Acoustic Separation Design AI

Sound isolation between spaces is one of the most common sources of occupant complaints in completed buildings, and the most common cause is assembly selection errors during design. AI helps by matching the STC and IIC requirements from the building code and project criteria to specific tested assemblies from manufacturers, ensuring the specified construction actually achieves the required ratings.

The challenge is that STC ratings for wall assemblies depend on construction details that are easy to get wrong. A wall that tests at STC 55 in a laboratory achieves that rating with specific stud spacing, insulation type, gypsum board layers, and sealant details. Change any of those elements and the field performance drops. AI verifies that the specified assembly matches a tested configuration and flags modifications that would compromise the rating.

For multifamily housing, the requirements get complex quickly. Party walls need STC 50 minimum (or higher in some jurisdictions), floor-ceiling assemblies need both STC and IIC ratings, and plumbing walls need additional treatment to control pipe noise. AI checks every separation in the building against the applicable requirements, considering the occupancy types on both sides of each assembly, and flags assemblies that do not meet the criteria.