Science Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum

Wave Motion
Noise Control in
Architecture
[Teacher notes]

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Contents
Preamble

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

Teaching plan i

Lesson 1 : Noise Control in Architecture

1.1 What is Noise? 02

1.1.1 Sound Intensity (I) and Sound Pressure Level (L) 02
1.1.2 Difference Between Noise and Sound Pressure Level 02
1.2 Sound Transmission in Architecture 03
1.2.1 Sources of Noise 03
1.2.2 Noise Transmission Paths 04
1.3 Noise Control through Architectural Design 05
1.3.1 Reducing Transmitted Sound Pressure Level 05
1.3.2 Sound Reduction Index 05
Exercise: Calculate the Appropriate Sound Insulating Performance for a
Room Design 06
1.3.3 Redirecting Sound away from Receivers 08
1.3.4 Case Study — Kwai Tsing Theatre 09

Summary, Key words and Further reading 11

Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part
in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the
views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
© 2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Topic 05
Noise Control in Architecture

Major teaching areas Interdisciplinary teaching areas

Physics: Chapter III Wave Motion Design and Applied Technology
• Wave Nature of Sound • Strand 2 Technological Principles
• Noise

Learning objectives
• To distinguish noise from Sound Pressure Level

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

• To learn the equation for calculating Sound Pressure Level
• To understand noise control in architecture through scientific approaches

Teaching plan
Lesson Contents
Lesson 1 • 1.1 What is Noise
Noise Control in • 1.1.1 Principle and equation of Sound Pressure Level
Architecture
• 1.1.2 Difference between noise and Sound Pressure Level
• 1.2 Sound Transmission in Architecture
• 1.2.1 Sources of noise in architecture
• 1.2.2 Noise transmission paths in architecture
• 1.3 Noise Control through Architectural Design
• 1.3.1 Rationale of sound intensity reduction
• 1.3.2 Equation and calculation of Sound Reduction Index
• 1.3.3 Rationale of redirecting sound transmission paths

• 1.3.4 Case study — Noise control in Kwai Tsing Theatre

Teachers can refer to the video ‘Noise Control in Architecture’ as introduction in the class.

For further references on Acoustic Design in architecture, please see Science Topic 6 ‘Noise Control in
Architecture’.

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 Science | Noise Control in Architecture
Lesson 1
Noise Control in Architecture

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Lesson 1
Noise Control in Architecture
1.1 What is Noise?
In daily life, noise means unwanted sound. As you have no doubt
experienced, unwanted sounds can include distractions (your neighbour
playing the drums while you try to study), sounds that are loud enough to
damage hearing (construction sounds, concerts) and even sound leakage
that could affect privacy (overhearing a conversation through a door).

In architecture, one of the many goals of the designer is to create

rooms and buildings that maximize sound performance. This means that
unwanted sounds should be prevented, and desired sounds should be
enhanced.

Teaching Tips
Teachers can refer to the video “Noise Control
in Architecture” on website as an introduction

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

to class

1.1.1 Sound Intensity I and Sound Pressure Level L

Sound can be detected when the sound power imposes pressure on the receiver. Human ear is one
kind of receivers. Sound pressure is a scientific distinction from the more subjective “loudness”.
The higher the power a sound wave carries, the higher the sound pressure it is on the receiver. For
outdoor sound propagation, the relationship between sound pressure and sound power is distance
between sound source and receiver. For indoor sound propagation, the relationship between sound
pressure and sound power is room absorption. A loud noise usually has a larger pressure variation
and a weak one has smaller pressure variation.

Sound intensity is the measurement of sound power per unit area (Wm-2) therefore it can be used to
describe sound pressure. A logarithmic scale is used to represent different levels of sound pressure.
It is called sound Pressure Level (or Sound Intensity Level) and is defined as:

where,
L = Sound Pressure Level (dB);
I = Measured sound intensity (Wm-2); and
I0 = Standard sound intensity (Wm-2), the softest sound intensity that human ear can hear.
The standard reference of I0 is 10-12 Wm-2.

1.1.2 Difference Between Noise and Sound Pressure Level

Noise is a subjective and relative perception, but Sound Pressure Level is a scientific measure of the
power of sound. Even if a sound source has a relatively low Sound Pressure Level, some individuals
might find a certain frequency of sound wave annoying because the human ear reacts differently to
different frequencies of sound (pitches) and the hearing sensitivity of individuals is subjective. Sound
Pressure Level can only be used as a standard to identify the volume of sound that could cause
hearing damage. It does not represent the exact perception of the sound to individuals.
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1.2 Sound Transmission in Architecture
1.2.1 Sources of Noise
The two major sources of noise in architecture are:
1. Airborne noise, or sound waves transmitted from a source to a receiver through the air.
2. Structure-borne noise is caused by vibration from within the building caused by footsteps or
machines. The vibration is directly transferred through the building’s structures and materials.

