INETICS OISE CONTROL PRODUCTS o RIM - Kinetics Noise ...kineticsnoise.com/arch/tests/pdf/AT001071.pdf · Background noise was insignificant, and did not affect the test results. No

KINETICS NOISE CONTROL TEST REPORT #AT001071

• KINETICS NOISE CONTROL PRODUCTS: o RIM

• ACOUSTICAL RATINGS: o NNIC 62 o FIIC 54

• TESTING AGENCY & REPORT NUMBER: o CAVANAUGH TOCCI ASSOCIATES, INC

6300 IRELAN PLACE, DUBLIN OH PHONE: 800.959.1229

FAX: 614.889.0540 WEB: WWW.KINETICSNOISE.COM

EMAIL: [email protected]

KINETICS DRAWING NUMBER: AT001071

http://www.kineticsnoise.com/�

mailto:[email protected]�

MEMBER FIRM, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS

SENIOR AND STAFF CONSULTANTSANDREW C. CARBALLEIRA

EMILY L. CROSS, P. ENGWILLIAM J. ELLIOTJOHN T. FOULKESBRION G. KONING

MICHAEL D. MAYNARD, CTSCHRISTOPHER A. STORCH

MARKETING MANAGERPATRICIA A. CASASANTO

ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTSNICHOLAS BROWSE, SMPTESTEWART RANDALL, CTS-D

MARTIN CALVERLEY, CTS

SENIOR PRINCIPALS WILLIAM J. CAVANAUGH, FASA, Emeritus GREGORY C. TOCCI, PE, FASA, PRESIDENT

PRINCIPALS DOUGLAS H. BELL LINCOLN B. BERRY TIMOTHY J. FOULKES, FASA, INCE, Bd. Cert. K. ANTHONY HOOVER, FASA, INCE, Bd. Cert. MATTHEW J. MOORE, CTS

ADMINISTRATOR DONNA L. RAFUS

CAVANAUGH TOCCI ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED 327 F BOSTON POST ROAD, SUDBURY, MA 01776-3027 º TEL: (978) 443-7871 º FAX: (978) 443-7873 º E-MAIL: [email protected]

March 19, 2008 Mr. Matthew Swysgood, Vice President Kinetics Noise Control 6300 Irelan Place Dublin, Ohio, U.S.A. 43017 Project: Renovated “Mill Building” Converted to Residential Condominiums

Subject: Floor/Ceiling Partition Sound Isolation Evaluation Wood Structural Deck/Kinetics RIM System/Concrete Topping

Dear Mr. Swysgood, This letter and attachments summarize measurements and evaluation of the sound isolation performance of a floor/ceiling assembly incorporating a wood plank structural floor deck, Kinetics Noise Control 2-inch RIM (Roll-out Isolation Material) resilient interlayer, and polished concrete finish floor. The project site is a former industrial building that has been renovated/reconstructed and converted to “loft-style” residential condominiums, located in Quincy, Massachusetts. Executive Summary The sound isolation ratings derived from the measurement data clearly comply with and comfortably exceed the requirements of the Massachusetts Building Code, the International Building Code (IBC), and the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA); and are commendable for a structural wood floor deck system without any separate ceiling below the floor deck. Attachments Attached Figure 1 is an architectural section detail drawing that illustrates and describes the floor system tested. Essentially, the floor system consists of 3–inch thick structural wood planks spanning wood beams, with ½-inch plywood panels fastened above the planks, 2-inch thick Kinetics RIM product rolled-out atop the plywood, ½-inch plywood panels laid above the RIM

Mr. Matthew Swysgood, Kinetics Noise Control March 19, 2008 Floor/Ceiling Partition Sound Isolation Evaluation Page 2

product, and 3-inch thick concrete slab poured above the plywood and then surface-polished and stained to serve as the finish floor surface. The underside of the wood plank decking is exposed to the condominiums below, and serves as the ceiling. Attached Figures 2 and 3 are graphs of the acoustical measurement/evaluation data used to derive the airborne and impact sound isolation ratings for the partition tested. Appendix A contains an introduction to acoustical terminology pertinent to this report, including sound isolation “ratings”, building code requirements, and recommended design goals. Partition Test Results Summary On March 12, 2008 sound isolation was measured between two condominiums demised by the floor/ceiling assembly incorporating the Kinetics Noise Control 2-inch RIM (Roll-out Isolation Material) system, as shown on Figure 1. The partition achieved a normalized noise isolation class (NNIC) rating of 62, as shown on Figure 2. The partition achieved a field impact insulation class (FIIC) rating of 54, as shown on Figure 3. Conformance to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards The measurements and evaluations were conducted in accordance with: ASTM E 336-05 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings ASTM E 413-04 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation ASTM E 989-06 Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class ASTM E 1007-04 Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor/Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures Room Finishes The finishes in both the source and receiver rooms were: Floor – polished and stained exposed concrete floor Ceiling – unpainted exposed underside of wood plank floor Walls – three painted gypsum board walls, and one floor-to-ceiling window wall with aluminum mullions, and aluminum spandrel panels from floor to waist height


