Polish Committee for Standardization
Chapter 12 of the 2021 International Building Code provides minimum provisions for the interior of building–the occupied environment. Ventilation, lighting and space heating are directly regulated in this chapter and in conjunction with the International Mechanical Code and the International Energy Conservation Code. Minimum room size and maximum root–to-room sound transmission are set for certain occupancies.
Chapter 12 Interior Environment
Section 1207 asserts a requirement for “Enhanced Classroom Acoustics” that recognizes occupants with special needs for all classrooms with a volume larger than 20,000 cubic feet or less, articulated in Section 808 of 2017 ICC A117.1, the latest version. Widespread use of personal hearing appliances — headphones — have complicated best practice in this domain.
20 February 2018
One noteworthy proposal for enhanced classroom acoustics — for classrooms with a volume larger than 20,000 cubic feet — appears on Pages 13-14 of the document linked below:
Classroom Acoustics BCAC General 5 – IBC A117.1 Coordination 11-20-1027 File 17-229
While this proposal is largely a correlation proposal to harmonize IBC Chapter 12 concepts with concepts already present in IBC A117.1 it does set up a new section to lock in the correlation with ICC A117.1 Section 808. It has been on the agenda of breakout committees of International Code Council (ICC) ahead of its Group A Committee Action Hearings April 15 to 25, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio.
Standards Michigan encourages user-interest subject matter experts in the education industry to participate in the ICC Committee Action Hearings. Other inquiries may be directed to Ed Wirtshorek (ewirtschoreck@iccsafe.org). We keep the ICC suite of standards as a standing item on our weekly Open Door teleconferences that are open to the public.
Issue 17-229
Category: Architectural, Accessibility
With acoustic considerations a substantial contributor to the effectiveness of learning spaces — classrooms, lecture hall, performance arts and athletic venues, etc. — we follow action in the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) suite of ANSI-accredited standards.
For example, building codes in the United States identify horizontal and vertical acoustic insulation between floors and between walls, respectively, as design considerations. Section 1206.2 of the International Building Code deal with horizontal and vertical wall sealant applications for “airborne sound” mitigation, for example. Fire protection and mass notification systems identified in NFPA 72 and UL 2572 depend upon alarms actually being heard by the occupants underscore the importance of acoustic design. When lively art spaces are also instructional spaces we seek to understand the standard of care for acoustic design of classroom spaces. Of particular interest to us in the ASA bibliography is the title linked below:
This is a fairly stable standard; though other sound related technologies we cover in other sound related technologies (ISO TC/43 Acoustics and IEC Electroacoustics TC 29). Last year’s update was required by ANSI and we had no comments to submit; absent queries from students, faculty and staff. It is wise to keep it on our radar, however, given the step-change in education communities owed to the pandemic.
On your own you may communicate with Caryn Mennigke at ASA: (631) 390-0215, asastds@acousticalsociety.org. The ASA uses ANSI Standards Action for issuing live public consultation notices.
Since acoustic technologies cut across many disciplines we maintain it on the standing agenda of our Construction, Lively Art and Nota Bene teleconferences. See our CALENDAR next scheduled meeting; open to everyone.
Issue: [19-140]
Category: Academics, Architectural, #SmartCampus
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Kristen Murphy
LEARN MORE:
Room acoustic design, measurement, and simulation techniques to reduce hospital noises within patients’ environment | Mojtaba Navvab, University of Michigan
Acoustical/Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools International Code Council
Abstract: In this paper, correlation coefficients between the five objective estimates of speech quality, on the one hand, and the Speech Transmission Index as speech intelligibility measure, on the other hand, were estimated. This comparison was performed using binaural room impulse responses corresponded to different points of the three university auditoriums of different sizes. Speech quality was assessed using intrusive speech quality measures: Segmental Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Logarithmic Spectral Distortion, Frequency-Weighted Segmental Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Bark Spectral Distortion, and Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality. The formation of signals distorted by reverberation was performed by convolving of pure signals with binaural room impulse responses of the premises. A high level of correlation (0.6-0.99) of Bark Spectral Distortion estimates with estimates of the Speech Transmission Index for rooms of different sizes was revealed. Correlation of estimates (0.65-0.98) of Frequency-Weighted Segmental Signal-to-Noise ratio with Speech Transmission Index estimates was observed for medium and large rooms. Significant correlation (0.96-0.99) of Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality with Speech Transmission Index estimates was observed only for large audiences. At the same time, estimates of the Segmental Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Logarithmic Spectral Distortion turned out to be practically uncorrelated with Speech Transmission Index estimates for all studied premises.
CLICK HERE to order complete paper
HVAC equipment for a building is one of the major sources of interior noise, and its effect on the acoustical environment is important. Further, noise from equipment located outdoors often propagates to the community. Therefore, mechanical equipment must be selected, and equipment spaces designed, with an emphasis on both the intended uses of the equipment and the goal of providing acceptable sound levels in occupied spaces of the building and in the surrounding community. Operation of HVAC equipment can also induce mechanical vibration
that propagates into occupied spaces through structureborne paths such as piping, ductwork, and mounts. Vibration can cause direct discomfort and also create secondary radiation of noise from vibrating walls, floors, piping, etc.
In this chapter, sound and noise are used interchangeably, although only unwanted sound is considered to be noise.
Related ASHRAE titles:
These standards aim to ensure that HVAC&R systems and equipment operate efficiently and provide a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing excessive noise levels and potential acoustic issues. They play a vital role in promoting occupant comfort and overall building performance in terms of noise control and sound quality.
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