Acoustical renovation of temporary classrooms to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard

Abstract

This exercise demonstrates that key requirements of the ANSI S12.60-2002 on classroom acoustics can be met through renovations at modest cost. Free-standing classrooms at two schools in Southern California were successfully renovated. Noise levels were greatly reduced, and now meet requirements of the ANSI standard. A 1950s style bungalow classroom at the Paradise Canyon School (PCS) in Los Angeles County and a double-trailer classroom at the Wildomar Elementary School (WES) in Riverside County were targeted. The aim was to make classrooms suitable for pupils with severe hearing disabilities. But the methods used apply equally to mainstream classrooms. At both schools the above-ceiling air distribution systems were modified to produce quiet airflow. At PCS, a noisy rooftop heat pump was replaced with a much quieter rooftop heat pump and installation. At WES, a noisy wall-mounted heat pump was replaced with a new unit mounted on an exterior concrete pad. At PCS, exterior noise intrusion was achieved by replacing a poorly performing accordion wall with a permanent wall. Further noise reduction can be achieved by replacing leaky windows. Exterior noise intrusion at WES was obtained by replacing leaky windows. The resulting acoustical improvements are documented. Costs and lessons learned are discussed.