SOUND ATTENUATION

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Sound travels through both the air and the structure and both paths must be considered when making sound attenuation claims, as there are unlimited factors in the field that will impact sound transmission and many of them cannot be anticipated in laboratory testing. It is important to reduce construction noise as much as possible when projects are taking place in occupied spaces, especially in hospital settings where patient rest is critical but no temporary wall system on the market will achieve a soundproof rating level of 60.

What is the STC (Sound Transmission Class) Rating?
The STC standard curve is based on European studies of multi-family residential construction and closely resembles the sound isolation performance of a 9" thick brick wall. The International Building Code (IBC) requires a minimum lab-tested STC Rating of 50 per ASTM E90 for walls, floors and ceilings in new multi-family construction. A rating of 50 means that only extremely loud sounds can be heard through the structure.

SHIELD WALL™ CORE is designed to reduce construction noise
SHIELD WALL™ CORE has a painted aluminum front, a closed-cell foam core interior and a galvanized steel back. These three materials combined and fabricated into modular panels and doors have sound-attenuating properties with an STC Rating of 23. To further reduce airborne sound all air path sound leaks between the areas must be addressed. This can be achieved by snugly fitting panel seams together with panel clamps. SHIELD WALL™ CORE panels and doors feature foam gaskets on the top and bottom which help to fill gaps between the panel or door and the ceiling or floor of the containment area. Construction activity noise may be reduced by up to 50% depending upon the configuration and installation methods used to assemble SHIELD WALL™ CORE walls.

SHIELD WALL™ CLASSIC panels are fabricated from polycarbonate and do have some sound-attenuating properties. In third party test results, SHIELD WALL™ CLASSIC reduced the noise level of an air compressor operating at 90dB at a distance of 8’ from the wall by 17dB.

Poly sheeting around a construction zone does not offer any level of sound reduction.

ICRA COMPLIANCE

Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) guidelines are critical in healthcare settings, especially during construction and renovation projects. These guidelines help minimize the risk of infection by controlling airborne contaminants. The SHIELD WALL™ system by Abatement Technologies® is designed to meet and exceed these stringent requirements, ensuring the environment remains safe and compliant.

Negative and Positive Pressure Maintenance:
When used with Abatement Technologies’ Differential Pressure Monitor and Portable Air Scrubbers, the SHIELD WALL™ system can maintain the necessary negative or positive pressure differentials. This is crucial for preventing the spread of airborne contaminants.

Reusable and Environmentally Friendly:
All SHIELD WALL™ components are reusable, which not only reduces waste but also helps in maintaining a clean and controlled environment over multiple uses.

Quick and Easy Setup:
The modular design, drop-in connectors, and no-tool assembly make the SHIELD WALL™ system quick and easy to set up, reducing labor and startup times. This efficiency is essential for maintaining compliance with ICRA guidelines during urgent or emergency projects.

Adaptable Design:
The SHIELD WALL™ system offers multiple panel sizes, hinged or sliding doors, and flexible corners, allowing for customized configurations that can meet specific containment needs. This adaptability ensures that the containment area can be tailored to comply with ICRA requirements.

Secure Environment:
Lockable doors and exhaust plates, along with hidden panel connectors, ensure SHIELD WALL™ creates a secure barrier around the construction site. This prevents unauthorized access and maintains a controlled environment.

Easy Decontamination:
The smooth surfaces of SHIELD WALL™ panels are resistant to in-depth hospital cleaning practices, making it easy to decontaminate before, during, and after construction. This is vital for maintaining a dust free environment as per ICRA guidelines.

Sound Attenuation:
The SHIELD WALL™ system also offers sound attenuation, reducing noise levels and contributing to a less disruptive environment in occupied areas.

Compliance with Fire and Smoke Ratings:
SHIELD WALL™ meets Class A fire and smoke ratings and exceeds ASTM E84 surface burn characteristics, adding an extra layer of safety and compliance with healthcare facility standards.

The SHIELD WALL™ system is an ideal solution for healthcare facilities looking to comply with Class IV or higher precautions for construction and renovation projects. Its ability to maintain pressure differentials, quick setup, adaptability, and ease of decontamination make it a premier choice for creating a safe and code compliant environment. Facility managers can significantly reduce the risk of airborne contamination and ensure a safer environment for both patients and staff by incorporating SHIELD WALL™ into construction and renovation plans.