Gov BD BNBC 2012 08 03

CHAPTER 3
Building Acoustics
31
The purpose of this chapter is to provide codes, recommendations arrd guidelines for fulfilling acoustical
requirements irr buildings.
3.2 SCOPE
This chapter specRies p|annnig and design codes, reconvnendations and guidelnies on spatial,
architectural and technical aspects of acousticsvvithni or outside buildnigs to ensure acoustica|
performance, comfort and safety. Plartrrirrg and design aspects are discussed generally and also
particularly for buildings with different occupancies.
TERMINOLOGY
This Section provides meanings arrd definitions of terms used irr arrd applicable to this chapter of the Code.
The terms are arranged irr an alphabetical order. In case of any contradiction between a mearrirrg or a
definition given irr this Section and that in any other part of the Code, the meaning or definition specified
irr this Section shall govern for interpretation of the provisions of this Section.
Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB) Curves: L. L. Berarrek developed Noise Criteria (NC) curves irr 1957, which
were r eu s e d irr 1955 as Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB) Curves (see Appendix D).
Bel: See Sound Pressure Level.
Cycle: See Frequency.
dBA: A sound pressure level measurement, when the signal has been weighted with a frequency response
of the A curve. The dBA curve approximates the human ear arrd is therefore used most irr acoustics.
Decibel (dB): See Sound Pressure Level.
Direct Sound: Sound that travels directly from a source to the listener or receiver. In a room, the sequence
of arrivals is the direct sound first, followed by sound reflected from room surfaces.
Echo: Echo is a reflection of a sound wave back to its source irr sufficient strength and with a sufficient time
lag to be separately distinguished. Usually, a time lag of at least 5tl to Stl rns is required for hearing
discrete echoes.
Effective Perceived Noise Level in Decibel (EPN dB): The number for rating the noise of an irrdiwdual
aircraft flying overhead is the Effective Perceived Noise Level irr decibels (urrit, £PN dB). This value
takes irrto account the subjectively annoying effects of the noise irrcludirrg pure tones and duration. In
principle, it is a kirrd of time-integrated loudness level.
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Flutter Echo: A quick succession of echoes; it may be present as a disturbing phenomenon irr small
rooms or between a pair of parallel reflectors. IN the time between echoes is greater tharr about 3tl to 5tl
rns, the periodicity is audible as a distinct flutter.
Frequency: The frequency of sound is the number of vibrations per second of the molecules of air, generated
by the vibrating body. One complete movement to and Pro of the vibrating body is referred to as a
'cycle'. Frequency is expressed as the number of cycles per second (cps); it is also referred to its unit
as
ImpactIsobñonCl s(HC):ImpatIso|ationC|ass(IIC)isasmgie-numberimpactiso|
ationratuigforñoor consruction.Testsaremadevvithastandardtappnigmachineandnoise|eve|
measured nil/3-octave bands Thesearep|ottedandcomparedtoastandardcontour.
Intensity: Intensity at a poirrt is the average rate at which sound energy is transrrutted through a unit area
around the point and perpendicular to the direction of propagation of sound. It is also krrown as
sound intensity. Its urrits is W m
LJ0: In enwronmental noise assessment, the A-weighted noise level (urrit dBA), with last (F) time weighting,
that is exceeded by 1tl percent of sated time period is krrown as LOO.
t o . , . t : Symbol for Equivalent C o nt i nu ou s A-weighted S o u n d Pressure Level for airborne s o u n d s that are
non-stationary with respect to time. It is formed by applying A-Weighting to the original signal before
squaring and averaging. Also krrown as Equivalent Continuous Sound Level.
Loudness: Loudness is the sensation produced irr the human ear and depends on the intensity and
frequency of sound. The unit of loudness level is phon.
Noise: Noise is defined as unwanted sourrd. Noise conditions vary from time to time and a noise which may
not be objectionable during the day may be increased irr artrroyirrg proportions irr the silence of the
night, when quiet conditions are essential.
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF): Noise exposure forecast at any location is the surrunation of the noise levels
irr Effective Perceived Noise Level (unit £PN dBA) from all aircraft types, on all runways, suitably
weighted for the number of operations during day time and night time.
Noise Map: A noise map is a graphic representation of the sound level distribution existing irr a given
region, for a defined period.
Noise Reduction (NR): Noise Reduction (NR) is a general term for specifying sound insulation between
rooms. It is more general than Trarrsrrussion Loss (TL). IN all boundary surfaces in the receiving
room are completely absorbent, the NR will exceed the TL by about 5 dB, i.e. NR = TL + 3dB.
Percentage Syllable Articulation (PSA): The percentage of meaningless syllables correctly written by
listeners is called Percentage Syllable Articulation (PSA).
Reverberation: The prolongation of sound, as a result of successive reflections irr an enclosed space,
when the source of the sourrd has stopped, is called reverberation.
Reverberation Time (RT): The reverberation time of a room is defined as the time required for the sound
pressure level irr a room to decrease by 6tl dB after the sound is stopped, and is calculated by the
formula
where,
RT —
reverberation time, s
V = room
volume, m
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Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control
A =
totalroomabsorpton,m2sabrn i =
arabsorptoncoefiint
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) defined as the power ratio between a signal
(mearrirrgful information) arrd the background noise (unwanted signal), which can be expressed as
SNR' (Ps,@al /Pno,se)
where, P is average power
SNNcanbe obtamed by
ca|cu|atmg the square
of amplitude ratio:
SNR' (Ps,@al /
Pno,se)
( signal /
noise)
where, A is root enasoundwaveisrefecedbyaconcavesur
SoundFocusandDeadSpot: e|argeenoughcompared
mean square
tothewaveengh, iconenraesonaspotwheresocmdprssur hsesexessie|yThisicaeda
(RMS) amplitude
soundfocus.Asaconsequence,soundsbecomeweakandrnaudbeasomeotherspos,caed'dead
Sound Transmission Class (STC): To avoid the rrusleadirrg nature of arr average transrrussion loss (TL)
value and to provide a reliable single Figure rating for comparing partitions, a different procedure for
single Figure rating, called Sound Transrrussion Class (STC) rating, of a partition is deterrruned by
comparing the 16 frequency TL curve with a standard reference contour, the sound trarrsrrussion class
contour. STC ratings of some common walls arrd floors are given irr Appendix F.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Sound Pressure Level or Sourrd Intensity Level is measured irr terms of the
unit hot (B), which is defined as the logarithm of the ratio of the sourrd pressure to the rrunimum
sound pressure audible to the average human ear. The unit decibel (dB) is one-tenth of a fief (B). Thus,
I I
Sourrd Pressure Level = log s Iq bels = 10 log I, decibels
where, I = Sound Pressure in watt cm2, and

Iq = Sound Pressure audible to the average human ear taken as 1fi*‘ watt/ cm2.
Speech InteHigibiliiy: The percentage of correctly received phrases is called Speech Intelligibility.
Transmission Loss: Transrrussion loss (TL) of a partition is a measure of its sourrd insulation. It is equal to
the number of decibels by which sourrd energy is reduced irr passing through the structure. Units dB.
Wavelength: The wavelength of sound is the distance over which a complete cycle occurs. It can be
found by measuring distance between the centres of compression of the sound waves. It is
dependent upon the frequency of the sound.
34 BUILDING ACOUSTICS: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PROVISIONS
Generalised considerations and provisions for plarrnirrg and design of building are furnished irr this Section.
3.4.1 Classifications of Building Acoustics
1. Considering diversity of desired objectives and salient design features, building acoustics can be broadly
classified as,
a) Acoustics for Speech
b) Acoustics for Music
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c) Acoustics for Multipurpose
Table 5.4.1 shows classifications of acoustics with brief description arrd examples of spaces irrvolved.
Table 8.4.1
Classifications of Building Acoustics, Brief Description and Examples of Spaces Involved
Classifications Brief Description Examples of Spaces
a) Acoustics for Relates to speech with foremost objectives of intelligibility. A Classroom, lecture hall,
Speech space should have relatively lower reverberation time for conference hall, recital
speech. Generally, it covers narrow range of frequency hall, assembly hall,
spectra irr lower-rrud level (about 17tl to 4,tltltJ Hz, for arr courtroom, auditorium
average dynarruc range of 42 dBA).
for speech etc.
b) Acoustics for Involves music with prime objectives of liveliness or Music practice booth,
Music reverberarrce, intimacy, fullness, clarity, warmth, brilliance, rehearsal room, band
texture, blend arid ensemble. Music may include instrumental room, listening booth,
arrd vocal melody, or either of the two. A space requires orchestra, concert hall,
syniphonyhaN,
relatively higher reverberation time for music. Generally, it
cathedral etc.
involves broad range of frequency spectra (about 5tl to S,5tltl
Hz, for arr average dynarruc range of about 75 dBA).
c) Acoustics for Includes both speech arrd music acoustics to fulfil objectives Multipurpose hall,
Multipurpose of the both at a rationally comprorrused level. Acoustics cinema, theatre, opera
design of a multipurpose space is quite challenging as the house, mosque (for
design objectives and measures vary remarkably for speech speech arrd melodious
arid music. For example, there is a significant variation irr recitation), church,
desired reverberation times of a space for speech and music. temple etc.
34L2 A building or a building complex is usually a group of spaces or rooms intended for various functions.
Those spaces may require involvement of different types of acoustics as stated in Table 5.4.1. For example, a
school has spaces for speech (e.g., classroom), music (e.g., music room) and multipurpose (e.g., auditorium).
Thus, a building or a building complex should not be generally classified as a whole for a particular type
of acoustics, rather its spaces or rooms shall be classified individually arrd appropriate acoustical design
shall be considered accordingly.
3.4.1.3 Spaces or rooms of a building or a building complex, if those even have different types of acoustical
requirements, shall be designed irr such a way, so that those can coexist arrd work as a whole.
342 Acoustical Planning and Design Targets
3421 A space, irrvolvirrg either of the acoustical types stated irr Sec 4.4.1, must achieve New design targets. Some
of these important design targets are mentioned below:
a) Noise exceeding allowable lirrut should be controlled
b) Speech intelligibility should be satisfactory
c) Music should have liveliness, intimacy, fullness, clarity, warmth etc.
d) The desired sourrd level must be optimum to be heard properly
e) Diffusion of sound throughout the whole space
fj There should be no defects such as echoes, flutter echoes etc.
34.2.2 Necessary planning and design measures shall be taken for achieving these targets to optimum
levels or standards as dictated in this Code.
3. Factors Affecting Acoustical Planning and Design
1. Among many, following are the most significant factors affecting acoustical planrrirrg and design:
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a) Noise
b) Reverberation Time
c) Sound Level
d) Diffusion of Sound
3.4.3.2 For various types of building acoustics, as stated in Sec 3.4.1, the effects of these factors rrught be different.
These factors are dependant on different conditions, like noise and sound level, room volume,
building materials, surface materials, sound levels, room geometry etc.
3. General Considerations and Provisions for Planning, Design, Assessment and Construction
1. In Appendix D, a flow diagram surrunarises activities required for plarrnirrg, design, assessments and
construction related to building acoustics.
2. Acoustica|p|aiungand design,niIudmga|partsand deta|s,sha|beperormed durng

