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 Nov. 23];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

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.