This Update explains how an emphasis on system performance can achieve good sound insulation in multi-family buildings in a cost-effective manner. It reviews the concepts and terminology used to describe sound insulation for the complete building system, and presents research results that illustrate how typical wood-frame construction details can determine the sound insulation actually achieved. Full story
This Update discusses how to achieve acceptable acoustical privacy in open-plan offices. The information is derived from current best practice and the results of research carried out by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction. Full story
This Update explains the acoustical requirements conducive to relaxed and accurate speech communication in rooms and gives design criteria for a wide range of room sizes. Some special issues for particular types of rooms and special groups of listeners are discussed. Full story
This Update discusses the quantities that should be specified to ensure successful acoustics for complete rooms in buildings.
Successful building design depends as much on acoustical performance as it does on lighting and ventilation. Rooms where occupants cannot hear conversation because there is too much background noise or too much reverberation are failures. So too are rooms where occupants are distracted by intrusive sound from elsewhere. Full story
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 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
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 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
This Update explains how to achieve effective control of sound transmission through gypsum board walls in multi-family dwellings. The information is derived from the results of an exhaustive industry-supported research project conducted by NRC’s Institute for Research in Construction (IRC).1,2 Full story
