This course covers two widely used acoustic metrics, the STC and IIC ratings. Although these ratings are required by building
codes and frequently used, they are still often poorly understood and there are many myths and misconceptions around their use.
This course looks "under the hood" of the STC and IIC ratings to get a better understanding of what they are, how they work, and
what they do and don't tell us. Importantly, this course covers shortcomings of the STC and IIC ratings that if not understood
can lead to poor designs for noise control. In that vein, this course also looks at two new acoustic ratings, HIIC and LIIC,
that provide a better insight into the impact-noise reduction provided by floor/ceiling assemblies. Finally, the course uses
the knowledge gained about ratings to discuss general methods of improving the acoustic performance of floor/ceiling assemblies.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the STC and IIC ratings, what they measure, and how they are measured.
- Identify common myths and misconceptions about STC and IIC ratings that can lead to poor designs.
- Explain the limitations of STC and IIC ratings and how they can lead to inadequate acoustical performance of wall and floor/ceiling assemblies.
- Describe the HIIC and LIIC ratings, what they measure, and how they can be used to better engineer acoustical performance of floor/ceiling assemblies.
- Discuss the general methods for improving the acoustical performance of wall and floor/ceiling assemblies.