designphaseof anyprojectandmustcomp|yvvithstandardsandcodesasdictatedrnthisCode.
3. During planrung and design phase, the expected results for acoustical performance of a space or a room or
building, as dictated in different Sections of this Chapter, shall be precisely analysed and assessed through
standard practice, for example, precise computational methods based on computer analysis, simulation and
prediction techniques.
4. Acoustica|p|aiungand designtargetsandexpectedresu|tsshaIbe|earyspechedand documentedasa

partofthedesignproposa.
5. Acoustical planrung and design measures shall be compatible with requirements of other environmental
factors irrcludirrg natural light, ventilation arrd heat for working in arr overall synergy.
3.4.3 Acoustica|p|aruungand designmeasuresshalbecongeniato otherdesignparameters

B mludmgfunction,
structure arrd aesthetics for an overall harmony irr design.
3.4.3.7 The proposal for acoustical design, materials, devices, supporting structures and construction methods shall
be safe for health during construction arrd post-construction occupancy.
3.4.3.5 Acoustical materials, devices and supporting structures shall be safe irr case of disasters including
earthquake arrd fire.
9. The acoustica design measuresand nmtehaisshaN be reasonably ener eficientand

compatiblevvith GrenBui|dngpactice.
10. Theacousticamatehasshalbeecofrendy, rcy|abeandshoudrequirenuMmummmntenance.Those

shaIbecomphanttosustamab|eacousticsnipartic arandsustaniab|ebuiIdnigpracticenigenera|
11. It is recommended to conduct peer superwsions and periodic assessments at different phases
of construction process to rectify any drawback at its initial stage.
343.12 Polconlructonandpostocupancyassessmensshalbecondutedandñndmgsshalbecompaedwih
expected results. Assessment shall include instrumental measurements and opinion survey of occupants.
IN any discrepancy is found, the space shall be modified until it reaches reasonably close to the expected
result.
13. Precednig provisions sha|| be app|icab|e for modRications of a space to e|inunate acoustica|
faults,
retrofittirrg a space for acoustical performance or any other acoustical design and construction activities.
14. form K, Checklist: Acoustical Plant tag and Dest , as shown irr Appendix K, shall be filled irr arid signed by
the acoustical consultant for each acoustical space or room or building of any project.
3.5 PLANNING AND DESIGN FOR NOISE CONTROL
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Types of Noise
Depending on location of source, noise rrught be of two types:

a) Outdoor Noise.
Following are some common sources of outdoor noise:
i) Traffic noise generated from air traffic, road traffic, rail traffic etc. (see Appendix E)
ii) Noise from zones and buildings within built-up areas, machinery, appliances, construction
activity, loudspeakers, people, animals etc.
b) Indoor Noise.
Following are some common source of indoor noise:
i) Household appliances, machinery, footsteps on floor, air conditioner duct etc.
ii) Activities performed by occupants, like people, pets etc.
Basngontransnussionpath,noisecanbe|assihedas
c) AirborneNoise
hxamp|e: Noiseromapphances,carhorn,teephonermget.
b) Structure—borrre Noise
Example: Footsteps, slamrrung of door, furniture movement, wbratirrg mechanical equipments etc.
Design Sequence for Noise Control
In order to achieve noise control effectively, measures should be taken in the following order:
c) Suppression of noise generation at its source
d) Layout plarrnirrg
e) Insulation design
f) Absorption design
Planning and Design for Outdoor Noise Control
Plarrnirrg to control outdoor noise is an integral part of country arrd town planrung ranging from regional
to detailed zoning arrd three dimensional layouts of built form and traffic routes.
Noise causes more disturbances to people at rest than those at work. For this reason, outdoor noise levels
irr various zones or areas should be considered irr planrung and design with respect to critical hours of
space occupancy (see Table E.1, Appendix E).
Plarrnirrg arrd design of buildings shall consider all sources of noise mentioned irr Sec 3.5.1 and keep
provisions to control those from trarrsrruttirrg irr and around buildings. For example, the orientation
of buildings rrught be decided in way to reduce the noise disturbance from noisy neighbourhood.
3.5.3.4 A noise survey shall be conducted arrd a Noise Map shall be prepared to identify source, type, intensity,
frequency and other parameters of noise irr arrd around the site of any specific project. Noise levels
should be measured for pick and off pick hours of both working and holidays, and also for 'Day Time' and
'Night Time' as defined irr 'Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2tJtJ6' arid its subsequent amendments
by the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (see Table E.1, Appendix E). The noise levels
shall be analysed statistically for value of Ltd, <s.„T etc.
uses A Noise Map shall be used to exarrune compliance to the perrrussible upper lirrut of noise levels set for
different land use zones in the 'Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2tJtl6' and its subsequent amendments by the
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (see Table E.1, Appendix E). As references, intensity
levels of some common noise are shown irr (see Table E.3, Appendix E).
The p|aniung should be undertaken ni such a manner that the noise can be kept at a distance.
Quiet zones
and residential zones should be placed with adequate setback from noise sources, like airports, highways,
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railway lirres arrd factories. It rrught be useful to note that doubling the distance drops the sound pressure
level by about 6 dBA.
Buildings (or parts of buildings) which are considered to be especially susceptible to noise, irrcludirrg
hospitals, research laboratories, recording studios or the like, should not be sited near sources of noise.
It rrught be a preferable option to place a noise tolerant buffer zone, developing green belt, public
gardens
etc. between anoisy zone and a quietzone.
3539 Noise barriers rrught be p r o d d e d by placing buildings and occupancies less susceptible to noise
between the source arrd the more susceptible ones. Purpose built noise barriers made of bricks, concrete,
fibreglass, fibre reinforced plastic or other materials can also be used to protect buildings from noise.
IN noise barriers (as stated Sec 3.5.3.9) is neither attaniab|e nor adequate, a buildnig
itself should have a||
necessary measures to protect itself against outside noise. The following rrught be some options:
a) In zoning of spaces, noise tolerant spaces rrught be placed near a noise source, while placing less-
tolerant spaces at a distance.
b) External walls or partitions should have appropriate Sound Trarrsrrussion Class (STC) to reduced
external noise to the acceptable indoor background noise levels (see Table 5.3.4 to S.3. 7, Table I.1-
1.2, Appendix I)
c) Preferably, external walls near source of noise should not have arry operable window. However, to
meet the demand of natural light, fixed widows allowing only light rrught be placed with
proper noise insulation measures.
d) Ifneed for operable vvnidovvs a||ovvnig natural light and ventilation are nievitab|e ni external
vva||s nearsourceofnoise,specia|measuresshou|dbetakenforrestrictnignoisevvhi|eaNovvrng
hghtand ventilation. Acoustic|ouver, activenoisecanceNationdeviceset. are examp|
esofthesetypesof specia|measures
e) IN natural ventilation is required but natural light is not required, ventilation ducts or chutes
with lining of acoustic absorbers rrught be designed irr a manner to absorb noise while air flows
through.
Following special prowsions shall be applicable for air traffic noise:

f) No building for human occupancy shall preferably be constructed, where NEF value due to air
traffic noise exceeds 4tJ EPN dBA. As a reference, typical noise levels of some aircraft types are
shown irr Table E.2, Appendix E.
b) Educational nistitutions, hospitals, auditoriums etc. sha|| preferably be located at places

where the vaueofNhFis|essthan25EPNdBA.
c) In areas exposed to less than 9tJ EPN dBA, all of the windows shall be closed and properly sealed,
having double glazing, irr order to provide an acceptable interior noise environment.
d) Industrial and commercial activities generating high interior noise enwronments rrught be located
irr areas exposed to noise levels greater than 9tJ EPN dBA.
e) In airport areas of highest noise |eve|s, sparsely manned insta||ations like sewage disposal
plants, utility substations and sinu|ar other facilities rrught be located.
Following prowsions shall be applicable for road traffic noise:

f) For road traffic noise level, the value of Lio shall be lirruted to a maximum of 70 dBA for zoning and
planrung new buildings in urban areas, while dwellings are proposed to have sealed windows.
g) The maximum perrrussible upper lirrut of LOOshall be reduced to 6tl dBA when the dwellings are
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c) Major new residential developments shall preferably be located in areas with LJ0
levels substantially lower than those specified above.
d) Where LOOis greater than 7tJ dBA, design solutions such as barrier blocks, noise butters or
purpose built noise barriers shall be utilized irr order to reduce noise levels at least to that level.
e) Through traffic roads shall preferably be excluded from quiet and residential zones to avoid
excessive traffic noise.
In the neighbourhood of residential, educational, institutional and health care buildings, legislative
control shall be exercised for road noise particularly from vehicles as dictated in 'Noise Pollution
(Control) Rules 2006' and its subsequent amendments by the Government of the People's Republic
of Bangladesh.
3.5.3.13 Following special prowsions shall be applicable for rail traffic noise:
f) No residential or public building, except for the railway station arrd its ancillary structures, shall
preferably be connected to the railway lirres.
g) Mercantile or commercial buildings should not abut the railway lirres or the marshalling yards.
Only planned industrial zones may be located beside the railway tracks.
h) In order to reduce the high noise levels, produced at the arrival arrd departure of trains, platforms
irr railway stations shall be treated with sourr d absorbing materials particularly on the ceiling.
i) Therruunpaformñoorshalbeseparaedromthelaton buddmgwih aminimumgap of5D

