Achieving Acoustic Excellence Design Strategies that Effect STC Ratings

In contemporary building design, the significance of sound control has never been more pronounced. A fundamental grasp of acoustical terminology and the principles of sound transmission is crucial for designing wall partitions to align with project specific performance goals adhere to code requirements and align with industry standards.

This podcast, hosted by Alex Bachrach, welcomes Scott Hughes CSI, CDT, the Atlantic and northeast region construction design manager for National Gypsum Company, as well as Chad Goodman, FCSI, CDT, CCPR, and Lead Green Associate, and the Central and Midwest Region Construction Design Manager for National Gypsum Company. This conversation covers the basics managing and controlling sound through thoughtful partition design and explores key concepts and strategies for improving a walls sound transmission class (STC) rating.

Learning Objectives:



1.    Examine key acoustical concepts and terminology such as sound transmission class STC, decibels, Hertz, and frequency.

2.    Explore how sound is transmitted through wall partitions.

3.    Review code requirements and industry guidelines for sound transmission between adjacent spaces

4.    Learn 6 concepts that can influence the STC rating of a wall assembly.

5.    Investigate product options and formulate design strategies to achieve STC performance criteria.

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW

Speaker: Alex Bachrach