BCBEC 2014 Poster Rosa Lin Laneway House Acoustics

Building Science Graduate Program: Master of Applied Science Thesis
SOUND LIVING IN VANCOUVER’S LANEWAY HOUSING
Abstract
Methods
Results
Findings
In a context of increasing urban density and noise levels,
laneway housing (LWH) is a compact housing form at risk
of multiple noise issues due to factors related to its small
form and siting in the unique acoustical environment of
Vancouver’s laneways (LW). Currently, Vancouver’s LWH
Guidelines do not specify acoustical requirements for
laneway housing.
Case studies: 4 laneways and 6 laneway houses
Methods: ASTM standardized field tests and three
industry models to evaluate acoustical viability of
the laneway environment and of LWH construction.
LANEWAY SOUND PROPAGATION
Empirical Laneway Canyon Effects
Acoustical issues of laneways and LWH were
confirmed and quantified:
LANEWAY SOUND PROPAGATION
Field measurement
Relative SPL, dBA
By: Rosa Lin, MASc. Candidate Supervisor: Dr. Maureen Connelly, MAIBC
BCIT CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURAL ECOLOGY
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2. LWHs traits listed in “Acoustical Issues” contribute to
inadequate façade insulation under excessive noise load.
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3. Laneways exhibiting urban canyon effects are 2-4 times
louder than low density, highly vegetated laneways.
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Relative SPL, dB(A)
LWHs are close to lane and road traffic noises, especially
on corner lots and/or in convenient high-transportation
areas. Outdoor living and open windows are at risk with
excessive noise load on the building envelope.
3.
Predicts road traffic noise levels through
laneways and outside all LWH facades
Determines unique insulation requirement for
each facade
Estimates acoustical
envelope components
insulation
(LWH E Owner, 2013)
Field data
Odeon simulation
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rating
FAÇADE SOUND INSULATION
Field Measurement by ASTM E966
of
Road Traffic Noise in Lane
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High density
high reflectivity
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CMHC criteria (max)
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low density
low reflectivity
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2. Require use of predictive noise models and encourage
acoustical awareness in the design process.
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A B
Empirical
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CMHC
CMHC criteria
criteria(min)
3. Increase laneway vegetation and use absorptive ground
cover such as grasscrete paving.
RESIDENT ACTION:
1. Improve windows.
2. Implement green walls and high mass enclosures.
3. Furnish rooms in ways that improve noise insulation.
Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Loss by ASTM E966
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B
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Frequency, Hz
LWH Model Results
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LWH Model vs. Empirical Data
(1 of 6 LWH models)
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Batt-Insulated Assemblies vs.
Rigid Foam SIPs
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AFOITL
Field Data
LWH model
80.0
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630
800
1000
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LWH Model using AFMG Soundflow +
NRC Laboratory Test Data (windows)
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(B. Nelms, 2013)
1. Specify acoustical criteria and reference COV SoundSmart
strategies in LWH Guidelines and LWH Design Guide.
FAÇADE SOUND INSULATION
Empirical Results by Field Tests
Transmission Loss, dB
(Kung & Yan, 2011)
high reflectivity
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Recommendations
REGULATORY ACTION:
Sound Insulation Rating
Distance from side street, m
Transmission Loss, dB
Small space, low sound absorption, high fenestration/
façade ratio, open layout, bedroom and patio on noisy
sides, and lightweight building materials (e.g. EPS SIPs),
etc. lead to inadequate noise insulation for health.
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LWH: SMALL FORM & LOW INSULATION
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4. Weaknesses and improvements were identified in using
modelling tools for LW and LWH design applications.
Laneways and LWHs need better acoustical
design and construction for occupant health.
(1 of 14 Odeon models)
Sound Transmission Class
LWH: HIGH EXPOSURE TO NOISE SOURCES
140
Distance from source, m (aligned to empirical data at ref. 15m)
Road Traffic Noise, LAeq
2.
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CMHC Traffic Noise Model & Criteria Compliance
CMHC Traffic Noise Model
Case study laneway 1 of 4
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distance from source, m
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Showing 1 of 4 case study laneway models
1.
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Frequency, Hz
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Laneways can exhibit urban canyon effects due to narrow
form and reflective built surfaces that amplify noise
generated by unique laneway functions and outside
transportation.
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60% Reflective Laneway
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LANEWAY ENVIRONMENT
(V. Bischoff, 2014)
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Odeon Model Validation
Odeon Models
Acoustical Issues
(U.Gent, 2014)
Point Source Sound Attenuation
Through Laneways
Transmission Loss, dB
This thesis investigated whether or not four case study
laneways and six laneway houses (LWH) in Vancouver
meet CMHC Noise Criteria for residential health. The
results confirmed noise problems and quantified the
magnitude and led to recommendations for improving
acoustical environmental quality in LWH.
1. Half or more of laneways and LWHs tested and modelled
exhibit noise conditions that do NOT meet CMHC
criteria.
EPS
fibreglass mat
XPS
mineral fibre
polyiso
rockwool
Research Committee:
Patrick Ryan, MSc., P.Eng.
Deputy Chief Building Official and Assistant Director of
Planning and Development, City of Vancouver
Dr. Colleen Chan, P.Eng. Faculty of Civil Engineering, BCIT
External Examiner:
Dr. Michelle Vigeant, Associate Professor of Acoustics &
Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University
See thesis for complete work and bibliography.
9/20/2014

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