This course provides in-depth information and application of architectural acoustics principals in key areas: environmental noise assessment (traffic/ transportation noise), and sound isolation between sensitive spaces. Building on the knowledge of a foundational practice in acoustics, the course is immersive into advanced techniques, including statistical environmental source level definition, calculation of flooring replacements, and understanding of application for laboratory and field performance results. In keeping with the theme of the conference, evaluation of transportation noise is a key element of this course. Each topic is paired with a hands-on design exercise that puts participants in the position of a practicing acoustical consultant, working through the same kinds of decisions they would face on an actual project. Rather than simply reviewing formulas and ratings, attendees will apply what they've learned to solve realistic design problems, building practical judgments they can carry directly into their own work. By the end of the course, participants will be able to evaluate appropriate length for environmental noise surveys and apply statistical techniques to assessment of measurement data to mitigate risk in their design approach. Participants will have a better understanding of application of laboratory and field airborne and impact sound performance in design, as well as additional tools for interpreting results of such analyses.

This course is offered as part of a two-part series, alongside Fundamentals of Architectural Acoustics, taught by the same instructors. The two courses are designed to be complimentary: attendees can register for both to develop a deeper, more complete understanding of architectural acoustics, or register for either course individually based on their own priorities and experience level

Topics Covered

Statistical Assessment for Environmental/ Traffic/ Transportation Noise Sources

• Environmental noise metrics and their application
• Vehicular traffic noise: short-term and long-term measurements.
• Leveraging statistics in traffic/ transportation noise measurements.
• Reporting exterior noise levels for building façade design.
• (Hands-on example): Calculate maximum hourly Leq and event level from a measurement data set

Coffee Break

Airborne and Impact Sound Isolation

• Typical impact and airborne sound isolation metrics
• Lab vs. field results, application for
• ASTM vs. ISO ratings and comparison
• Dual ratings for floor impact assessment
  • Design a flooring replacement using delta IIC/HIIC metrics
  • Low-frequency rating to design floors to address thudding
• (Hands-on example): A client has hired you to design the floors as they replace carpet in their room with hard-surface flooring. You need to meet the HOA requirements; predict the new rating.
• Assembly performance classifications, and design criteria recommendations
• Discussion of alternative impact evaluation techniques

Samantha Rawlings — Author / Presenter
Samantha Rawlings, LEED AP BD+C, brings nearly twenty years’ experience in architectural and environmental acoustics as a consultant and project manager. Her diverse portfolio spans education, hospitality, residential, governmental, fitness, performing arts and music, commercial, and environmental projects. Samantha's approach to acoustical consulting emphasizes balanced, evidence-based design. Samantha is actively involved in the advancement of acoustical codes and standards. She serves as Vice Chair of ASTM E33.03 and has received multiple ASTM Committee E33 Awards of Recognition. Her technical work has included the evaluation of vehicular noise through long-term monitoring and the development of statistical methods for characterizing hourly and event-based sound levels.

Sunit Girdhar, Ph.D. — Technical /Presenter
Sunit Girdhar, Ph.D., is an acoustician with Westside Acoustics & Vibration Engineering and holds a doctorate with a focus in acoustics from Michigan Technological University. He is research-driven with a diverse background on a range of projects from multi-family housing, sensitive lab design, vibration mitigation, and fitness floor design. Sunit’s focus has been on implementing research methodology in everyday acoustics. He is also an active member of ASTM, serving as a secretary of the E33.03 committee on Sound Transmission. He is also an active member of INCE and ASA and is the editor for the Noise News International magazine.