mm so that the grourrd or structure-borne vibrations are not transrrutted to the building.
e) Windows and other opennigs sha|| preferably be placed as less as possible in the
facade along the railway tracks.
fj Greenbelts, landscaping or arry other form of barrier rrught be developed along

the railway lirres.
3.5.3.14 Construction noise shall be controlled according to the 'Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2tJtl6' and its
subsequent amendments by the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
4. Planning and Design for Indoor Noise Control
1. The allowable upper lirruts of indoor background noise levels (in dBA) are as shown irr Table 5.4.2 and Fig.
F.1 irr Appendix F. Design shall comply with recommended rarrge of Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB) Curve
for different types of activity.
Table 8.4.2
Allowable Upper Limit of Indoor Background Noise Levels and Recommended Range of NCB Curves
(Source: Maekawa Z., Lord Type ofEn
P. 1994. space
aironmen tal an d Archite cmrat Acoustics. E&FNdBA NCB Curve
SPON, UK)
Broadcast and recording studios (distant rrucrophone used) IS 10
Concert halls, opera houses, arrd recital halls 1&23 10-15
Large theatres and auditoriums.
Mosques, temples, churches and other prayer spaces <2S <2P
Telewsion and recording studio (close rrucrophone used) <25
Small theatres, auditoriums, music, rehearsal rooms, large meeting and
conference rooms <3S <3P
Bedrooms, hospitals, hotels, residences, apartments, etc. 33—4S 25—4P
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Classrooms, libraries, small offices and conference rooms. Living rooms, and
drawing rooms irr dwellings 30-4P
Large offices, receptions, retail shops arrd stores, cafeterias, restaurants,
indoor stadiums, gymnasium, large seating-capacity spaces with speech
amplification 43-53 3T45
Lobbies, laboratory, drafting rooms, arrd general offices 45-55 4T50
Kitchens, laundries, computer and rnairrtenarrce shops 53-63 4555
Shops, garages, etc. (for just acceptable telephone conversation) 5S-6S 5I60
For work spaces where speech is not required 63-7S 55-70
3542 Noise generated from within a building shall not be transrrutted to neighbourhood at a noise level higher
than the allowable upper lirrut set for that zone (see Table E.1, Appendix E).
3.5.4.3 Buildings, irr which there are some sources of noise, shall have butters separating the noise
producing area from the other areas. The less vulnerable areas of the building may be planned to act as
noise butters.
3544 In the assessment of irr door noise levels, direct sound shall be separated from reverberarrt sound.
3.5.4.5 The reverberarrt sourrd trarrsrrutted from one room to another shall be cut down by
employing suitable sound absorption materials and by structural and non-structural partitions.
iss Sound Insulation
issl The recommended sound insulation criteria are classified in some Grades. The STC value for airborne
sound insulation is graded as stated below (see also, Fig. F.2, Appendix F):
a) Grade I STC = 55 Apply mainly to fully residential, quiet rural and suburban areas and irr
certain luxury apartment buildings
b) Grade II STC = 52 Apply to residential spaces in relatively noisy enwronments, typical of

urban arrd suburban areas.
c) Grade III STC = 4S Express rrunimal requirements applicable to very noisy locations, such as
commercial or business areas, like shop houses with dwelling units on the
upper floors, or downtown areas.
issz Trarrsrrussion of sound should be controlled with appropriate material, assembly of building elements.
Typical STC rating for different types of building element, like stud partitions, masonry walls, doors,
windows and interior partitions are shown in Table I.1, Appendix I.
isss Recommended STC for partitions for specific occupancies are shown irr Table I.2, Appendix I.
Control of Structure-borne Impact Noise
issl Impact noise problems can be controlled in following ways:

a) Preventing or rrunirrusing the impact by cushioning the impact with resilient materials, like floor
tiles of rubber and cork, carpeting on pads with desired Impact Isolation Class (IIC). Criteria for
airborne and impact sound insulation of floor-ceiling assemblies between dwelling unit is shown
irr Table 5.3.6 and S.3. 7
b) Floating the floor for isolating the impacted floor from the structural floor by a resilient element
is extremely effective. This element can be rubber or rruneral wood pads, blankets or special
spring metal sleepers.
c) Suspending the ceiling and using arr absorber irr the cavity.

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d) Isolating all rigid structures, such as pipes, and caulkirrg penetrations with resilient sealant.
3.5.6 Control of Electro-Mechanical System Noise
issl Mechanical noise is generated from mechanical devices like air-conditioning arrd air-handling systems, lifts,
escalators, pumps, electric generators etc.
2. Mechanical noise problems can be controlled irr following ways:

i) Reducing the wbration of electro-mechanical equipments by damping and isolation.
ii) Reducing the airborne noise by decouplirrg the vibration from efficient radiating sources.
iii) Decouplirrg the vibrating source from the structure.
iv) In air-conditioning duct system, smooth transitions at changes of duct size, large radius bends,
lining with absorbing materials etc. are effective measures.
v) Active noise cancellation technique, by producing a synthesised signal exactly out-of-phase with
the original noise signal to make the resultant signal effectively zero, rrught be applied irr special
cases.
Occupational Noise Exposure
3.5.7.1 Protection against the effects of noise exposure shall be p r o d d e d when the sound level exceeds
those shown in Table 5.4.3.
3.5.72 Exposure to impulsive or impact rroise should rrot exceed 140 dBA peak sourrd level.
Table 8.4.3
Permissible Noise Exposure
Sound Level Duration per Day Sound Level Duration per Day
dBA (slow response) Hour - Minute dBA (slow response) Hour - Minute
S5 16—PP 96 2—5P
S6 13—56 99 2—15
S7 12—P6 IPP 2—PP
SS 10—34 1P1
S9 9-11 1P2 1-31
9tJ 0-00 1P3 1—19
91 6-50 1P4 1—P9
92 6-04 1P5 1—PP
93 5-17 1P6 0-52
94 4-36 1P7 0-46
95 4-00 1P6 0-4P
96 3-29 1P9 0—34
97 3-02 11P 0—30
Notes:
a) The sound level should be measured on A scale at slow response.
b) When the daily noise exposure is composed of two or more periods of noise exposure of different levels, their
combined effect should be considered, rather than the individual effect of each. If the sum of the following
fractions:
Ci /Ti + Cz /Tz + ..... C /T exceeds unity, then, the mixed exposure should be considered to exceed the limit
value. C indicates the total time of exposure permitted at that time.
3.6 REVERBERATION TIME, SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL AND DIFFUSION OF SOUND
General Considerations
a) For arr overall perforrrung, corrifortable and safe acoustical enwronment, along with the issues of noise,
other sigrrificarrt aspects of acoustics should be considered. This shall include sound pressure level,
reverberation time and diffusion of sound.
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b) Speech nite||igibi|ity is a signRicant parameter to achieve satisfactoy acoustica| design.

Percentage
Syllable
PSAArticulation (PSA)
= 96 k, k, kc k, is an(for
irrdex for assessing
English Language)speech intelligibility. PSA can be expressed as
(to ) PSA = 93 k, k, k, (for Bangla Language)
k, (to ) Where,
k, k„ kc and k, are the coefficient for average speech level, Reverberation Time, Noise level/ Speech
level arrd room shape, respectively (see Fig. G.1, Appendix G).
c) For a PSA of S2 to, almost a perfect Speech Intelligibility (nearly ltltl to) can be achieved. However, irr
reality, there are some background noise (>2tJ dBA) arrd reverberation time irr different spaces, causing
lower PSA. The rrunimum adrrussible PSA should be 75 o for a satisfactory Speech Intelligibility.
3.6.2 Reverberation Time

Spaces for various uses should be designed for recommended optimum reverberation time to achieve a
level of intelligibility and liveliness (see Fig. 5.4.1).
Fig. 8.4.1 Recommended optimum reverberation times for spaces of various uses
Notes:
1. The optimum RT for speech is shown here for English and Bangla language. It might be noted that the recommended optimum
RT for speech in Bangla ranges from 0.b s to 0.8 s.
2. The figure shows optimum RT for Western music and English vocals. For local music of Bangladesh, optimum RT might be
assumed from its typological similarity to that of Western music.
3. Sound Pressure Level

a) In a space with a low background noise (<20 dBA) and a rrunimum Reverberation Time (close to 0.0 s),
a maximum Percentage Syllable Articulation (PSA), and thus Speech Intelligibility can be achieved at
sound pressure level of speech ranging from 60 dBA to 70 dBA (see Fig. G.1, Appendix G).
b) For speech halls with higher background noise (>2tJ dBA), the recommended Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(SNR) is + 15 dBA for children and at least + 6 dBA for adults.
4. Diffusion of Sound
Bangladesh National Building Code