1 2

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

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1. The sound of a plane’s engine is a kind of exterior airborne sound that may affect communities near
airports.
2. The MTR’s operating systems are quiet, but the vibration of the train rail generates exterior structure-
borne noise.
3. In a gymnasium, cheering spectators may cause interior airborne noise to the surrounding rooms,
while the athletes’ activities generate interior structure-borne noise.

For outdoor sound propagation, the simple relationship between sound pressure and sound power is
distance between sound source and receiver. For indoor sound propagation, the simple relationship
between sound pressure and sound power is room absorption.

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Sound Pressure Levels from various sound sources are as follows:
Sound source Decibel dB(A) Sound source Decibel dB(A)
Softest sound that young people can 0 Average road traffic at 25 metres 70
hear from busy primary distributor
road
Ticking of a watch 10 Diesel freight train running at 80
high speed at 25 metres
Unoccupied broadcast studio 20 Breaker at 10 metre 90
Country park 30 Loud music in discotheque 100
Audible but unobtrusive 35-40 Percussive piling at 10 metres 110
conversation (e.g. in library)
Moderate but unobtrusive 40-45 Ship’s engine room 120
conversation
Unobtrusive conversation with low 45-50 Sound that causes pain 130
levels of surrounding activities
Unobtrusive conversation with high 50-60 The dB(A) is the A-weighting scale of Sound Pressure
levels of surrounding activities Level. The dB(A) is often used as it reflects more
accurately the frequency response of the human ear.
Further reference please visit : ht t p ://w w w.e p d .gov. hk / e p d /
no is e_ ed ucat io n/w e b /EN G _ EP D _ H TML /m1/int r o _ 5 . ht m l
(Source: Environmental Protection Department and VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd.)

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

1.2.2 Noise Transmission Paths
Sound waves travel from the source to the receiver via multiple paths. Flanking transmission of
Altering the paths of sound transmission is a common way to control noise sound
in architecture. When sound strikes on a surface, part of the sound reflects
off the wall surface back into the space, and part of it is transmitted Flanking transmission is the
through the wall to the space beyond. propagation of sound wave via
building elements. An air gap can
Teaching Tips stop the transmission of sound
More information on acoustic design for desired effectively.
sound quality can be found in Science Topic 04:
‘Acoustic Design for Auditoria’.

[Discussion]
1 How is unwanted sound transmitted in the following diagram?

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1.3 Noise Control through Architectural Design
1.3.1 Reducing Transmitted Sound Pressure Level [Media Corner]
When sound wave travels through air or materials, the transmitted The Environmental Protection
Sound Pressure Level is reduced due to sound power loss. Department disseminates
information on environmental
Almost every material exhibits sound insulating properties. They only noise at
vary in their level of acoustic performance, which is measured in ht t p ://w w w.e p d .gov. hk / e p d /
terms of the Sound Transmission Loss or Sound Reduction Index. no is e_ ed ucat io n/

1.3.2 Sound Reduction Index

where,
SRI = Sound Reduction Index (dB);
Wi = Sound power incident on one side of a sound barrier (W); and
Wt = Sound power transmitted into the air on the side of the partition (W).

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

When two layers of sound barriers are installed independently, the sound
resisting ability of the entire wall will be increased.

[Extended Knowledge]
The Sound Reduction Index of a material as it affects a specific frequency of sound can be found using the
following equation:

where,
SRI = Sound Reduction Index (dB);
m = The mass per unit area of the material (kgm-2); and
f = Frequency of the sound (Hz).

The sound insulation performance of any homogenous material depends mainly on its mass.

[Exercise]
Calculate the Appropriate Sound Insulating Performance for a Room Design
The school principal wants to convert one of the school’s activity rooms into a meeting room. The meeting
room should be insulated from the noise of the nearby sports courts. He wishes the room to be well
insulated so that meetings conducted in the room will be kept confidential.

After going through the following statistics and materials, calculate the appropriate sound reduction level of
the noise control installation required. Suggest a suitable surface material for the room.

Sound Pressure Level inside the unoccupied meeting room = 25 dB

Sound Pressure Level inside the meeting room in use = 45 dB
Sound Pressure Level of audible sound = 35 dB
Sound Pressure Level at the nearby sports court = 70 dB
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 Possible perspectives
Sound reduction required from the meeting room
= 45 - 35 dB = 10 dB
Sound reduction required from the nearby sports courts
= 70 - 25 dB = 45 dB

The wall of the meeting room should have a Sound Reduction Index ranging from 10 dB to 45 dB.

According to the graph of Sound Reduction Index, three

building materials could be suitable for the meeting
room:
• 50 mm Plastered Breeze Block (a light concrete
building block made with cinder aggregate)
• 9 mm Glass
• 0.7 mm Sheet Steel

After obtaining the data from an acoustic

consultant, architects decide what materials should
be used for the functions and aesthetics of the

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

space. Other considerations include structural
tolerance, environmental concerns and universal
design for all users.

