ACOUSTICS

BUILDING
RGS UTILITIES 02

04

SUBMITTED BY:
RONNELL R. REPIL
SUBMITTED TO:
ARU 327 ELEC-TRO-MECH AR. MARIA MONICA E. PUJALTE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS
TYPES OF ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS
SOUND ABSORPTION SYSTEM
BLOCKING SYSTEM
COVERING SYSTEM
CLASSIFICATION OF ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS AND ITS
USES
ABSORPTION
REVERBERATION
INSULATION
ACOUSTICAL BOARDS
ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS

ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR COMMERCIAL

BUILDINGS
ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL
BUILDINGS
 ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS
Acoustical systems are systems that control the sound in homes and other buildings, as well as the
design of those structures for optimal acoustic performance, including sound transmission control
throughout the building, maintaining conditions for good speech intelligibility, and maintaining sound
isolation for speech privacy (Holmes, 2019).
According to Field (n.d.), in the acoustical design of buildings, consideration must be given to the
location, the user requirements, the primary function of the building, and the budget available. The
acoustical requirements for buildings can vary greatly according to the intended use of the individual
spaces which may include speech, music, sports, and art exhibitions. Compatibility with nonacoustical
requirements such as structural integrity, building services, and ventilation standards is also
essential.
TYPES OF ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS
SOUND ABSORPTION SYSTEM
Sound absorption, also known as acoustic adsorption, is the
process of absorbing sound and converting it to heat. The
sound wave is absorbed, lowering the level of noise in the room.
BLOCKING SYSTEM
Blocking systems are a specialty concerned with efficiently
controlling undesirable noise, with various soundproofing
materials used to reduce noise effects. Sound-proofing
materials keep sound waves from entering or leaving the
room.
COVERING SYSTEM
Covering acoustic systems is used to aid in the
preservation of speech privacy, making certain that
they are kept to a minimum.
CLASSIFICATION OF ACOUSTICAL SYSTEMS AND ITS USES
ABSORPTION
Sound absorption is the loss of energy caused by sound waves
colliding with absorbent materials such as ceilings, walls, floors,
and other objects. As a result, the sound does not return to
space (Vedantu, 2022). Sound absorption is commonly used in
lecture halls and conference rooms in order to minimize echoes
(BigRentz, 2022).
REVERBERATION
According to Science Direct (n.d.), reverberation has a
significant impact on the quality of music as well as the ability
to understand speech in a given area. Sound continues to
reflect or reverberate when room surfaces are highly reflective.
The effects of reverberation on a given space are critical to
musical conditions and speech comprehension. Reverberation
technique is utilized in concert and symphony halls which are
oftentimes constructed with high reverberation times.
INSULATION
Acoustic insulation is all about adding mass. This helps to
prevent noise from easily traveling through a building. The most
effective insulation methods do not only add more of the same
mass; they add mass made of diverse materials. This is critical
because various materials are better than others at
suppressing particular types of sound (Baker, 2020). Majority
of buildings and households utilized acoustic insulation to
reduce the sound transmitted from room to room (BigRentz,
2022).
ACOUSTICAL BOARDS
Acoustical design that incorporates acoustical boards
decreases not just human noise from adjacent rooms, but also
noise generated by HVAC units, whether they are against
external walls or on the roof (BigRentz, 2022).
ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Berendt et al. (1975) stated that there are numerous ways how to employ acoustical treatment in
residential buildings. Through efficient design and incorporation of various materials, optimal acoustic
performance in homes can be achieved. Changing the dimensions of rooms to include ceiling soffits
and dropping ceilings in strategic locations can help to deaden sound. Carpeting floors with area rugs,
wall-to-wall carpeting, or wall hangings will absorb more sound waves. Taking care when selecting hard
floor materials is also a good idea. Speakers and their placement can be an important part of a home’s
audio experience. Recessed speaker grilles which allow sound to escape through the grille are often
used in ceilings and walls to improve sound quality. Soundproofing can be particularly helpful in media
rooms. Adding mass and decoupling surfaces as well as using acoustical treatments in the design
stage of your project can reduce problems before they occur.
ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
It is critical to consider soundproofing and acoustics while planning any structure. Many typical
construction materials, such as concrete, brick, tile, and wood, absorb little sound and hence reflect it
throughout the area. Designers can use absorption materials throughout a structure to reduce sound
travel and noise disruption. Acoustic panels integrated into the structure of the building or applied to
the walls and ceilings are one frequent design. Softer, more fibrous materials, such as carpet,
fiberglass insulation, and foam cushioning, are the greatest at absorbing sound. Designers can also use
curved diffusion panels on walls and ceilings to evenly distribute sound reflection without concern of
damaging interference.
Architects and designers should consider noise in the same way they consider wind: it may enter a
building through minute cracks and crevices. As a result, while soundproofing, it is critical to block all
spaces where sound can travel. While it is hard to seal all gaps, such as doors and windows, it is
possible to seal around plumbing and light fixtures (CADdetails, 2021).
ACOUSTICAL TREATMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
Sound insulation in industrial buildings, factories, and workshops has two goals: noise reduction for
factory personnel – including in accordance with statutory noise protection guidelines and workshop
directives – and soundproofing for the outside. This should keep noise from becoming a nuisance for
neighbors and residents.
There are various options for factory sound insulation. Noise can be reduced by employing sound
insulation on particular machinery and gadgets, for example. Machine enclosures or sound insulation
components are widely employed in this application to soundproof machine production and facility
construction.
The second method of soundproofing in factories or workshops is to put broadband absorbers on the
walls and/or ceilings on a wide scale. Another acoustical treatment for industrial buildings is using
acoustic baffles minimize noise and enhance room acoustics in factories and workshops. (Sound
insulation for industrial buildings, factories and workshops, n.d.)
BASS TRAPS
SECTION 09 84 33
Echo EliminatorTM Bass Buster Wall Panels
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 SECTION INCLUDES
A. Echo EliminatorTM Bass Buster bonded acoustical cotton wall panels and accessories for
wall installation.

