Improving FSTC (field sound transmission class) and FIIC (field-impact isolation class) of standard wall and floor/ceiling configurations.

Abstract

Every acoustic floor or wall design requires an analysis in order to provide a sustainable design. This is true whether the design is a single family residence with the goal of achieving a desired level of quietude, or a multi-family, or commercial dwelling required to meet various codes and/or standards. Since IIC and STC measurements taken in the field produce a lower STC or IIC than laboratory controlled values, this presentation will begin by reviewing the variables that are not present in the controlled laboratory setting for their acoustic impact. This presentation will further provide field readings of well known documented basic floor and wall configurations. With this foundation standard floor and wall configurations will be reviewed for their FSTC and FIIC improvement with standard readily available acoustic materials to address variables consistent with the degradation of the configuration’s acoustic efficacy. The FIIC and FSTC values of the same floors and walls will be further compared to walls and floors with unique and innovative installation methodologies and configuration upgrades. The summary will be a detailed approach to the best field practices and innovative configuration upgrades, inclusive of a few new patented and patent pending products, for optimum field acoustic efficacy.