Abstract
The draft “Interim sound and vibration design guidelines for hospital and healthcare facilities” by the Joint Subcommittee on Speech Privacy of the ASA includes recommended STC ratings for partitions between exam rooms. In a typical hospital, these partitions are about 15 feet high and constructed with 16 gauge studs at 16 inches on center. However, virtually all laboratory testing is performed on 8 foot high walls with 25 gauge studs at 24 in. on center. These tests are used for design and evaluation even though there is little published data on the effects of stud gauge and spacing and wall height on transmission loss. A previous study investigated the acoustical effects of stud gauge and spacing, and documented substantial changes in transmission loss and STC rating [A. Betit, “Performance Dtails of Metal Stud Partition,” J. Sound and Vibration, 44(3), 14–16 (2010)]. A second testing program was established to extend the investigation to the effect of changes in wall height. Transmission loss (STC) tests were performed on drywall partitions of various heights and construction. The results of the testing program are presented.
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