1.2 REFERENCES
A. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
1. ASTM C423: Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption
Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method.
2. ASTM E84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials.
3. ASTM E795: Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound
Absorption Tests
B.International Code Council (ICC)
1. ICC IBC: International Building Code
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Manufacturer’s data sheet and installation instructions.
B. Samples: Submit, at minimum, a 4” x 4” sample for each type of specified acoustical panel.
C. Test Reports: Upon request, submit certified test reports to verify specified product
performance.
1.4 MAINTENANCE MATERIAL
A. Extra Materials:
1. Extra materials shall be from the same production run as the original materials.
2. Extra materials shall remain in the manufacturer’s original packaging and given to the
building owner upon substantial completion of the work. Store extra materials per
instructions as described in storage and handling requirements.
1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Qualifications:
1. Manufacturers: Provide acoustical wall panels from a single manufacturer.
2. Installers: Utilize an installer having demonstrated experience on projects of
comparable size and complexity.
 B. Performance Requirements:
1. Surface Burning Characteristics: Acoustical panels to perform as specified when
tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Acoustical panel surface burning performance
should comply with the International Building Code and other local building code
requirements.
2. Acoustical Characteristics: Acoustical panels to perform as specified when tested in
accordance with ASTM C423.
1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Storage and Handling Requirements:
1. Handle panels carefully to avoid any damage.
2. Store panels indoors in a clean, cool, dry place, and out of direct sunlight.
3. Store panels in a space where the ambient temperature and humidity conditions are
being maintained at the levels indicated for the project when occupied for its
intended use.
1.7 SITE CONDITIONS
A. Ambient Conditions:
1. Maintain ambient temperature and humidity conditions at levels indicated for the
project when occupied for its intended use.
2. Do not install products under environmental conditions outside manufacturer’s
recommended limits.
B. Existing Conditions: Do not install wall panels until space is enclosed and weather proofed,
and wet work is completely dry.
1.8 WARRANTY
A. Provide manufacturer’s written product warranty per Section 01 77 00 – Closeout
Procedures.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.2 MANUFACTURERS
A. Acoustical Surfaces, Inc., 123 Columbia Court N, Chaska, MN 55318.
Phone: 952-448-5300. Fax: 952-448-2613. Website: www.acousticalsurfaces.com
2.3 DESCRIPTION
A. Product: Echo EliminatorTM Bass Buster wall panels by Acoustical Surfaces, Inc.
B. Product Options:
1. Panel Composition: Bonded acoustical cotton
2. Panel Density: 1.5 lb. pcf
3. Panel Thickness: 4”
4. Panel Size: (24” x 48” – Standard) / (Custom sizes up to 48” x 96” – minimum
quantities may apply)
5. Edge Detail: Square
6. Finish: Graphite
7. Mounting Method: Adhesive
C. Product Performance:
1. Acoustical Performance
a. Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) per ASTM C423: 1.15
2. Surface Burning Performance
a.Fire Rating per ASTM E84: Class A
2.4 ACCESSORIES
A. Attachment hardware for wall panels as specified by manufacturer for installation.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Verification of Conditions:
 1. Examine surfaces scheduled to received furred out or directly attached acoustical
units for unevenness, irregularities or dampness that would affect quality and
execution of work.
2. All wet work in the installation area must be complete, cured, and dry prior to
installation.
3. Wall assembly shall be complete, inspected, and accepted before wall work begins.
3.2 INSTALLATION
A. Comply with manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for installation of wall panels
and with industry standards.
3.3 CLEANING
A. Clean surfaces of wall panels per manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations.
B. Remove and replace damaged or discolored material and material that cannot be properly
cleaned.
3.4 PROTECTION
A. Protect installed work from damage due to subsequent construction activity, including
temperature and humidity limitations and dust control, so that the work will be without damage
and deterioration at the time of acceptance by the owner.
REFERENCES:
Berendt, R. D., Corliss, E. L. R., & Ojalvo, M. S. (1975). Quieting: A Home Owner's Practical Guide to Noise
Control.
CADdetails. (2021, March 22). Techniques for soundproofing busy commercial buildings. Design Ideas
for the Built World. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://caddetailsblog.com/post/techniques-
for-soundproofing-busy-commercial-buildings
Holmes, C. (n.d.). Fundamentals of Architectural Acoustics: Rockwool Blog. Fundamentals of
Architectural Acoustics | ROCKWOOL Blog. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from
https://www.rockwool.com/north-america/advice-and-inspiration/blog/fundamentals-of-
architecturalacoustics/#:~:text=Architectural%20acoustics%20is%20the%20study,sound%
20isolation%20for%20speech%20privacy.
Reverberation time. Reverberation Time - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15,
2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/reverberation-time
What is the best sound proof acoustic insulation? Soundproofing Store-Professional
Soundproofing Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.soundproofingstore.
co.uk/soundproofing-insulation#:~:text=Acoustic%20insulation%2C%20(or%20soundproofinG
),is%20comprised%20of%20different%20materials.
Vedantu. (2022, April 27). Sound absorption. VEDANTU. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/architectural-acoustics#:~:text=Architectural%20acoustics%
20are%20essential%20in,loud%2C%20in%20places%20like%20casinos.