510
Generalized Needs and Requirements: Hospital Requirements
513.5.2
Acoustical Requirements
1. The building system should provide a range of acoustical separation
from STC 30 to STC 55 and an impact rating up to INR +10.
It is evident that the acoustical performance of each element in the
acoustical shield must be at least equivalent to the total STC desired.
In most hospitals, inconsistencies in the selection of materials,
detailing or supervision result in actual acoustical values substantially
less that those of individual components. It is essential that the
detailing of floor, wall ceiling joints and penetrations be consistent with
the major acoustical components selected.
2. While attenuation and absorption values for each space must be
selected on an individual project basis, it is possible to generally define
the acoustical factors to be accommodated in individual spaces. Four
categories have been identified:
1. Noise Generator: Equipment or people within the space create
sufficient sound to disturb activities in adjacent spaces.
2. Quiet Required: Activities within the space are such that they
would be disturbed by sounds from adjacent spaces.
3. Privacy Required: Activities within the space are such that
intelligible conversation should not be heard in any other space.
4. Absorption Required: Activities within the space are such that they
would be disturbed by sounds generated within the space itself.
Criteria for the selection of attenuation and absorption characteristics
for rooms in the hospital will vary from project to project. Program
variables such as the selection of a particular item of equipment in a
utility room or the use of pillow speakers in patient rooms will
substantially affect acoustical requirements. Background (ambient)
noise generated from external sources such as an adjacent freeway or
internal sources such as the mechanical ventilation system will help to
mask the intelligibility of sounds and may modify acoustical
requirements.
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