Sunday, January 24, 2016: 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Modern Residential Systems
Chair:
Chris Papadimos, Papadimos Group
Technical Committee: 02.06 Sound and Vibration Control
Proper acoustics for multifamily residential projects are important to address and typically required for compliance with building codes. Achieving a suitable acoustic environment requires an integrated approach and encompasses various aspects of the design and construction process. This seminar covers the key focus areas, such as sound isolation from exterior to interior and between units, noise control for mechanical and plumbing systems, and includes case studies with lessons learned and the latest industry trends.
1 Plumbing Noise Control Essentials for Multi-Family Residences
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Roman Wowk, Papadimos Group |
Plumbing noise is a common complaint in residential settings and difficult to correct after construction since remediation often involves tearing out walls, floors and ceilings. Despite the obvious potential for impact between occupancies, plumbing noise is largely ignored by building code and consequently receives limited priority during design and construction. While appropriate solutions are widely available, successful outcomes require coordination between multiple disciplines and trades in order to maintain cost effectiveness without unacceptable risk. This presentation will emphasize the practical side of plumbing noise control and cover key essentials to help design and construction professionals better avoid plumbing noise problems.
2 Sound Isolation Between Multi-Family Units
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Matthew T. Murello, P.E., Lewis S. Goodfriend & Associates |
The presentation will discuss the modern construction materials and techniques that lead to good sound isolation in multi-family residential developments. Theoretical, lab and real-world tested sound and impact isolation data will be presented for various construction elements and partition configurations. Examples of construction challenges that result in less than optimal sound isolation also will be presented.
3 Using and Understanding AHRI 275: Application of Outdoor Equipment Sound Ratings
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Erik Miller-Klein, P.E., SSA Acoustics, LLP |
This session provides an in-depth look at AHRI 275: Application of Outdoor Unitary Equipment A-Weighted Sound Power Ratings. This looks at sound propagation from rooftop and ground mounted units, the effectiveness and installation of noise barriers, and issues that arise with wall installations. This session provides a summary for design-build engineers, contractors, and mechanical engineers that need to do basic radiated sound estimates.
4 Ensuring Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery Systems Are Quiet
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Jason Swan, Sandy Brown Associates, LLP |
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, provide a controllable method of ventilating dwellings while delivering energy savings. They are particularly useful for ventilating homes in noisy areas or high-rise buildings where open windows are not workable. However, they can be a source of noise, particularly if they are not located and installed carefully. Drawing on a range of large residential projects, laboratory testing and on-site measurements, this session will present the acoustic advantages and pitfalls with their use, and will give real advice to engineers, architects and contractors on how to specify and configure these systems for quiet operation.