Teaching Tips
More information on:
• Environmental concerns of building
envelopes under Science Topic 06 ‘Calculation
and Application of OTTV and U-value’;
• Aesthetics of materials and textures under
Arts Topic 08 ‘Visit: Ting Shui Wai Municipal
Services Building’;
• Considerations for school design under
Sound Reduction Index of common building materials Design and Applied Technology Topic 08
(Source: “Noise Control in Mechanical Services”, 1972) ‘Design Project: Village School’; and

[Discussion]
1 The school principal prefers using plywood as the wall surface. He comments that a glass wall is not
good for privacy but he wants to introduce natural lighting and ventilation to the new meeting room.

What possible solution would you suggest?

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Suggested Answer
A double-leaf plywood wall could be constructed with a row of double-glazed operable clerestory windows
for natural lighting and ventilation.

t Double-partition wall insulation

When two layers of sound
barriers are installed
independently, the sound
resisting ability of the entire
wall will be increased.

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

© NAP Acoustics (Far East) Ltd.

Double-glazing
An operable double-glazed window provides horizontally offset openings that allows natural ventilation
while preventing direct propagation of traffic noise. The narrow path between the double window panes
dissipates sound energy and lowers noise levels relatively.

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1.3.3 Redirecting Sound away from Receivers
Noise barriers can redirect the paths of noise away from receivers. They
can be artificial (for example, a wall) or natural (a forest). One common
application for noise barriers is to prevent traffic sounds from penetrating
nearby neighbourhoods or habitats.

Sometimes noise barriers are integrated with the building design. Noise
sensitive buildings like residential blocks may be built above a podium or a
shopping mall that inhibits the transmission of noise to the apartments.

p Artificial noise screen

[Discussion]

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

1 Can you identify the noise sources and barriers in the images and trace the sound transmission
paths? Mark them on the following picture.

Secondary
Noise Barrier

Primary
Noise Barrier

Direct
transmission

Reflected by the
forest
Direct transmission
Reflection on the through the barriers
noise barrier

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1.3.4 Case Study — Kwai Tsing Theatre
Kowloon’s Kwai Tsing Theatre illustrates how architectural design can be used to protect quiet spaces
against airborne and structure-borne noises from inside and outside the theatre. Its location next to
the MTR railway and heavy traffic is particularly challenging given the requirements of the theatre’s
multifunctional spaces, which sometimes host simultaneous events.

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

© WAAGNER-BIRO AG

Isolating structure-borne noise from the building

Springs placed on the pile caps of the building can absorb exterior structure-borne noise before it is
transmitted to the interior. Theatre and music rooms are built inside an isolated shield to reduce flanking
transmission of noise.

p Photographs showing how the springs integrate with the structure of Kwai Tsing Theatre
© VIPAC Engineers & Scientists (HK) Ltd

 Noise-isolating springs © NAP Acoustics (Far East) Ltd 09

 Science | Noise Control in Architecture
Spring mounting locations
Improving the Sound Reduction Index of the Structure
The ceilings, walls and floors of the theatre are isolated from building structure by springs or resilient pads.
An air gap around the floating floors and suspended ceilings also improves the Sound Reduction Index of
the structure. The air gap is the most important factor – increasing it (rather than increasing the mass of
the floors) would achieve greater reductions in noise as compared to increasing the mass of the structure
or the floating floor.

© VIPAC Engineers & Scientists (HK) Ltd

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Summary
1. Noise means unwanted sound. It is subject to human perception.
2. Sound can be detected when the sound power imposes pressure on the receiver. Sound pressure is
a scientific distinction from the more subjective “loudness”.
3. Sound intensity is the measurement of sound power per unit area (Wm-2). A logarithmic scale of
sound intensity is used to describe different levels of sound pressure, and is expressed as:

4. Noise control in architecture is dealing two sources of noise: airborne and structure-borne.
5. Two ways to control noise: reducing transmitted Sound Pressure Level and redirecting sound
transmission paths to the receivers.
6. Sound Reduction Index is used for the purpose of choosing the appropriate sound insulating
performance for a building. It indicates the degree of sound intensity reduction when a sound
wave passes through a material.
7. Noise barrier redirects noise transmitting paths to the receivers.

Science | Noise Control in Architecture

Key words
Noise
Decibel (dB)
Sound Pressure
Sound Pressure Level
Sound Intensity
Sound Reduction Index
Noise barrier

Further reading
1. The Environmental Protection Department disseminates information on environmental noise at
ht tp: / / www. e pd.gov.hk /e pd/nois e_educat io n/

2. Harris, Cyril M. Noise Control in Buildings: A Practical Guide for Architects and Engineers. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.

3. Neufert, Ernst and Peter. Neufert Architects’ Data. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.

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