Cutting Down on Building Noise
For years, vertically-oriented systems in buildings have been rigorously tested so that construction materials and processes could be designed to reduce noise levels. However, little to no testing has been performed on horizontally-oriented systems. Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI) has bucked that trend by opening a new test facility in Pennsylvania that aims to test the noise levels in horizontally-oriented systems. The hope is that these tests will lead to “better testing of construction materials and systems like ceiling tiles, pipe lagging systems, skylights, roof assemblies and floor and ceiling systems, which dramatically affect interior sound levels” according to a recent entry on the SmartPlanet blog.
While architects and other designers believe that the way to deal with proper acoustic management is through proper design of walls, ceilings, and windows with “passive” materials, the testing of materials from ATI includes “active” materials that could respond to changes within the building. So far, the company has been pleased with the results of cork-based “acoustic rafts,” which are cheaper and environmentally-friendly. While researchers try to determine the ultimate effect of noise reduction in buildings, the ultimate goal is to “reduce sound transmission through walls — but also the potentially irritating sounds made by materials rustling or flapping due to air movement.”