Soundproof Assembly Sketch

I created a sketch to better describe an example of how soundproofing with mixed layers can work with an average wall assembly using acoustic panels, insulation and resilient channels.

I drew up a basic isometric sketch where I placed special attention on where the resilient clip is placed. As you can see in the image, it is placed right on the stud of the wall assembly and usually contains a rubber piece where it connects to the wood frame. This allows for more shock protection (absorbtion) when sound waves penetrate the previous layers and try to transfer through the studs.

Sketch created by Kristyne deFouw

Abstract Outline

So here is my latest works, my abstract outline!

(I have excluded the cited references and Original graphic for this post.)

Hope you like it!

           

            Hazrat Inayat Khan once quoted "Divine sound is the cause of all manifestation. The knower of the mystery of sound knows the mystery of the whole universe." There is no doubt that sound is a beautiful gift, and something many take for granted; but as with everything, it's wonderful until it becomes just, plain aggravating. Sound is a large part of a busy world. With more condensed living, it is important to find that healthy balance between the level of noise and comfortable living. Sound control methods and products are constantly evolving and becoming more accessible to those who choose a life surrounded in music. The question is: What is the best approach to soundproofing a small music room using environmentally friendly, affordable products?
 

            In order to gain a wider knowledge on products, procedures and methods of sound control, it is vital to understand the basics of sound and how it works. In short, sound acts through vibrations and waves which transfer, absorb and reflect off and through many surfaces. "In a room, most of the sound waves that reach the listeners ear have been reflected by one or more surfaces of the room or by objects in the room....sound waves undergo dozens of reflections before they become inaudible." (Rossing, 1982, p.421) Vibrations from sound can easily enter into any space. With many different lifestyles at large, an ever increasing population, and more compact living, soundproofing between one space and another is becoming more important. There are many ways to go about doing this. Each room/space has its own characteristics that must be reviewed. For example, windows, doors, vents all aid in noise travel. Since air is one of the best methods of sound transfer, if not the best, problem areas must be taken care of. Sound can never be removed entirely, but it can be controlled through isolation. That is, confining the sound waves and vibrations to one space where it has very little option of escaping. Wall assemblies along with roof and floors are extremely important in managing sound. A basic interior wall assembly generally consists of very little, (usually a layer of gypsum (drywall), studs, then gypsum again on the other side) thus allowing sound waves to carelessly transfer through the studs and into the next room (see fig.1).

            There are multiple methods of decreasing sound transfer. If the wall is in its design phase it can be customized to create two rows of studs offset from one another (see fig.2). This is also known as a "Double Wall Structure." It is "separated by an air cavity.." and also "widely used in aircraft fuselages." (Huang, Zheng, et, al., 2012. p.175). Having the extra space in the wall allows more room for a sound absorbent insulation to be placed within the walls as well as a separation between the wall and the stud, thus preventing sound vibrations from passing through. Another useful method in sound absorption is the use of resilient channels and clips. These channels are attached to the clip and mounted right onto the stud in a horizontal direction. The GWB is attached on the clip side to finish off the wall assembly. The use of resilient channels are extremely effective due to the clip acting like shocks, absorbing most of the sound vibrations. When a resilient channel is added to the wall it "increases isolation and decouples the gypsum from the framing behind it" (Gervais, 2006. p. 57-59).
 

            Through first hand experimentation on multiple products and methods, comparison charts will be made. These charts will determine, not the best single product, but most likely the best combination of products and methods used. Soundproofing a room can seem like quite the overwhelming task for those without a basic knowledge of sound properties. This research will hopefully help in providing a general understanding of how to easily create a soundproofed room.

Abstract Outline & Research Project Organization

 I have been thinking about ways to organize facts for my abstract outline which will then turn into how I will approach my written research project. I was thinking of organizing (in further detail of course) as such:

Intro - my thesis question, basically what is my research about
Body:
           - Sound, what is it, how does it work (transferred, absorbed, etc.)
           - What is soundproofing, how to control it & products available
           - Methods of creating a silent room (applied part)
Conclusion - question answered, what was discovered and how it can help others.

Bubble Chart Breakdown

I thought I would share with you how I plan to break down my research project thesis question. I have created a bubble web of topics, branching from the main ideas in an attempt to create a smooth transition between one point and the next.

picture created by Kristyne deFouw

Food For Thought

   So since I've last blogged, I have downloaded a fairly reputable app on my phone for measuring sound, it has been extremely accurate to all of the decibel charts, and the different things I have read on the measure of sound, and has been used by many people who have recording studios and such. I have been testing it on many things around my house for the past couple weeks in order to learn more about sound and how it really works.

   Since my project is on sound control, I figure it's only natural to understand something before you try to control it. I mean, we all know what sound is, but do we really understand it? For the most part its just a subconscious. When we actually start to think about it, we can all relate when it comes to a comparison on sounds, ie: a dog barking, cars driving by. We all know when something is too loud that it hurts your ears and that ringing hangs around for hours/days after, or when something is so quiet that your mind almost starts to create sound from nothing.

   I have attatched a chart (courtesy of Nav Canada - Civil Air Navigation services provider,) that puts things in perspective when measuring sound.


*photo courtesy of Nav Canada
Can also be found on:
http://www.navcanada.ca/ContentDefinitionFiles/Airspace/Images/FAQ/Noise_HR_EN.jpg





Definitions!!

Some definitions according to the Oxford Dictionary:

Definition of decibel
noun
      a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.

• (in general use) a degree of loudness: his voice went up several decibels

Definition of sound
noun
[mass noun]

1. vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear: light travels faster than sound

• [count noun] a thing that can be heard: she heard the sound of voices in the hall don't make a sound
• the area or distance within which something can be heard: we were always within sound of the train whistles

      2.  (also musical sound) sound produced by continuous and regular vibrations, as opposed to
            noise.

      3. music, speech, and sound effects when recorded and used to accompany a film, video, or 
          broadcast: [as modifier]: a sound studio

• broadcasting by radio a distinct from television.
• the distinctive quality of the music of a particular comp

          produced by a particular instrument: the sound of the Beatles

• (sounds) informal popular music: sounds of the sixties

What do you think?

Ok, so I'm struggling a bit to figure out how I can narrow down my research project into one clear, question. I was thinking along the lines of:

"What is the best approach to soundproofing a small music room, using environmentally friendly, affordable products?"

Let me know what you think, if you think it's good, or if it could use some adjusting to make it better.
Any input would be great! Thanks

Welcome!

Hey everyone!........Welcome to my Blog!!

I have created this blog for a way to gain a firm knowledge base on the world of sound & soundproofing when it comes to Residential homes.

There are many applications in which soundproofing is ideal, for me, I have a music room that I would like to soundproof. I'm sure my neighbours would be happy to know that this is part of the plan... :) Also, with a continuous increase in population and a lack of space, many today are entertaining the idea of multi family dwellings and smaller more condensed living.

This is where I turn to my peers and the general public to learn more about the topic and what others find important when it comes to the things that we hear. I plan to research the materials out there for soundproofing & gain samples to test myself, and eventually install a product in my own music room.

Sound is such a huge part of our world so please feel free to share any experiences that you've had, any information on my topic, your thought's or ideas, etc. I'd love to hear from you! .... no pun intended haha