Part 8
a) Diflusionofsound should be achieved m any space, so thatcertam key acoustica| properties,

hke soundprssureve|,reverberationtimeet.arthesameanywherinthespace.
b) There shall not be a difference greater than 6 dBA between sound pressure levels of any two points
in the audience area.
b) Appropriate room geometry should be chosen to achieve diffusion of sourrd. Fig. I.2, Appendix I
shows recommended proportion of a space to avoid starrdirrg wave, flutter echo etc., which are
obstacles to achieve diffusion of sound.
3.7 SPEECH PRIVACY
Principle of Speech Privacy between Enclosed Spaces
When noise carries information, productivity and noise are related inversely. When noise does not carry
information, it can be anrroyirrg, counter productive or can be useful as a masking sound, depending
upon its frequency, intensity level and constancy.
2. The degree of speech privacy irr a space is a function of following two factors:
a) The degree of sound isolation provided by the barriers between rooms
b) The ambient sound level irr the receiving room
In case of an airtight barrier between two rooms, the sound intensity level of the source room (1) and the
receiving room (2) are related as,
iL = iLt - NR
where, NR is reduction, iLz arid iLi are sound intensity levels irr the receiving and source room
respectively.
4. Antrnsnutted noiseeve|1iisnotannoymgto am\ohty ofaduts,Ra propery designed

background s o u n d i s a m a x m u m 2 dBAlessthanl .Forexampe, at nsnuttednoisell of40dBA
niaroomwitha backgroundsoundofat|east30dBAvWNnotcauseannoyancetomostpeop|e.
5. The upper intensity level of usable background masking sound is usually taken as about 5tJ dBA; arry higher
intensity level itself will cause annoyance.
72. Sound Isolation Descriptor
1. For speech sourrd, a descriptive scale is showrr in Table 5.4.4
Table 8.4.4
Relative Quality of Sound Isolation
Source: Stein, B. ct a1., 2006. Mechan ical an d Liectrical Lquthen ts for Buil din gs. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey.
Ranking Descriptor Hearing Condition

6 Total privacy Shouting barely audible.
5 Excellent Normal voice levels not audible. Raised voices barely audible but not
intelligible.
4 Very good Normal voice levels barely audible. Raised voices audible but largely
unintelligible.
3 Good Normal voice levels audible but generally unintelligible. Raised voices partially
intelligible.
2 Fair Normal voice levels audible arid intelligible some of the time. Raised voices
generally intelligible.
8-12
Chapter 4
1 Poor Normal voice levels audible and intelligible most of the time.
I None Normal voice levels always intelligible.
I
• Hearing condition in the presence of ambient noise, if any.
3.7.2.2 Relation between barrier STC arrd hearing condition on receiving side with background noise level
at NC-25 is shown irr Table S.3.5
Table 8.3.5
Barrier STC and Hearing Condition on Receiving Side with Background Noise Level at NC-25
Source: Stein, B. ct a1., 2006. Mechan ical an d Electrical Lquipen ts for Buil din gs. John Wiley & Sons, New
Jersey
Barrier Descriptor
Hearing Condition Application
STC and Ranking
25 Normal speech can be understood quite easily Poor/1 Space divider
arid distinctly through the wall.
Loud speech can be understood fairly well. Fair/ 2 Room diwder where
Normal speech can be heard but not easily concentratonisnotessenta|
understood.
35 Loud speech can be heard but not easily VeyGood/4 Suitable for offices next to
intelligible. Normal speech can be heard only quiet spaces
faintly, if at all.
42—45 Loud speech can be faintly heard but not Excellent/ 5 For dividing noisy and quiet
understood. Normal speech is inaudible. areas; party wall between
apartments
4&5P Very loud sounds (such as loud singing, brass Total Privacy/ 6 Musicroom,practiceroom,
musical instruments or a radio at full volume) soundstudo,bedrooms
can be heard only faintly or not at all. adacenttonoisyareas
a See Table
5.4.4.
?. 7.2 Speech Privacy Design for Enclosed Space
1. Fig. J, Appendix J shows a Speech Privacy Analysis Sheet, which shall be used to deterrrune speech privacy
rating number for design of enclosed space.
2. Following factors are involved irr speech privacy rating of enclosed-space:

a) Space rating of source room (Room No. 1)
i) Speech effort - a measure of loudness of speech
ii) Source room factor - gives the approximate effect of room absorption on the speech level
irr the source room. The scale irr Fig. J, Appendix J represents average absorption. For
live rooms the factor should be raised by 2 points and for dead room the factor
should be lowered by 2 points. Factors a + fi give the approximate source-room voice level.
iii) Privacy allowance-deterrrunes the measure of privacy required, such as Normat Pt ieacy and
Con fiden dial Prin acy.
b) Isolation rating of receiving room (Room No. 2)

iv) The STC rating of the barrier (see Table I.1 and I.2, Appendix I)
v) Noise reduction factor A(S indicates receiving room absorption, that is, the difference
between NR and TL, where A is the area of receiving room arrd S is the area of the barrier

PaM8
between the rooms. Absorption is assumed to be average. For live rooms the factor
should be lowered by 2 points and for dead room the factor should be raised by 2 points.
vi) Recommended background noise level irr the receiving room As a reference, Table 5.4.2
rrught be used.
3.0 SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM
Objectives and Design Criteria
AweIIdes edsoundamp| catonsy1emshoudaugmenthenaura|ransnussonofsoundromsoure to|

i1enerwihadequae|oudnessand dFfuson. Ishoudneverbeused asasubliuteforgoodbuddmg
acoustics design, because it rarely overcomes or corrects any serious deficiency; rather, it may amplify and
exaggerate the deficiency.
3.%1.2 An ideal sound amplification system shall give the listener the desired loudness, directivity, intelligibility
and other acoustical qualities.
Spaces seating less than 5tltl (approximately, l4tJtl m^ volume) should not require any sound amplification
system if it is properly designed; sirrce, a normal speaking voice can rnairrtairr speech level of 55 to 6tl dBA
irr this volume of space.
38L4 The central type amplification system is preferred, irr which a loudspeaker or a cluster of loudspeakers is
placed directly above the source of sourrd to prowde desired realism and intelligibility. In case, the ceiling
height is low and sourrd can not reach all listeners from a central type; a distributed system can be used
with a number of loudspeaker each serving a small area with low-level amplification. A distributed
system is particularly feasible irr areas under the balcony.
Acarefu||ocationofrnicrophoneshou|d bechosento avoidfeedback ofsoundñom|oudspeaker

tothe nucrophone.
3.9 OCCUPANCY A: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
3.9.1 ControHing Noise

Controlling measures shall have to be taken against noise corrung from outdoor and indoor sources as
specified irr Sec 4.4 arid 3.5.
3.9.2 Space Layout

a) Quiet arrd noisy quarters shall be grouped and separated horizontally and vertically from each other
by rooms (or spaces) not particularly sensitive to noise such as entry, corridor, staircase, wall closets
or other built-irr building components.
b) Ifa|imngroomrn one apartmentis|ocated adacentto a|ivrng roomnianotherapartment,

adequate soundmsu|ationshou|dbeprovdedinseparatngvva|
c) Bedrooms shall be located irr a relatively quiet part of the building.
d) Bathrooms must be separated acoustically from living rooms both horizontally arrd vertically.
If bathroom fixtures are installed along walls which separate living room and bathroom, adequate
sound insulation should be provided in separating wall.
e) Measures should be taken to avoid trarrsrrussion of footstep noise through floors.
2. Sound Insulation Factors

a) Separation for Sound Insulation: The sound nisu|ation criteria ni residential units are to be
based on threegrades:
8-14
Chapter 4
1) Grade I criteria apply mainly to fully residential, quiet rural and suburban areas arrd irr certain
cases to luxury apartment buildings or to dwelling urrits above the eighth floor of a high-rise
building.
i1 Grade II criteria apply to residential buildings built-in relatively noisy enwronments typical
) of urbarr or suburban areas.
ii1) Grade III criteria express rrunimal requirements applicable to very noisy locations, such
as commercial or business areas (like shop houses with dwelling units on the upper floors)
or downtown areas.
iv) Among the above three categories, Grade II covers the majority of residential
constructions and shall therefore be regarded as a basic guide.
v) In all grades wall constructions and floor-ceiling assemblies between dwelling units shall
have STC ratings at least equal to the values given irr Table 5.3.6 and S.3. 7.
v) An STC rating of not less than 45 dB is to be provided irr walls and floors of residential
buildings, between dwelling units of the same building and between a dwelling urrit arrd
arry space common to two or more dwelling units.
vi) Table I.2, Appendix I shows STC requirements for different spaces of specific occupancies.
Table 8.3.6 Table 8.3.7

Airborne Sound Insulation of Partitions Airborne and Impact Sound Insulation of Floor-
Between Dwelling Units Ceiling between Dwelling Units
Source: Stein, B. ct a1., 2006. Mechan ical an Source: Stein, B. ct a1., 2006. Mechan ical an d
d Electrical Lgut en ts for Bnil din gs. John Liectrical Lqu if ents for Bnil din gs. John Wiley & Sons,
Wiley & Sons, New Jersey. New Jersey.
Grade Grade Grade
Apt. A Apt. B II Apt. A Apt. B II II
STC STC HC
Bedroom to Bedroom 52 Bedroom above Bedroom 52 52
Living room to Bedroo a 54 Living room above Bedroo 54 57
Kitchen* to Bedroo a !5!5 Kitchen' above Bedroo ä,C Ö5 62
Bathroom to Bedroo a !5Q Farruly room above Bedroo ,d 56 62
Corridor to Bedroo a,c 52 Corridor above Bedroo 52 62
Living room to Living room 52 Bedroom above Living room° 54 52
Kitchen* to Living rooma 52 Living room above Living room 52 52
Bathroom to Living room 54 Kitchen above Living rooma° 52 57
Corridor to Living rooma.°.d 52 Farruly room above Living roo a,d 54 6tJ
Kitchen to Kitchen° 5tJ Corridor above Living rooma 52 57
Bathroom to Kitchen 52 Bedroom above Kitchen°.° 55 5tJ
Corridor to Kitchen a ° d 52 Living room above Kitchen°° 52 52
Bathroom to Bathroom 5tl Kitchen above Kitchen° 5tJ 52
Corridor to Bathroo a,c 4S Bathroom above Kitcheya,c 52 52
Farruly room above Kitchen °d 52 5S
For Grade I, add 3 points; for Grade III, Corridor above Kitcheya,c 4S 52
subtract 4 points. Bedroom above Farruly room° 56 4S
a Whenever a partition wall may serve to Living room above Farruly room° 54 5tl
separate several functional spaces, the Kitchen above Farruly room° 52 52
highest criterion must prevail. Bathroom above Bathroom° 5tl 5tl
Or dining or farruly or recreation room. Corridor above Corridor 4S 4S