Both condominiums were unoccupied, and all the rooms in both condominiums were empty: no furniture, no drapes, etc. Test Procedures and Equipment Sound levels were measured using a CEL Instruments model 593 sound level meter with a CEL model 250 microphone and CEL model 527 preamplifier. The microphone/preamplifier/meter system was field-calibrated at the project site immediately prior to the measurements with a CEL model 284/2 acoustic calibrator. The entire measurement/calibration system complies with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements for Type 1 (Precision) acoustical instrumentation. The airborne sound source system consisted of 2 Goldline PN-2 Pink Noise Signal Generators, 1 Fostex SPA 11 amplified loudspeaker and 1 DAS DS-12A amplified loudspeaker. The impact sound source system consisted of a Norsonics Nor 277 Tapping Machine. Airborne Sound Transmission Airborne sound transmission measurements were conducted by placing the electronic signal generators, amplifiers and loudspeakers in one condominium, with the loudspeakers separately located on vibration-isolation pads above the floor and oriented towards corners of the room at various angles to produce a diffuse high level of broadband sound throughout the room (“pink” noise, approximately 100 decibels overall). The sound meter was used to measure spatial-average 1/3 octave sound levels throughout both the “source” room in one condominium and the “receiving” room in the other condominium. Thereafter, the electronic sound source was turned off and the meter/analyzer was used to measure the 1/3 octave residual background sound levels and the sound reverberation time (RT 60) in the receiving room. Impact Sound Transmission Impact sound transmission measurements were conducted by placing the standard Tapping Machine on the polished concrete floor surface of the upper condominium and measuring sound levels transmitted into the lower condominium. Four separate spatial average measurements were conducted sequentially in the receiving room with the tapping machine placed at four separate locations/orientations on the source room floor during the measurements, in accordance with ASTM standard requirements. Test Results The 1/3-octave band test results are shown graphically on attached Figures 1 and 2, with the corresponding sound isolation ratings identified on the lower right hand corner of each graph.


As shown, the floor/ceiling assembly achieved an airborne sound NNIC rating of 62 and an impact sound FIIC rating of 54. Compliance with Specifications As explained in more detail in Appendix A, the NNIC and FIIC ratings reported herein are accurate evaluations of the sound isolation performance provided by the partition, regardless of the room dimensions and/or the acoustical characteristics of the rooms demised by the partition (i.e. large volume rooms vs. small volume rooms and/or sound reflective room surfaces and furnishings vs. sound absorptive surfaces and furnishings, etc.). We conclude that the measured sound isolation ratings clearly satisfy the Building Code sound isolation requirements. Factors Affecting Test Accuracy Background noise was insignificant, and did not affect the test results. No other factors affecting the accuracy of the tests were noted. If we can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, CAVANAUGH TOCCI ASSOCIATES, INC.

Brion G. Koning, Senior Consultant 08089-Kinetics-RIM System-Quincy-MA-3-19-08.doc

08089-Kinetics-NNIC1.xlsPartition 1

Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Inc. Printed3/19/2008

Figure 2

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Unit 305 to Unit 205 (Floor/Ceiling Partition)

Loft Style Condominiums, Quincy, MA: Airborne Sound Isolation Evaluation

08089-Kinetics-FIIC1.xlsTest1.Graph

Cavanaugh TocciAssociates, Inc.

Printed3/19/2008

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Unit 305 to Unit 205 (Polished Concrete on 1/2" plywood on Kinetics 2" RIM system on 31/2" Wood Deck (no ceiling))

Loft-Style Condominiums, Quincy, MA: Field Impact Insulation Class (FIIC) Rating

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APPENDIX A

Glossary of Pertinent

Acoustical Terminology and Methodology


Introduction to Sound Isolation Ratings for Architectural Interior Spaces

Airborne Sound Transmission (ASTM E 90, ASTM E 336, ASTM E413):

STC Sound Transmission Class (acoustical laboratory only) FSTC Field Sound Transmission Class (building) NNIC Normalized Noise Isolation Class (building) NIC Noise Isolation Class (building)

Impact Sound Transmission (ASTM 989 and ASTM 1007)

IIC Impact Insulation Class (acoustical laboratory only) FIIC Field Impact Insulation Class (building)


Sound Isolation Terminology Sound isolation between living units (and between living units and other spaces, such as corridors, mechanical rooms, etc.) typically falls into two main categories:

1. Airborne sound (principally speech, television, etc.)

2. Structureborne sound (sub-categories of structureborne sound include impact sound generated by footsteps on floors and stairs, kitchen and bathroom cabinets doors and drawers closing, stereo system loudspeakers resting on or attached to the structure, and various plumbing noises).

