This Update presents guidelines for controlling the transmission of impact sound through concrete-slab and wood-joist floor systems in multi-family dwellings. It is based primarily on industry-supported research conducted by IRC. Full story
This Update reviews the results of IRC research on some key factors that influence the performance of a ventilation system in large buildings. It discusses the effects of these factors and provides guidelines for operating the system efficiently. Full story
This Update discusses the effect of electrical outlet boxes on the sound isolation of gypsum board walls and provides recommendations with respect to box type and location, and methods for improving existing boxes. The information is based on the results of an industry-supported research project conducted at the NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction.1 Full story
This Update explains how to best control airborne sound transmission through floor systems in multi-family dwellings. Focusing largely on joist floors, the information derives primarily from an industry-supported research project conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction (IRC).1,2 Full story
Employees say they want more control over their workplace environment, including lighting. What the benefits of greater control are — to workers, employers, and facilities managers — is a question the Lighting Quality research project conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction tried to answer. This Update reports on an experiment performed as part of this project. Full story
This Update examines various fire-stopping techniques that meet the intent of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) with respect to fire resistance and that do not adversely affect the sound isolation of the wall assembly. The information is derived from the results of an industry-sponsored consortium project led by the National Research Council’s Institute for Research in Construction (IRC).1 Full story
This Update, the second of two on mechanical ventilation systems for houses, describes current approaches to design and installation. It also examines the distribution problem and looks at some of the shortcomings of current approaches and how they might be overcome. Full story
This Update is the first of two that discuss mechanical ventilation systems in houses. It explains why houses need to be mechanically ventilated, and examines the main characteristics of an ideal system from the standpoint of design and installation. Full story
This Update discusses the various factors that affect sound transmission through different types of concrete block walls, including single-leaf walls, double-leaf walls and walls with gypsum board attached. Knowledge of these factors will assist construction practitioners to design and build walls with high levels of acoustic performance economically. Full story
The lighting industry has been hampered by the lack of a widely accepted means of assessing lighting quality. This Update reports the first results from a lighting quality research project conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction. Full story