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° It is assumed that there is no entrance For Grade I, add 3 points; for Grade III, subtract 4
door leading from the corridor to the points.
r i n g yyi[, a h i s a r r a n g e m e n t re quires greater im p a c t s o u n d
d Criterion applies to the partition. Doors insulation than the inverse, where a sensitive area
irr corridor partition must have the is above less sensitive area.
rating of the partition, not vice versa. * Or dirrirrg or farruly or recreation room.
° Double wall construction is ° It is assumed that the plumbing fixtures,
recommended to rrunirruse kitchen appliances and piping are insulated with
impact noise. proper vibration isolation.
dTheairborneSTCchtehainthistab|e apply
asvveN tovertica|
partitionsbetvveenthesetvvospaces
° his arrangement require equivaent
airborne sound nisu|ationthantheconverse.
b) Reduction of Airborne Noise : In case of air borrre noise {between the frequency rarrge 1tl0-315tltJ Hz),
a sound insulation of 5tJ dB shall be provided irr between the living room irr one house or flat
and r ooms/bed rooms irr another. The value shall be 35 dB in between different rooms of the same
house. (See Appendix I for airborne sound insulation properties of walls, doors and windows).
c) Reduction of Airborne Noise Transrrutted through the Structure: Exterior walls shall be rigid and
massive and have good sourrd insulation characteristics with as few openings as possible. Windows
with acoustic louvers rrught be used to protect noise intrusion, while allowing ventilation.
Ventilation ducts or air transfer openings (ventilators), where p r o dd e d , shall be designed to rrunirruze
transnussionofnoise,ifnecessa , by instaNnig some attenuat%g devices
d) Consructon ofsound rnsu|aton doors shaN be ofsohd core and heap consructon vvih aN
edges sealed up properly. Hollow core wooden doors and light weight construction shall be avoided
because these are dimensionally unstable and can warp, destroying the seal along the perimeter of the
door.
e) Bubber,foamrubberorfoamedp|asticstrps,adustab|eorselDahgnrngstopsandgasketsshaIbeused
forseakngtheedgesofthedoor.TheyshaIbesonistaedthattheyarshghdycomprssedbevwen
doo:and stopvvhenthedoorisin aclosed position. In simp|
ecasesthebottomedgesshaNhavea repaceabesthpoffe|
torfoamrubberattachedtornniinuzethegapbetvwendoorandñoor.
Separation between the two faces of the door shall be carried through unirrterruptedly from edge
to edge irr both directions. Damping treatments shall be inserted between individual layers of the
doors. Ordinary doors with surface leather paddirrg shall not be used.
g) Automatic damped door closers are to be used whenever applicable and econorrucally feasible irr
order to avoid the artrroyirrg sound of doors slamrrung.
h) The difference between the TL of the wall and that of the door shall not exceed IU dB.
1) The floor of a room immediately above the bedroom or a living room shall satisfy the Grade I impact
3.10 OCCUPANCY B: EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS arid OCCUPANCY C: INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
sound insulation.
Sources of Noise
Outdoor Noise: Measures shall be taken in planning and design to control noise from external sources
mentioned irr Sec 3.4 and Sec 3.5.
3.10.1.2 Indoor Noise:
The following sources of indoor noise shall be taken irrto consideration:
8-16
Chapter 4
a) Wood arid metal workshops, machine shops, technical as well as engineering testing laboratories, other
machine rooms, typing areas etc. which produce continuous or irrterrruttent noises of disturbing nature,
b) Music rooms,
c) Assembly halls, particularly those which are attached to the rriain building,
d) Practical work spaces, gyrrmasiurns arid swimrrung pools,
e) School kitchen arrd dining spaces,
fj Entry lobby, foyer, lounge, corridor and other circulation spaces.
2. Planning and Design Requirements
1. Site Planning: The school buildnig sha|| be located as far away as possible from the sources of
outdoor noise such as busy roads, railways, neighbourrng market places or adjacent shoppnig areas
as vve|| as|oca| nidustria|andsnm||scaemanufacturnigconcerns.
Where the site perrruts, the building shall be placed back from the street, irr order to make use of the noise
reducing effect of the increased distance between street lirre and building lirre.
IN adequate distance between the school/ institution building arrd the noisy traffic route cannot be
provided, rooms which do not need windows or windowless walls of classrooms shall face the noisy road.
Car parking areas shall preferably be located irr remote parts of the site.
2. Activities and Space Layout: The rrunimum requirement for sound insulation in educational buildings shall
be as specified irr Table 5.4.3.
3. HaHs and Circulation Areas: The lobby, lounge areas etc. or other circulation spaces and lirrkirrg corridors
shall be separated from teaching areas, lecture galleries or laboratories. No direct window openings shall
be placed along the walls of the corridors or circulation areas.
Doors, ventilators and other necessary openings shall be designed with sufficient foam or rubber seals,
so that they are noise proof when closed.
3.1D.24 Noise Reduction within Rooms:

LeturehaNsofeducatonarnliutons(wihaseatngcapaciyofmorethan1DDpersons)shalbedesgned
ni accordance with the relevant acoustica| prnicip|es.
Lecturehalswith vo|umesofuptoabout550m orforanaudenceofupto about150to200,sha|

not require a sound amphhcation system Ltheir acoustica| design is based on approprate
prnicip|es and specRications.
A diagonal seating layout shall preferably be used for rectangular lecture rooms of the capacity mentioned
above as it automatically elirrunates undesirable parallelism between walls at the podium and effectively
utilizes the diverging front walls as sound reflectors.
3.11 OCCUPANCY D: HEALTH CARE BUILDINGS
Sources of Disturbing Noise
OutdoorNoWe: SourcesofoutdoornoisespecRied
mSec4.4shaNbetakenmtoconsiderationforpaniung and design.AdditionaNy,hea|
thcareservicefacihtieshkeambu|ance,medicneand equipmentvans,store dehvehes|aundyand
refuseco|ectionro|eysareaso requentsourcesofnoise.Hea|thcarebui|dmgs
shaIbesitedavvayfromsuchsourcesasfaraspracticab|e.

17
PaM8
Indoor Noise: Indoor noise sources include mechanical and mobile equipment like X-ray and suction
machines, drilling equipment etc.
Planrung arrd design shall take irrto account the following sources of noise:
a) The handling of sterilizirrg, as well as metal or glass equipment,
b) Wheeled trolleys used for the purpose of carrying Goods and medical supplies,
c) Mechanical equipment hke mechanical and electrical motors, machinehes, boi|e:, pumps,
fans, venti|ator,trnsormers,eevators,aircondtionmgequipmentetc.
d) Operational facilities like refrigerators, sterilizers, autoclaves etc. ,
e) Patient service facilities irrcludirrg oxygen cylinders or tanks, saline stands, carrier carts arrd instrument
cases, etc.
fj Maintenance work of engirreerirrg serwces like plumbing and sanitary fixtures or fittings, hot and cold
water arrd central heating pipes, air-conditioning ducts, ventilation shafts etc., arid
g) Audible calling systems, radio arrd television sets.
Planning and Design Requirements
Site Planning: Site shall be selected to keep adequate distance from traffic noise from highways, rnairr
roads, railroads, airports and noise originating from parking areas. In addition to the requirements of
Sec 4.4.3, the following requirements shall be fulfilled:
f) In the selection of a site arid site plarirung, corrsideratiorr shall be giverr to:
1) Distanceroiexterornoise,
i1) hffectofhighbuildnigs adjacentto the sitewhichcan actas noise reñectors, and
ii1) TrMhcconditionssuroundnigthesite.
b) Parking areas rrught be carefully located at the farthest possible corners of the prerruses. If enough
space is not available to provide facilities for the desired number of vehicles, parking spaces shall be
prodded in more than one area. Loading platforms and serwce entries are to be planned in such a
manner as to rrunirruze noise in areas requiring silence.
c) Closed courts shall preferably be avoided.
Activities and Space Layout: The following points rrught be given due consideration irr the plartrrirrg and
design of health care buildings.
d) Rooms to be used for board meetings, conference, counselling and instructional purposes shall be
grouped near public zones of the building irr such a way that spread of noise can be avoided.
e) Long corridors rrught be avoided, as it may freely spread noise.
f) The main kitchen rrught be housed in a separate building and connected to the wards only by service
lifts or a serwce stair. If this is impracticable, it shall be planned beneath the wards, rather tharr above
them
g) Mechanical plants rrught preferably be placed irr separate buildings.
h) looms housnig equipment, operational facilities and patient service facilities shaN be designed
for adequate sound rnsu|ation.
8-18
Chapter 4
fj Closed courts rrught be avoided, unless rooms facing the court are air-conditioned with
completely sealed arrd air tight windows.
g) The units which are themselves potential sources of noise for example, children's wards and outpatient
departments, shall be treated with special care regarding the protection against noise.
NoiseReducñoninthe SensiñveArea: Inhea|th carebui|dmgs,mmny sensitive areassuch

asoperation theatres, doctor's consultation rooms, nitensive care units and post-operative areas
sha|| be provided with specia|noisecontro|arrangements
These rooms shall preferably be isolated irr locations (or corners) surrounded by other intermediate zones
which ensure protection of the core area from outdoor noise.
A sound reduction of about 45 dBA between the consulting and the waiting rooms shall be p r o d d e d
irr order to weaken the transrrussion of sourrd.
A lobby like space irr between the irrterconrrectirrg and communicating doors shall be provided.
4. Sound Insulation Factors: The rooms and indoor spaces of a health care building sha|| be
treated with soundabsorptivemmteras
Different STC ratings of walls specified for separate components of buildings shall have to be considered as
a) For airborne noise, the average STC rating of wall and floors shall be 5tJ dB.
b) An STC rating of 55 dB shall be required between rooms whose occupants are susceptible to noise.
c) In general an average STC of 45 dB is to be provided for corridor walls and for walls between patient
rooms.
d) All doors shall be fitted with silent closers. Doors to opposite rooms rrught be positioned irr a staggered
manner.
e) For ward doors, a corresponding STC of 35 dB shall be prodded.
PVC mats, rubber mats or other resilient materials arrd rubber shod equipment shall be used irr utility
rooms, ward kitchens and circulation areas as floor coverings.
Other finish materials like rubber tile, cork tile, vinyl tile or linoleum which can also help reduce the
impact noise substantially shall be used alternatively.
g) Mobile equipment, such as trolleys and bed, oxygen cylinder carriers and stretchers shall be made
relatively silent by mearrs of non-friction wheels with rubber tyre.
h) Specia|reatmentssuch asthninonporouscoverngsorh|
msoversomesoftabsorbentrnatehasshaN beusedforgoodsoundabsorptionvvhenavvashab|
eacoustica|reatmentisdesired.
i) Door and window curtains or screens, as well as bed sheets etc. shall be used wherever the indoor
openings are located to help reduce reverberation irr the hard surfaced surroundings. Curtain rails,
rirrgs arrd runners of silent type shall be used so that they generate as little frictional noise as possible.
j) Ventilation ducts and conduits shall be laid out irr such a way that they do not open an easy by-pass for
spreading out any noise from other sources. These conduits and ducts shall be completely sealed
around the pipes where they pass through walls and floors.