Airborne sound transmission (speech, etc.) and impact sound transmission (footsteps, etc.) measured in the field (i.e. in buildings) are often evaluated and compared with building code and mortgage agency requirements, and with general acoustical design criteria.

Airborne Sound

The airborne sound isolation performance of building partitions and partition elements (walls, doors, windows, and floor/ceiling assemblies, etc.) is determined in certified acoustical laboratories. The sound isolation rating obtained in the laboratory environment is termed the sound transmission class (STC) rating in accordance with test procedures and reporting requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In the simplest explanation of the STC rating procedure, the measured sound transmission loss data are plotted on a graph together with an STC rating “contour” and the contour is “fitted” to the data in accordance with specific criteria.

Airborne sound isolation between rooms in buildings (non-laboratory conditions) is quantified using various test methods, calculations and resultant ratings, which are all essentially “field-versions” of or “field-equivalents” to the STC laboratory test procedures and calculations. The simplest and most-often used of the field test ratings is the noise isolation class (NIC) rating, which is simply the STC rating “contour” applied to the measured noise reduction. A slightly more rigorous/accurate method is the normalized noise isolation class (NNIC) rating, which includes an adjustment for receiving room absorption, based on measured reverberation time (RT60). The most rigorous of the field tests is the field sound transmission class (FSTC) rating, which is extremely complex and (expensive) and is vary rarely performed in strict accordance with ASTM Standards. In general, the NIC and NNIC ratings are most often considered the most practical field-measurement equivalents to the laboratory STC rating.

All of these airborne sound isolation ratings are determined by placing a very loud signal generator, amplifier, and loudspeaker system in one room (called the source room). Sound levels are measured in the source room, and are also measured in one or more adjacent rooms (called receiver rooms). Each pair of source and receiver room(s) is separated by a specific partition being tested. In multi-story, multi-unit buildings, airborne sound isolation can be measured both horizontally (through walls) and vertically (through floor/ceiling constructions).


In the acoustical laboratory, the only significant sound transmission path between source and receiver rooms is via the partition being tested. However, in typical buildings, sound can also be transmitted around or through portions of the partition, via various sound “flanking” and “leakage” paths. Generically, these additional sound transmission paths can include back-to-back bathroom medicine cabinets, plumbing fixtures or electrical boxes, recessed ceiling lights, air-conditioning ductwork, poorly fitted drywall junctions hidden behind baseboards or ceiling molding, etc.

Essentially, the laboratory STC and the field NIC, NNIC and FSTC ratings represent the difference between the sound level incident upon a partition and the resultant sound level transmitted through it. The difference in sound levels is then evaluated with a standardized rating contour. The higher the STC or NIC, NNIC, FSTC numerical rating, the better the sound isolation performance.

It is important to note that, typically, the actual as-built NIC rating of a partition in a building will vary by approximately 3 to 5 rating points (decibels) from the laboratory ratings for that same partition design. This is generally due to variations in individual room acoustics such as room size, room finish, and furnishings (carpeting, drapes, etc.). For very absorptive or large receiving rooms, the building NIC ratings can actually be higher than the laboratory STC rating. In general, a NIC rating that is in the range of 1 to 4 decibels lower than the design STC rating for that partition does not necessarily indicate problems with the actual partition construction. However, NIC ratings that are approximately 5 decibels (or more) lower than the corresponding design STC ratings almost always indicate one or more problems in the actual building construction (compared with the partition design).

The NNIC rating is “normalized” to a reference sound absorption value for the receiving room, and therefore the NNIC rating is typically a more accurate evaluation of the actual partition sound isolation performance regardless of the receiving room acoustical characteristics (room volume, absorption of room surfaces and furnishings, etc.).

Impact Sound

The impact sound isolation of floor/ceiling partitions is also determined in certified acoustical laboratories. The impact sound isolation rating obtained in a laboratory environment is termed the impact insulation class (IIC) rating.

