Field evaluation of acoustic performance in mass timber school buildings
Abstract
The use of mass-timber structural systems in educational facilities is increasing due to their potential to reduce embodied carbon; however, acoustic field performance remains less well documented. This study presents field measurements from three recently completed mass-timber schools in the Pacific Northwest, evaluating airborne and impact sound insulation, room acoustics, and vibration relative to the requirements of ANSI S12.60 for classroom acoustics. Typical floor assemblies consisted of cross-laminated timber (CLT) or mass plywood panels (MPP) with acoustic underlayments and mass toppings of either gypsum-based concrete or conventional concrete. In-situ measurements of apparent sound transmission class (ASTC), apparent impact insulation class (AIIC), and reverberation time were conducted using standardized field methods and compared with design targets. Preliminary findings are: 1. CLT ceilings in classrooms can be fully exposed with adequate sound absorbing wall paneling. ie no sound absorbing ceiling finishes ceiling required for 0.6s RT. 2. Flanking transmission paths significantly influence both ASTC and AIIC performance. Ie Design for flanking at the perimeter of sound isolating assemblies is critical. 3. The selection and detailing of impact isolation underlayments is critical to achieving acceptable impact noise control. 4. Pending further study of the results, opportunities to further optimize mass-timber assemblies for cost, constructability, and embodied carbon while maintaining acoustic quality may exist.
Reference
Denis Blount. (2026). Field evaluation of acoustic performance in mass timber school buildings. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0045283
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