PaM8
k) Special care shall be taken to reduce noise of plumbing equipment arrd fixtures. Specially made
silencing pipes arrd flushing fixtures shall be used to reduce the noise of water closet arrd cisterns
in lavatories arrd toilets.
Ducts carrying waste or water pipes shall be properly lirred with sound insulation material to prevent
noise from the pipes passing through duct walls irrto the patients' wards or cabins or the spaces
susceptible to noise.
l) Wherever available, cisterns shall be used to replace the pressure operated flushing system so that the
disturbance becomes less irritating.
3.12 OCCUPANCY E: ASSEMBLY
General
Buildings of Occupancy E shall be designed both for transrrussion of noise through the walls arrd openings
and also for internal acoustics. Public address systems installed in such buildings shall conform to the
standards and specifications.
2. Sources of Noise
Outdoor Noise: The following sources of noise shall be taken irrto account irr plarrnirrg and design:
a) Traffic noise (air, road and rail) arrd noise from other outdoor sources entering through walls, roots,
doors, windows or ventilation openings,
b) Noise from any other gathering spaces, public meetings, outdoor actiwties arrd crowds, particularly
during the time of breaking of shows and performances,
c) Noise produced from parking areas.
2. Indoor Noise: The following indoor noise sources shall be taken irrto account irr plarrnirrg and design:
a) Noise from other adjacent halls located within the same building used for sirrular performance, or for
serrunar, symposium or general meetings,
b) Noise produced from ticket counters, lobby or lounge areas, rehearsal rooms, waiting areas and
corridors,
c) Noise generated from other ancillary services located within the building, like cafeteria or snack bar, tea
shop, post office, bank or the like,
d) Noise generated from the mechanical or electrical equipment, air-conditioning plants, ventilation
channels and ducts, plumbing and water lirres etc.
Site2lannmgandAcousñcalRequñements:Thenoiseconro|ofauditohaorassemby haNssha|begm
withsensibIesitep|aiungfoNovWngthemeasuresandprecautionsstatedbe|ovv:
a) The auditorium shall be effectively separated from all exterior and interior noise and wbration sources
as far as practicable;
b) The assembly halls shall be protected from vehicular or air traffic, parking or loading areas, mechanical
equipment, electrical rooms or workshops.
The following are the acoustical requirements for good hearing conditions in an auditorium which shall
be ensured irr planrung arrd design:
8-20
Chapter 4
a) Adequate loudness shall have to be ensured irr every part of the auditorium;
b) The sound energy shall be uniformly distributed irr the hall;

c) Optimum reverberation characteristics shall have to be prodded;
d) ThehaIshâIbefreeofsuchacoustca|defetsasechoes,|ongde|ayedrefectons, ñuterechoes,sound
concentrations, distortions, sound shadow and room resonance etc.;
e) Noise and vibration shall be excluded or reasonably reduced in every part or the hall room.
Activities and Space Layout in Divisible and Multi-purpose Auditoria

f) A protective buffer zone of rooms between exterior noise source and auditorium proper shall be
designed.
g) Noornsrnthebufferzone(obbies, vesbbules, cicu|

atonareas,re1aurans,tcketcounter,ofhcesetc)
shall be shut off from the auditorium proper by sourr d insulation doors.
c) The purposes of the sub diwded spaces shall be clarified, irr order to establish the predictable intensity
of the various sound programmes.
Noise Reduction within Rooms

d) There shall not be arry use of continuous, urrrecogrrizable and loud background noise.
e) The ventilating arrd air-conditioning system shall be so designed that the noise level created by the
system is at least IU dB below the perrrussible background noise level specified irr noise criteria level.
) In ordertoprotecttheha|romextema|noisethernniimumsoundreduction vauerequirednian
auditohumis65dBforaconcerthaN and60dBforatheare. Thisreductionsha|beprovided onaN
sides.
4. Sound Insulation Factors

a) Noomsnithe buffer zone (obbies, vestibules, circulation areas, restaurants, counter and issue
desk corner,oficeet) sha|havesoundabsorbmgcei|
mgsandcapetedñoor.Itheroomsartobeused forthepurposesofverba|msructionson|
y,amoderate degreeofsoundinsuation(STC40to45dB) sha|beaccomphshedbythemovab|
epartitions
b) IN audio equipment or loudspeakers are to be used, arr acoustically more effective, efficient partition
system shall be used, with sound insulation of STC 45 to 5tl dB.
c) An insulation of STC 5tl to 6tl dB shall be p r o d d e d if arry section of the space is selected for the
performance of live music.
d) Allvvnidovvs sha||have tobe ehnunatedfronitheniain auditoriunivvaNsniorder to exclude

excessive outdoornoisev
e) Suspended cei|nigs sha|| accorrunodate the venti|atrng, air-conditionnig and electrical services
above theroom.
fj In order to increase the effectiveness of the suspended ceilings the following measures shall
be taken :
i) The ceiling membrane shall weigh not less tharr 25 kg/ m2;
iii) Noise transrrussion through the ceiling shall have to be avoided by the use of a solid, airtight
ii) membrane;
The ceiling membrane shall rrot be too rigid;
iv) Gaps between ceiling and surrounding structure shall be sealed;

PaM8
v) Theairspacebevveencei|nig membraneandstructura|ñoorshaNbe nicreasedto

areasonab|e
IMBXIII!
w) Arr absorbent blanket is to be used irr the air space above the ceiling;
wi) The number of points of suspension from the structural floor above shall be
reduced to a
cii) Hangers made of resilient substance shall be preferable to the rigid ones.
g) In order to improve the airborne or impact sound insulation of a ceiling the following specifications
shall beThe
i cei|nig membrane shaN have a rnniimum of 25 nun sohd cement plaster layer
followed:
) with comp|ete|yclosed,airtightandseaedjointsa|around;
i Iffurher reducton ofundesiabe noie i desied w i h m a s o u n d msu|aed room,

i sound
absorptvetramensha|beprowdedaongtheundersdeo?hesohdceikng
Masking Noise: The artificial noise produced by electronically created background noise for the purpose
of drowning out or masking unwanted noise, shall be pr od d e d. The process shall effectively suppress
rrunor intrusions which rrught interrupt the recipient's privacy.
The maximum perrrussible background noise levels irr various occupancies are specified irr terms of
Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB) curves. Each of the NCB curves is expressed by the sound pressure level
values irr the important 12tJ0-24tJtJ Hz frequency band. The NCB levels shall be used to specify the desirable
lowest lirrut urrder which the background noise must not Call. (See Table 5.4.1 and Fig. D, Appendix D).
Note: The general configuration of the NCB curves is quite similar to the noise rating (NR) curves
established by the International Organization for Standardization, used mostly in the European practice
313 OCCUPANCY F: BUSINESS AND MERCANTILE BUILDINGS
Genial
Buildnigs of Occupancy F shaN be planned and designed to nuninuze noise from external and
niterna| soures.
Sources of Disturbing Noise
Outdoor Noise: The following sources of outdoor noise arrd those specified irr Sec 4.4 shall be taken irrto
account irr the planrung arrd design of business and mercantile buildings:
- Traffic,
- Playgrounds,
- Market places and shopping areas,
- Crowds grouped around the buildings for business purpose or other.
Indoor Noise: The following sources of indoor noise shall be identified for noise attenuation
within buildings:
a) Mechanica|noise,caused by heatmg, venti|atmg and air-conditionmg system, elevators,

escalators and pneuniatictubeset.;
b) Noise produced by office equipment or machines such as typewriters, printers, teleprirrters,

reproduction, tabulating arrd punching machines etc.;
c) Noise produced by mechanical amplifiers, for example in serrunar halls, conference rooms or staff
trairrirrg rooms or the like where public address system is used;
8-22
Chapter 4
d) Machine noise generated from slide rooms, projection rooms arrd from electrical and mechanical
rriachines like generators, transformers, switch rooms and electric substations etc. ;
e) Typical office noise created by speech, voices irr circulation areas, opening and closing of doors
etc. ; Plumbing systems, ventilation plants, lift machineries, air-conditioning and cooling systems.
3.13.3.1 Site Planning: Rooms susceptible to noise shall be located away from the sources of noise.
2. Activities and Space Layout: Spaces producing noise and those susceptible to noise shall be separated as far
as practicable. The effective length of long corridors shall be rrunirruzed. Swing doors are to be p r o d d e d
at intervals.
3. Noise Reduction in the Sensitive Areas

a) Openp|anOfhces
i) The floor area may be carpeted irr order to absorb airborne noise and footstep noise. The carpet
shall preferably be thick arid placed on top of resilient floors.
ii) The entire portion of the ceiling shall be treated with sound absorption materials. Such treatment
sha||be applied to the screens and nearby vva||s also.
Ahih|ysoundabsorptvecedmgwihasoundabsorptoncoefhcentofD.7Dsha|preferab|ybe
used to absorb 7tl per cent of the sound energy reflecting 3tl per cent of it.
iii) Moderately noisy office equipment (like typewriters, telephones, computers etc.) shall be
distributed as uniforrrily as possible all over the office space.
iv) Noisy ofhce equipmentshaNbeconcenrated mtospecRicareas ofthe ofhcespace.

