When designing workspaces with acoustic glass partitions, one common question arises: will the on-site performance match the laboratory-tested results? The short answer is no, and here’s why.
On-site vs. Laboratory Performance
Laboratory conditions are controlled and standardized, ensuring precise measurements of acoustic performance. However, on-site environments present numerous variables that can affect the performance of partitions and doors. Factors such as building layout, surrounding materials, and installation quality often lead to discrepancies between laboratory and on-site results.
One major cause of reduced on-site performance is flanking transmission, where sound bypasses the partition through other pathways like junctions, ceilings, floors, or even adjacent walls. This phenomenon significantly impacts the overall sound insulation of a space.
Key Flanking Transmission Pathways and Solutions
1. FLANKING THROUGH THE CEILING PLENUM
In many buildings, sound travels through the ceiling void, reducing the effectiveness of partitions below. For instance, if a ceiling offers only 20dB of sound insulation while the glass partition provides 28dB, an 8dB deficit occurs. To address this, installing a barrier in the ceiling void that matches or exceeds the partition’s insulation level is essential.
2. FLANKING THROUGH THE FLOOR PLENUM
Raised floors, often used for cable management, wiring, or cooling systems, can also be a flanking pathway. If a raised floor offers 20dB insulation and the glass partition provides 40dB, the 20dB difference compromises the partition’s performance. To counteract this, a void-barrier under the raised floor is necessary to close the gap and maintain the intended acoustic insulation.
3. FLANKING THROUGH DOORS
Fitted doors rarely match laboratory-tested acoustic levels due to on-site variables like air gaps and imperfect seals. ISP provides a solution to eliminate the situation with custom hinges, door seals, and drop seals, which create a tighter fit by filling air gaps around the door frame. These measures minimize sound leakage, ensuring doors complement the acoustic performance of partitions.
Achieving Optimal Acoustic Balance
Creating a workspace with effective acoustic insulation requires addressing flanking transmission pathways while considering aesthetic design. ISP’s high-performing acoustic partitions and doors, combined with our expertise in improving office acoustics, help you achieve a perfect balance of sound insulation and design appeal. We deliver both advanced solutions and the knowledge to optimize sound management for a more productive and comfortable environment.
If you’re planning a project, our team is here to guide you. Contact us today to discuss how we can craft the ideal acoustic environment for your workspace!
