Terrain Above Ground Drainage
Globally respected for its international accreditation and durable solvent weld jointing methods, the Terrain PVC-u above ground drainage system has b
What is acoustic comfort?
Acoustic comfort often goes unnoticed. It’s defined as the perceived state of satisfaction with the acoustical conditions of an environment.
What we do notice is acoustic discomfort. This manifests as disturbing and unwanted noises, caused either by internal or external factors in a building. It can be detrimental not only to physical and mental wellbeing, but also to the value of your property.
In order to maximise acoustic comfort, a building must undergo the process of acoustic engineering. This process involves the design, analysis, and control of sound and vibration. Acoustically engineered spaces implement technologies and systems that act as noise barriers, sound absorbers, or sound suppressors to create a safe and comfortable environment for occupants. While acoustics may seem like a minor consideration in the overall construction of a building, it can have a huge impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
How it works:
Sound travels in waves that manifest as vibrations. This is what determines acoustic comfort. Acoustic comfort is affected by two main types of noise in a building:
1) Structure-borne noise that is created by physical vibration against a building element.
2) Air-borne noise that is transmitted through air.
The importance of acoustic comfort:
To truly support health and wellbeing in the long-term, it is necessary that building designs account for acoustic comfort. After all, what value does a building possess if it is unable to meet the needs and expectations of its occupants?
The direct correlation between exposure to excessive noise and physical health problems such as fatigue, headaches, tinnitus, and even cardiovascular disease, is just one indicator of how important a well designed acoustic setting can be.
Aside from the physical effects, disturbing noises can also be incredibly detrimental to mental health too. Excessive noise can result in irritability, anxiety and a rise in stress levels, subsequently causing a loss of productivity and reduced cognitive function.
Optimising your building for acoustic comfort can also help to increase LEED rating, helping to not only boost property value but also support sustainability.
By selecting systems that focus on noise reduction, we can ensure the creation of environments optimal for productivity, happiness and comfort.
Here are 4 ways you can achieve acoustic comfort in your buildings:
1) Insulation
Properly engineered industrial insulation can be used to reduce the noise level of loud pipes, equipment, and systems. Sealing cracks and fissures with materials that possess a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating will help to mitigate sound transmission, therefore providing more effective insulation.
2) Multilayered Drainage Technology
Multilayer technology helps to retain the sound of water within the pipes by acting as a sound absorbent against shocks and vibrations. This is just one of the reasons why our new product, Terrain Q, consists of three layers. The external layer is made from PP+UV+RF, providing resistance to attack from UV radiation, and damage caused by fire or impact. The intermediate layer is composed of a mineral-reinforced plastic. This is what enables the noise insulation, increases stability, and provides added fire resistance. And finally, the internal layer consists of PP+AF, providing chemical and abrasion resistance, as well as resistance to high temperature waste.
3) Anti-Fouling Additives
Within the internal bore of Terrain Q, an anti-fouling surface treatment is used to minimise encrustation build up. Resistance to deposition stops sudden changes in flow direction, something that would increase the propagation of noise.
4) Sound Absorbing Materials
Sound absorption reduces reverberation and dissipates sound by absorbing acoustic energy and converting it into small amounts of friction energy. Floors, walls, window coverings, and ceilings can all be designed for the purpose of absorbing sound waves. Solutions include acoustic ceiling tiles, carpeting, furniture finishes, and curtains.
Selecting robust systems, such as drainage optimised for acoustic comfort, can also help to reduce the risk of leaks and failures. Not only does this help to maintain indoor air quality and improve occupant comfort, but it also reduces the need for maintenance and repairs, helping to save costs in the long-term.
In recent years, the construction industry has become more focused on designing to improve physical and mental health. Acoustic comfort can no longer be ignored, with wellbeing now a pivotal factor influencing consumers’ and corporations’ decision-making process.
When designing and constructing buildings of any kind, the role of drainage must be considered to create spaces that are truly engineered for optimal occupant satisfaction - the ultimate measure of success for any building owner.
Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000
Email: middleeast@polypipe.com
References:
https://www.actiu.com/en/articles/news/acoustic-comfort-in-the-workplace/
https://insulation.org/io/articles/reduce-noise-with-sound-proofing-insulation/