Thespace shah betreatedvvith m a x m u m a m o u n t ofsound absorptive mmtera|and
visuaNy separated from the rest of the office.
b) General Offices: Sound absorbent ceiling shall be provided irr corridors. Hard floor finishes and
batten floors irr corridors shall be avoided. Floor ducts shall be planned on one side of corridors.
4. Reduction of Noise at Source: The following measures shall be undertaken to reduce noise at source
depending on the degree of noise reduction desired.
a) The noise from slamrrung of doors shall be reduced by fitting automatic quiet action type door closers.
Continuous soft, resilient strip set irrto the door frames as well as quiet action door latches shall be
used.
b) Machines like typewriters, calculators, printers etc. shall be fitted or installed with resilient pads to
prevent the floors or tables (on which they stand) from acting as large radiating panels.
c) Noises from ventilating systems, from a uniform flow of traffic or from general office actiwties, shall
be considered to generate arr artificial masking noise. In open plarr offices the prowsion of a relatively
high but acceptable degree of background noise (from the ventilating or air-conditioning system)
shall be p r o d d e d, irr order to mask undesirable office noises created by typewriters, telephones, office
machines or loud conversation arrd to provide a reasonable amount of privacy.
The background noise masking system shall be introduced gradually without disturbing the feeling
of the occupants.
The air-conditioning system may be used to generate background masking noise if the noise level
from the ceiling bans, ducts etc. can be suitably reduced to generate the desired frequency spectrum

PaM8
5. Sound Insulation Factors: The acoustical performance of the partitions dividing rentable office spaces shall
not exceed an STC rating of 25 to 3tl dB, unless the background noise is so high that it masks the
sound corrung through the lightweight partition.
I hghtvveight partitions are enip|oyedfor subdivision of|arge spacesnito executive cab%s and
secretara| areas, the fo||ovvnig measures sha||be taken to nicrease the nisu|ationfactors:
a) Sound barriers sha|| be provided up to above the false cei|nig with a noise reduction
characteristic that vviN notbe afected by ducts, conduits or other cable |nies rnludnig
e|ecthcity and water pipnigs msta||ed ni the cei|nig space.
b) Where construction of light weight partitions is considered essential, a double skirr panel shall
be preferred.
The panels shall be installed apart from each other either by use of separate frarrung or by use of elastic
discontinuities in the construction. Sound absorbing materials shall be provided in the air cawty
between the panels so that more insulation can be assured.
c) All apertures, gaps and joints at side walls, floors and ceiling junctions shall be properly sealed.
d) A double panel hollow floor construction shall be employed with heavy sound damping materials
introduced between the panels for effective reduction of the structure-borrre noise transrrutted
from upper floors to the floors below, particularly when lightweight floors are provided irr multi-use
spaces.
Lightweight materials having high natural frequencies may resonate or vibrate due to arr applied
wbratory force, which may be caused by mechanical equipment, road or rail traffic etc. These
materials, if used for specific reasons, shall be isolated from the source of noise irr order to reduce the
amount of vibration transrrutted to the building.
e)The floor surfaces surrounding the office space may be lirred with a carpet of high sound absorption. fj
For sourrd adsorption with floor carpeting, the following characteristics shall be
maintained:
ii) Hair, hair jute arrd foam rubber pads shall be used for higher sound absorption than the less
permeable rubber coated hair jute, sponge rubber etc.;
i) Fibre type carpet shall rrot be used, as it has practically rro effect orr sourrd absorption;
iii) To improve sound absorption the loop-pile fabrics with increased pile height (with the density
held constant) shall be applied;
iv) The backing shall be more permeable for higher sound absorption.
3.14 OCCUPANCY G: INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
1. General Noise Levels

In the noise control of industrial buildings the following requirements are to be fulfilled:
a) Anacceptab|eacoustica|environmentformdiwdua|workersandnmchnieoperators;
b) Speech communication among operators to the required degree;
c) Protection of other workers or office employees (either close to the noise source or at some other
location within the same building);
d) Prevention of noise trarrsrrussion irrto adjacent buildings or irrto the surrounding community.
8-24
Chapter 4
1. Intermittent Noises : Interrruttent noise in the form of isolated explosions, arrd periodic noise related
to pressure relief valves, hammering, grirrdirrg and sawing operations etc. shall be identified for
enforcing controlling measures.
2. Sources of Noise: The following sources of noise irr industrial buildings arrd rnarrufacturirrg plants shall be
identified and investigated to firrd whether the machines are irr smooth operation and producing rrunirnal
mechanical noise.
a) Fabrication and assembly niachnies;
b) Machines used for material transport arrd general plant serwces;
c) Noise caused by impact arrd coupled with resonant response of the structural members, connected to
the impacting surfaces;
d) High frequency sounds generated from grinders;
e) Frictional noise occurring at the time of sawing, grirrdirrg or sarrdirrg, as well as during the cutting on
lathe machines and irr brakes or from bearings;
fj Noise generated from piping systems and valves;
g) High velocity flow of air, steam or other fluids that undergo an abrupt change irr pipe diameter which
give rise to turbulence and resultant noise, arrd noise generated by rapid variation irr air pressure
caused by turbulence from high velocity air, steam or gases;
h) Unpleasant noise identified with rotating or reciprocating machines, which is generated due to
pressure fluctuation irr the fluids inside the machines.
3142 Hearing Damage Risk Criteria

When the sound level at a particular section irr a factory or industrial building exceeds the specified level irr
terms of magnitude and time (as shown in Table 5.4.4 below), feasible engirreerirrg control shall be applied
and implemented in order to reduce the sound to the lirruts shown. Personal hearing protection equipment
shall be provided and used if such control fails to reduce sound levels.
3.14.3 Interference with Communication

In industries where the operator has to follow verbal instructions during operation of the machine the
background noise shall be reduced to arr acceptable level.
Precautiona measures sha|| be taken so that the noise generated niside niay not be the cause of
accidents byhnider%gconvnunicationorbyniaskmgvvai%gsignav
3144 Requirements for Noise Reduction
1. Noise Reduction by Layout and Location: Considerable noise reduction may be achieved by a sensible
architectural layout in noisy industrial buildings following the steps mentioned below:
a) Noisy areas shall be separated from spaces requiring silence.
b) Theofhceb|ockistobe|ocated niaseparatebuilding.
IfthisisnotpossibIe,theofficespaceniafactory sha||be segregated fromthe production area as
far as practicable.
c) The office buddnig shaNnothave a corrunonvvaNvviththe producton areas. h e r e a

corrunonvvaNis unavoidableitshouldbeofhea consructon(notlessthan375mmthick).
d) E|ecthcaNy operated vehiiesshaNbeused asfaraspracticab|e, sincethey

ehnunatemostofthenoise normaNyassociatedwithcombustionengmes

PaM8
31442 Noise Reduction at Source: In order to suppress the noise at the source relatively silent machines and
equipment shall be installed. Additionally the following provisions shall be adhered to:
a) Appropriate type of manufacturing process or working method shall be selected which does not cause
disturbing noise. Machine tools arrd equipment are to be selected carefully irr order to attain lower
noise levels irr the machine shop.
b) Maintenance of vibrating and frictional machineries shall be ensured.
c) Impactnoisesingenera|sha||bereduced;softandresihentrnatera|sshaNbeapphed
onhardsurfaces whereimpactnoisecanorgmate.
d) Rubber tyres or sirrular other materials shall be fixed on the areas or surfaces used for the harrdlirrg
and dropping of materials.
e) The area of the radiat%g surface fronivvhich a noise is radiated sha||be reduced to a
nuniiuni.
fj Resilient flooring (carpeting, rubber tile, cork tile, etc.) shall be used adequately to reduce impact
transrrussion onto the floor.
g) Flexible mourrtirrgs, arrti-vibration pads, floating floors etc. shall be used to prevent the transrrussion
of vibration and shock from various machines into the building or structure.
h) Mechanically rigid conrrectirrg paths must be interrupted by resilient materials so that the transrrussion
of vibration arrd noise is reduced.
3. Isolator Specifications
a) Isolators shall be made of resilient materials like steel (irr the form of springs), soft rubber and corks.
b) Direct contact between the spring and the supporting structure shall be elirrunated, irr order to reduce
transrrussion of high frequencies by metal springs.
c) Rubber or felt pads shall be inserted between the ends of the springs and the surfaces to which they are
fixed.
d) Felt or cork shall be used under machine bases, as resilient mats or pads.
e) IN the equipment is massive like drop hammers causing serious impact vibration (irr larger
manufacturing plants), it shall be mounted on massive blocks of concrete, on its own separate
foundation.
The foundation shall have a weight 3 to 5 times that of the supported machines.
g) A sourrd reduction of 5 to 10 dBA shall have to be realized from the wbratiorr

