verify compliance with Sound Transmission Standards
• Carried out by accredited Acoustic Consultants & Testing Laboratories

Flanking Paths^Informative

• Refers to the transmission of noise via pathways surrounding a building element, instead of passing directly through the element itself
• These paths take place through
• Gaps, cracks, & weaknesses in building elements
• Incorrect sealing of junctions
• Penetrations through building elements

Impact Sound Insulation Test^{Manufacturer's Recommendation}

• Use tapping machine to create sound directly on element in Source Room
• Measure Sound Pressure Level in Receiving Room
• 100 Hz to 3150 Hz third octave bands
• ≥ 4 different locations
• ≥ 6 measurements taken

Airborne Sound Insulation Test^{Manufacturer's Recommendation}

• Use Speakers to produce white noise
• ± 100dB level in source room
• Use Sound Level Meter to measure pressure level on
• Other side of building element
• Receiving Room

Receiving Room

Source Room

Source Room

Method of Testing

• Conduct a risk assessment to determine which elements require evaluation^[1]
• Consider Room Conditions prior and during testing^[2]
• See contents of Acoustic Test Report^[3]

Testing RULES

NCC 2022 V1

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.3.1

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.3.1

Room REQUIREMENTS

NCC 2022 V1

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.3.2

Acoustic Test Report

NCC 2022 V1

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook 2022 , D.3.3

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.3.1

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook , D.3.2

NCC Sound Transmission & Insulation in Buildings Handbook 2022 , D.3.3