Sound transmission through raised access floors

Abstract

Raised access flooring systems have become an increasingly popular option across the construction industry, but especially in the office environment. These systems allow for a modular design where electrical conduit and data cables can be easily accessed, and the underfloor air supply can eliminate the need for overhead mechanical systems. While the design has many benefits, the sound transmission through the plenum is a concern as the system introduces an additional flanking path to adjacent rooms. A variety of underfloor baffle options exist to help reduce the transmission through the plenum, each with their own challenges. There is currently limited understanding of the effect of sound transmission through the raised access plenum between adjacent rooms. This paper provides an introduction to the acoustics surrounding the raised access flooring system based on experiences and lessons learned in an as-built environment, both in terms of airborne and structure borne sound transmission. In particular, this paper examines the flanking path that is introduced through the plenum under walls constructed above the raised floor and the effect of underfloor baffles on this sound transmission.