Airborne Noise Control for Vertically Stacked Bathrooms with Mechanical Exhaust Systems

摘要

Sound insulation properties of an otherwise satisfactory wall or floor can often be nullified when a noise flanks (bypasses) this surface. This applies to all types of construction, including wood frame, and is especially important in multifamily dwellings. An example of flanking is described for vertically stacked bathrooms where the sound travels from one bath to the other through the ventilation duct work. Two types of duct work connections are given. The first is a direct duct connection in the second floor bath wall stud cavity resulting in a speaking tube effect and strong dissatisfaction by the occupants. The second is a remote duct connection in the attic which resulted in no complaints to the builder-owner. Reference is made to the influence of background noise on occupant response to intruding noises. (Author)