ACCON UK Limited (ACCON) were commissioned to carry out various Acoustics Assessments in relation to a new mathematics block at Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematics School in Rochester, Kent.
The proposed block had received planning permission from Medway Council and ACCON were required to carry out detailed CadnaA noise modelling to determine the impact of noise from the proposed mechanical ventilation systems on nearby residential receptors in order to satisfy a planning condition. The assessment was carried out in accordance with BS 4142 “Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound”.
An assessment of the noise levels within classrooms where the mechanical ventilation systems would operate was also required to ensure that the target internal ambient noise levels would be achieved. The target internal ambient noise levels were identified from Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) Acoustic design of schools: Performance Standards. The selected ventilation products were specifically designed for use in schools and therefore achieved the target internal ambient noise levels.
ACCON carried out a sound insulation assessment of a revised floor construction which would reduce the thickness of the concrete slab floor. This would allow for a greater ceiling void which was required to contain the mechanical ventilation systems. The revised floor construction would not achieve the specific sound insulation criteria outlined in BB93. ACCON provided recommendations in respect of improving the sound insulation of the floor construction without compromising the space required for the mechanical ventilation system.
Once all of the above items had been completed, reverberation time calculations were carried out for the classrooms which incorporated details of the proposed wall, ceiling and floor finishes. Advice was provided in respect of the provision of additional sound absorption in order to achieve the target reverberation times identified in BB93. This item of work was required to satisfy another planning condition.
Contact: Steve Summers – 01273 573814
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