Effects of noise flanking paths on ceiling attenuation class (CAC) ratings of ceiling systems and inter-room speech privacy

Authors

  • Gary S. Madaras ROCKFON
  • Andrew E. Heuer NGC Testing Services

Abstract

Continuous plenums above suspended, modular ceilings and partial-height walls in buildings can result in inter-room speech privacy and annoyance problems, especially when noise flanking paths via air diffusers, grilles and lights exist. However, testing of the effects of ceiling system noise flanking paths is limited in the industry. Multiple ceiling systems comprised of various noise flanking paths through air diffusers, grilles and lights were tested in an independent, accredited, acoustics laboratory according to ASTM International (ASTM) E-1414 and E-413. Additionally, recorded speech was played back in the test chamber source room and binaurally recorded in the test chamber receiver room. The results show that wideband ceiling attenuation class (CAC) decreases by 10 decibels (dB) and 1/3 octave band normalized ceiling attenuation (Dn,c) decreases by 15 to 22 dB in the higher frequency bands when common noise flanking paths are introduced into a ceiling system with CAC-37 ceiling panels. Subjective listening during the course of these tests shows that a ceiling system comprised of CAC-37 panels and typical noise flanking paths (that drop the system rating down to CAC-27) did not provide speech privacy. Intelligibility of recorded speech transmitting into the receiver room was high.

Additional Files

Published

2015-08-18

How to Cite

1.
Madaras GS, Heuer AE. Effects of noise flanking paths on ceiling attenuation class (CAC) ratings of ceiling systems and inter-room speech privacy. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2015 Aug. 18 [cited 2024 Apr. 20];43(3). Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2771

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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