On-site vs the Laboratory – Will performance of partitions be the same?
No. When partitions or doors are installed on-site, their performance may be affected by several factors. While the installation may have been carried out as closely as possible to the standard and quality of that in the laboratory test, it is common that the on-site performance does not fare as well.
Why is this so? As opposed to a laboratory environment, the on-site conditions are generally different as most buildings possess several acoustic pathways. This is known as Flanking Transmission and it can occur through the junction of partitions, walls, ceilings, and even floors which will greatly reduce sound insulation.
What Can be Done to Control Flanking Transmission?
There are several ways in which flanking transmission can be dealt with to maximise acoustic effectiveness.
1. Flanking Through the Ceiling Plenum
For this, a barrier that is capable of making up the difference in sound performance between the ceiling and the partition should be installed in the ceiling void.
For instance, if the ceiling provides 20dB in room to room sound insulation and the glass partition offers 28dB, there is a deficit of 8dB. A void-barrier that is capable of making up the difference needs to be installed.
2. Flanking Through the Floor Plenum
In some offices, cable management raceways, electrical wiring, and facility cooling systems are often contained within a raised floor to improve accessibility and ease of maintenance. However, this might pose as a flanking possibility depending on the type of glass partition installed.
For instance, if the raised floor provides 20dB in sound insulation and a glass partition that provides higher sound insulation of 40dB is installed, there is a deficit of 20dB. A void-barrier that is capable of making up the difference will be necessary.
3. Flanking Through Doors
Fitted doors usually do not perform to the level of a laboratory test as there are too many variables on-site. To maximise the acoustic capabilities, ISP’s door solutions come with custom batwing seal and drop seal that is perpendicular to the frame and door-stop. These fill the air gaps that may potentially create sound leaks around the door set.
With our high performing acoustic partitionings and doors, we strive to provide our clients with a product that offers the ideal balance between acoustic performance and design aesthetics.
Have an upcoming project? Reach out to us and we will be happy to arrange a session to discuss with you the next steps on crafting the ideal acoustics environment for your workspace!