The impact sound isolation between rooms in typical buildings (non-laboratory conditions) is typically quantified using the field impact insulation class (FIIC). This is the field-measurement equivalent of the laboratory IIC rating.

Both of these impact insulation ratings are determined by placing a standardized “tapping machine” on a floor in the source room, and then measuring sound levels transmitted through the floor/ceiling into the receiver room, located directly below the source room. The receiver room sound levels are then evaluated with a standardized rating contour. The higher the IIC or FIIC numerical rating, the better the impact sound insulation performance.


It is important to note that, typically, the actual as-built FIIC ratings for floor/ceiling impact insulation in buildings will be somewhat lower (i.e. higher sound levels transmitted to the receiver room) than the laboratory ratings for that same partition design. This is generally due to impact sound energy (actually vibration) transmitted along the floor joists to supporting stud walls, which results in sound radiated into the receiving room from the walls, in addition to the sound radiated from the ceiling. (The wall radiation characteristic is minimized in the acoustical test laboratory.)

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are the two principal agencies promulgating acoustical terminology, testing procedures and standards used as the acoustical test and reporting basis for this report. The specific test and reporting requirements of these agencies are extremely rigorous, precise, and extensive. Our test procedures used for most of our building sound isolation evaluations are in general conformance with the ASTM and ANSI requirements. However, it is important to note that for some project site evaluations there may be certain technical aspects of our test procedures that deviate slightly from the standards agency requirements. For instance, on occasion, we report FIIC values (impact noise ratings) based on receiver room sound levels, which have not been adjusted for receiving room sound absorption characteristics. Technically this does not meet the ASTM reporting requirement. Also, some of the rooms tested for our clients do not meet the minimum room size and/or shape requirements of ASTM. However, these are just slight deviations from the rigorous ASTM testing and reporting requirements, and are not a significant concern for our evaluations.

One of the dilemmas of evaluating sound isolation in buildings in comparison with building code requirements is that the code requirements are published in terms of the STC and IIC, which technically can only be determined in an acoustical laboratory. To absolutely ascertain compliance with the building code requirements (and/or FNMA requirements), the project developer/owner/contractor would have to coordinate with an acoustical test laboratory to construct one or more representative partitions (floor/ceiling partition, party wall or corridor wall, etc.) of exactly the same elements and assembly as installed in the project building and submit the partition samples to a certified acoustical laboratory for testing.

Architectural Interior Sound Isolation Design Criteria

Most local and state building codes in the northeastern United States are based on the Building Officials Council of America (BOCA) National Building Code. BOCA requires a minimum STC rating of 45 for airborne sound isolation for walls and floor/ceiling constructions between dwelling units, and also between dwelling units and “public or service areas”. In addition, BOCA requires a minimum IIC rating of 45 for floor/ceiling impact sound insulation between dwelling units, and also between dwelling units and public or service areas.

The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) also requires minimum STC/IIC ratings of 45 for airborne sound isolation for walls and floor/ceiling constructions between dwelling units.

However, FNMA requires higher-performance STC/IIC ratings of 50 between dwelling units and public or service areas.


The International Building Code (IBC) requires higher-performance STC/IIC ratings of 50 between dwelling units

It is important to note that these are minimum sound isolation performance requirements for any housing that must comply with the Building Code applicable for the project site location (state and municipality) and for financed housing that must also comply with FNMA requirements.

However, in our experience, acoustical consulting firms and architectural design firms with architectural sound isolation experience recommend STC/IIC ratings in the range of 50 to 55 for “market rate” housing, and STC/IIC ratings of 60 and higher for “luxury” housing.

It is important to note that, without special acoustical underlayment or other specialized treatment of the floor/ceiling construction, the IIC/FIIC impact sound insulation ratings for hard-surfaced floor/ceiling constructions (hardwood, ceramic and marble tile, etc.) are typically below 45. The IIC/FIIC ratings improve dramatically (to ratings of 60 and higher) with heavy carpeting or rugs on thick resilient padding. However, simply carpeting floors or installing area rugs typically has not fully resolved owner/occupant noise complaints about footstep sound transmitted from unit to unit. Although carpeting or rugs dramatically increases the IIC/FIIC ratings and effectively attenuates the “clicking” sound of hard-soled shoes, it does not eliminate the “thudding” sound of footsteps transmitted through the floor/ceiling construction.

Documents

INETICS OISE CONTROL PRODUCTS o RIM - Kinetics Noise ...kineticsnoise.com/arch/tests/pdf/AT001071.pdf · Background noise was insignificant, and did not affect the test results. No