isolation measures.
31444 Noise Reduction by Enclosures and Barriers: When the plant is large irr which the overall noise level
results from marry machines, an enclosure shall be prodded.
i) When only one or two machines are the dorrunant source of disturbing noise, the noisy equipment shall
be isolated irr a small area of enclosure.
j) The enclosure shall be irr the form of close fitting acoustic box around the machines. The box shall be
of such character that the operator can continue with his normal work outside the box.
k) An enclosure around the offending unit shall be impermeable to air arrd lirred with sound absorbing
materials such that the noise generated by machines is reduced substantially.
8-26
Chapter 4
d) i) When the industrial plant is a large one irr which the resultant noise level is produced from
a number of machines, enclosures shall be used either for supervisory personnel or operators
who are engaged irr monitoring the automatic machines. Such barriers may have inspection
openings.
ii hn|osuresofthistypeshaIensurenoisereductionofat|east30dBA,andshaIbemadeofsheet
) meta|knedrnsidevvithanapprophatenisu|ationmateha|
iii) Where curtains are used to isolate the noisy equipment irr a small area, they shall be of full
length i.e. from ceiling to floor and shall be made of fibreglass cloth arid lead or leaded vinyl.
e) IN the size of the machine is large and asks for more working spaces, thus not perrruttirrg
close fitting enclosures, the machine shall be housed irr a separate room or enclosure.
The inside of the enclosure shall be lirred with sound absorbing materials irr order to reduce the
contained noise.
fj IN after all these measures are taken the noise level still remains above a tolerable degree,
the workers shall be provided with earplugs for protection.
3.15 ACOUSTICAL REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES
Susceptible Buildings
Recording and Radio Studios: A recording studio shall present optimum acoustical conditions.
A differentiation shall be made among the numerous various purposes of studio use.
a) Particuarattentionsha|begiventothefoNovvmgrquirements:
i) AnoptimumsizeandshapeofthestudioshaIbeestab|ishedfoNovvnigthedesigncriteha
ii) A high degree of diffusion shall be secured;
iii) Ideal reverberation characteristics shall be provided;
iv) Noises wd vibration sha|| be comp|ete|y e|inunated and acoustica| defects sha|| be
tota||y
prevented.
b) The acoustical treatments shall be urriforrrily and proportionately distributed over the three pairs
of opposite surfaces enclosing the studio.
c) Portable acoustic screen and a reverberation chamber shall be provided so that the desired
reverberation condition can be achieved.
d) Variable absorbers such as hinged or s|idnig panels, rotatab|e cy|rnders, adjustable drapes
etc. sha|| be fixed onvva||surfaces and cei|nig areas.
e) All surfaces shall be carefully checked for echoes, flutter echoes etc.
fj Parallel surfaces shall be elirrunated or treated with highly absorptive acoustical materials
(throughout the frequency range between 63 and StltltJ Hz).
Research Laboratories
f) In the selection
of site, care
shaN be taken
to ensure that
no noise
generat%g nista||
ations exist in
the
vicirrity.
b) Location of 27
laboratories shall
be secluded from
the noisy zones
within the
building.
PaM8
d) Sound absorbing screens shall be used where scientists and researchers are engaged irr laboratory
activities and desk work simultaneously.
e) Transrrussion of noise through serwce ducts, pipes, lifts and staircases shall be guarded.
Doub|eg|azedvundowssha|beprovidedrnthenoisesensitiveareasTheresha|beanunimumgapof
100mmbetweenthetwog|ases
Music Rooms: The following provisions shall apply to music rooms, including rehearsal rooms,
instructional space, practice booth etc.
f) Acoustica|conditionsnipracticeboothsandhstenmgboothssha|havea reverberationtime
of0.4to Oñsecond.
g) Adequate floor area, room height, room shape and volume must be established to achieve
proper reverberation.
h) Sound absorbing materials shall be applied sufficiently so that the excessive sound generated by
bands or irrdiwdual instruments can be soaked up.
i) Para||e|ismbetvveen opposite surfaces sha|| be avoided.
j) Entire surfaces of at least two adjacent vva||s, and aN the cei|nig area shaN be treated
with sound absorbmgniateras.
4. Libraries: A quite and peaceful interior shall be maintained inside libraries. The following provisions are
to be adhered to irr planrung arrd design:
a) Screeningand soundinsu|atonmeasuressha||beunderaken m a n d
aroundtherecepton/issuedesk
arrd photocopying facility areas.
b) Stack rooms, store rooms and administrative offices sha|| be planned ni such a way that
the audiovisual areasareproperyiso|atedfromexterna|noises.
c) Ma||s enclosing the|ibray sha||have a sound reduction value ofnot less than 50 dB.
d) Farrlights shall be double glazed arrd rrorr—operrable.
e) Walls facing the corridors or other noisy areas shall not have farrlights or borrowed lights unless
they are double glazed.
Law Courts and Council Chambers

k) Entrance into court rooms and council chambers (especially from circulation areas arrd gathering
spaces) shall be through baffle lobbies, with two sets of doors fitted with silencers.
l) Offices shall be planned around the court rooms or chambers for further protection against outdoor
noise arrd the central rooms shall have a sound insulation value of not less tharr 5tJ dB (provided by
225 mm thick brick wall) to insulate against airborne noise in the corridors.
) Thecourtandchamberroomssha|havefoo:niishedvvithresi|ientmmteria|s
d) Ceikng and upper parts of the vvaNs of lobbies and circulation areas shaN have sound
absorbing tratments.
Public Address System
Design of public address systems shall take care of equipment choice, positioning of the individual elements
and other precautions to obtain optimum performance of the system.
8-28
Chapter 4
2. Passenger terrrunals and other public places equipped with public address systems shall as far as practicable
avoid the use of sound reflecting surfaces like hard walls and floors. Reverberation time shall be reduced as
far as possible by using sound absorbing materials on walls and ceilings.
3. Reverberation built-up sourrd level shall not be relied upon. Direct sound shall preferably be audible irr all
areas to be covered by the public address system.
4. Sound levels of the public address system irr the areas covered shall be adequately high to overcome
background noise.
Related Appendices
Appendix D Fig. D Activity Flow Diagram: Planrrirrg and Design irr Building Acoustics
Appendix E Table E.1 Allowable Upper Lirrut of Outdoor Noise Levels

Table E.2 Typical Noise Levels Generated by Aircrafts
Table E.3 Subjective Evaluation and Pressure Levels of Farruliar Sounds
Appendix F Fig. F.1 Noise Criteria (NC) arid Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB) Curve
Fig. F.2 Recommended Criteria for Sound Isolation between Dwelling
Units
Appendix G Fig. G.1CoefhcientsforPercentageSyNabeArticu|ation(USA)

Fig. G.2Live|messofaNoomasaFunctionofitsVo|umeandTota|
Absorption
Appendix
Appendix H
I Table H
Table I.1Octave
TypicalBarrd Averagefor
STC Ratings Sound Absorption
Building Coefficients
Elements
Table I.2 Recommended STC for Partitions for Specific Occupancies
Fig. I.1 Speech arrd Music in Aural Field
Fig. I.2 Recommended proportion of a space
Appendix J Fig. J Speech Privacy Analysis Sheet
Appendix K Form K - Checklist: Acoustical Plarrnirrg and Design

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CHAPTER 3

Bel: See Sound Pressure Level.

Cycle: See Frequency.

Decibel (dB): See Sound Pressure Level.

where, I = Sound Pressure in watt cm2, and

34 BUILDING ACOUSTICS: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PROVISIONS

3.4.1 Classifications of Building Acoustics

Bangladesh National Building Code 8-

c) Acoustics for Multipurpose

Classifications Brief Description Examples of Spaces

342 Acoustical Planning and Design Targets

3. Factors Affecting Acoustical Planning and Design

2. Acoustica|p|aiungand design,niIudmga|partsand deta|s,sha|beperormed durng

4. Acoustica|p|aiungand designtargetsandexpectedresu|tsshaIbe|earyspechedand documentedasa

3.4.3 Acoustica|p|aruungand designmeasuresshalbecongeniato otherdesignparameters

9. The acoustica design measuresand nmtehaisshaN be reasonably ener eficientand

10. Theacousticamatehasshalbeecofrendy, rcy|abeandshoudrequirenuMmummmntenance.Those

Bangladesh National Building Code 8-5

Depending on location of source, noise rrught be of two types:

Design Sequence for Noise Control

Planning and Design for Outdoor Noise Control

Following special prowsions shall be applicable for air traffic noise:

b) Educational nistitutions, hospitals, auditoriums etc. sha|| preferably be located at places

Following prowsions shall be applicable for road traffic noise:

i) Therruunpaformñoorshalbeseparaedromthelaton buddmgwih aminimumgap of5D

fj Greenbelts, landscaping or arry other form of barrier rrught be developed along

4. Planning and Design for Indoor Noise Control

b) Grade II STC = 52 Apply to residential spaces in relatively noisy enwronments, typical of

Control of Structure-borne Impact Noise

issl Impact noise problems can be controlled in following ways:

Bangladesh National Building Code 8-

3.5.6 Control of Electro-Mechanical System Noise

2. Mechanical noise problems can be controlled irr following ways:

Occupational Noise Exposure

3.6 REVERBERATION TIME, SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL AND DIFFUSION OF SOUND

b) Speech nite||igibi|ity is a signRicant parameter to achieve satisfactoy acoustica| design.

3.6.2 Reverberation Time

3. Sound Pressure Level

Bangladesh National Building Code

a) Diflusionofsound should be achieved m any space, so thatcertam key acoustica| properties,

3.7 SPEECH PRIVACY

Principle of Speech Privacy between Enclosed Spaces

4. Antrnsnutted noiseeve|1iisnotannoymgto am\ohty ofaduts,Ra propery designed

72. Sound Isolation Descriptor

1. For speech sourrd, a descriptive scale is showrr in Table 5.4.4

Ranking Descriptor Hearing Condition

2. Following factors are involved irr speech privacy rating of enclosed-space:

b) Isolation rating of receiving room (Room No. 2)

Bangladesh National Building Code 8-13

3.0 SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM

Objectives and Design Criteria

AweIIdes edsoundamp| catonsy1emshoudaugmenthenaura|ransnussonofsoundromsoure to|

Acarefu||ocationofrnicrophoneshou|d bechosento avoidfeedback ofsoundñom|oudspeaker

3.9 OCCUPANCY A: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

3.9.1 ControHing Noise

3.9.2 Space Layout

b) Ifa|imngroomrn one apartmentis|ocated adacentto a|ivrng roomnianotherapartment,

c) Bedrooms shall be located irr a relatively quiet part of the building.

e) Measures should be taken to avoid trarrsrrussion of footstep noise through floors.

2. Sound Insulation Factors

Table 8.3.6 Table 8.3.7

Bangladesh National Building Code 8-15

3.10.1.2 Indoor Noise: