Acoustic Performance
There is no Regulation or Standard that specifies the acoustic performance requirements of internal partitions. However, the following may be considered:
- BS 8233: 1987 is a code of practice that gives recommendations for the control of sound and noise in and around buildings. It provides the designer with guidelines for acceptable overall performance levels for typical situations.
- BS 5234: Part 1: 1992, Annex D, also suggests minimum sound insulation performance levels for privacy in some occupational conditions.
- BS 2750: 1980 deals with the measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements.
- BS 5821: 1984 gives the method for rating the measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements.
Several Optima partitions have been laboratory tested in accordance with BS 2750: Part 3: 1980 and rated in accordance with BS 5821: Part 1: 1984. Please refer to the acoustic performance charts within the Optima Designer's Guide which summarise the key acoustic results. Full copies of the test certificates can be obtained upon request.
It is important to remember that all Optima acoustic tests are either laboratory tests or assessments based on laboratory tests. The advantage of testing under laboratory conditions is that the sample is isolated from its normal surroundings. This ensures that the Weighted Sound Reduction Index, expressed as an Rw is for the tested sample only.
If site tests were carried out it would be very difficult to isolate the sample from other relevant elements such as raised floors, suspended ceilings, service penetrations, abutments, etc. A site test would therefore give an overall performance of all elements within the range of the test. It would be very difficult to determine, from such a test, which elements were over or under performing.