The 4 Roles of Acoustic Ceilings in Buildings

Know which acoustic metrics apply and how to correctly specify ceilings.
This course is no longer active
Sponsored by Rockfon

Learning Objectives:

  1. Make the important link between acoustics, indoor environmental quality and human health and wellbeing.
  2. Gain a comprehensive perspective what the building design standards and guidelines require from acoustic ceilings
  3. Identify if your ceilings needs to absorb sound, decrease noise from rooms next door, decrease noise from rooms above or lessen mechanical noise from equipment in the plenum
  4. Know which acoustic metrics apply to each acoustic role of the ceiling and how to correctly specify ceilings.

Credits:

HSW
1 AIA LU/HSW
IACET
0.1 IACET CEU*
AIBD
1 AIBD P-CE
AAA
AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
AANB
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
AAPEI
AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour
MAA
MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
NLAA
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.
NSAA
This course can be self-reported to the NSAA
NWTAA
NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
OAA
OAA 1 Learning Hour
SAA
SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning
 
This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.
As an IACET Accredited Provider, BNP Media offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
This course is approved as a Structured Course
This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines
Approved for structured learning
Approved for Core Learning
This course can be self-reported to the NLAA
Course may qualify for Learning Hours with NWTAA
Course eligible for OAA Learning Hours
This course is approved as a core course
This course can be self-reported for Learning Units to the Architectural Institute of British Columbia

This presentation explores the role that ceilings play in acoustics and noise control. The four main roles acoustic ceilings can play in buildings are to absorb noise from inside the room, decrease noise from the next room, decrease noise from rooms above, and decrease noise for equipment in plenums. Starting with an overview of the common terms, standards, and guidelines, the presentation will dive into specific metrics like Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ratings, Reverberation Time, Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings and Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) ratings. Case studies and scenarios are used to explain the importance of designing spaces that meet or beat current standards, based on the actual needs of the room. In addition, the presentation will give specific recommendations on how to specify HVAC and mechanical equipment early in the process to ensure that the acoustic ceiling, slab, and partition walls all work together to create quieter, more productive interior spaces.

Four Roles

Photo courtesy of Rockfon

 

ROCKFON Rockfon provides customers with a complete ceiling system offering, combining stone wool ceiling panels with suspension grid systems, metal ceiling solutions, and now wood ceilings. Our products help create beautiful, comfortable spaces. Easy to install and durable, they protect people from noise and the spread of fire while making a constructive contribution toward a sustainable future.

 

Originally published in June 2024

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