The app is based on the “Technical Report 15 (TR 15), Calculation of Sound Transmission Parameters for Wood-Framed Assemblies.” That report addresses the 2018 International Building Code’s two parameters to establish minimum acoustical requirements: Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC).
Compliance with these requirements may be demonstrated through testing or through engineering analysis based on empirical test data from similar assemblies. The Acoustics App uses the AWC empirical model, based on empirical test data, to estimate STC and IIC values that can be used to demonstrate compliance of wood-frame floor-ceiling assemblies with these code-regulated sound transmission parameters.
“We released the TR 15 to simplify how wood-framed floor-ceiling assemblies can comply with the acoustical requirements,” said Brad Douglas, AWC vice president of engineering. “We’ve now taken it a step further by developing this free app. It is now even easier for code officials and designers to determine what wood-frame floor-ceiling assemblies can comply with code-specified acoustical requirements.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2020
Landlords scramble to comply with the New York City Council’s Climate Mobilization Act (CMA)
Intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve efficiency for buildings larger than 25,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.