Abstract:

Measurements of sound levels in numerous classrooms and other instructional spaces in primary educational facilities over the past several years have revealed a lack of acoustical control within public schools. We have found environments in excess of NC-60 more often than we have found NC-30 rooms in unoccupied spaces. Occupied sound levels in instructional spaces may exceed 90 dB(A). Because of poor acoustical design, we have found classrooms on the same floor with background sound levels that vary from NC-60 to NC-25, depending on the distance from the HVAC mechanical room. This paper will present some case studies that demonstrate the need for an acoustical standard for the classroom.