Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Flooring's Role in Acoustics

  • By Bob Bethel
  • 04/01/17

When it comes to improving in-class student learning and teacher instruction, multiple factors must be considered. One important factor that should not be overlooked is acoustics.

A number of studies show there is a direct correlation between acoustics and improved student performance. In fact, research shows products with high Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) and Impact Insulation Classifications (IIC) promote better voice recognition in the classroom. Inappropriate levels of background noise and reverberations can hinder reading and spelling ability, affect behavior and attention and affect concentration and academic performance.

Laboratories typically use two tests to measure the acoustic properties of interior surfaces and finishes: airborne noise reduction and structure-borne noise reduction.

The airborne noise reduction test, ASTM C423-02a, measures a surface’s ability to absorb airborne sounds, which contribute to ambient (background) noise. A floor covering’s measure of effectiveness in absorbing airborne sound is expressed as a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). The greater the NRC, the better that product is at absorbing airborne sounds.

The structure-borne noise reduction test most used for flooring is ASTM E492-09. This test measures the material’s ability to reduce impact sound transmission into the space below. This test is important to perform on flooring materials selected for multilevel school buildings. Flooring products undergoing this test are expressed as a whole number, the Impact Insulation Class (IIC). The higher the rating the greater the sound insulation.

Soft floor covering materials such as carpet or textile composite flooring are excellent solutions for reducing both airborne and structureborne noise. They have the ability to absorb more sound and transmit less sound than other types of surfaces.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Bob Bethel is the director of Business Development, Education, for J+J Flooring Group. J+J offers an online calculator, floorlifecost.com. Bob can be reached at [email protected] or 800/241-4586.

Featured

  • Georgia State University Opens New Research Tower

    Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new, nine-story, 155,000-square-foot Research Tower, according to university news. Amenities include academic classrooms, a large lecture space, teaching labs, faculty research space, and the uppermost floors reserved for future expansion.

  • UPenn Announces Completion of New Veterinary Education Facility

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently finished construction on an 11,800-square-foot veterinary education building, according to a news release. The Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education is the first dedicated classroom facility at the New Bolton Center, a large-animal hospital and campus about 35 miles west of the campus proper.

  • ed tech conference calendar

    Upcoming Awards, Events & Webinars

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.