Handbook Qualification Quiet Room label

Transcription

1 Handbook Qualification Quiet Room label Version This publication is Copyright protected

2 Content Contents 1 Introduction 5 Which sound levels must be determined? 5 What is the airborne sound insulation between rooms? 5 What is the airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas? 6 What is the reverberant sound period? 6 What is the service equipment sound level? 7 Overview limiting values and silence categories 7 How to determine the QR label of a hotel room? 8 2 Carrying out a measurement 9 Which equipment do I use for the measurement? 9 Which preparations do I make before I carry out the measurements? 10 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? 11 How do I measure the airborne sound insulation between rooms? 12 How do I measure the airborne sound insulation between a room and a traffic area? 13 How do I measure the reverberant sound period? 14 How do I measure the service equipment sound level? 14 3 How do I calculate the silence category and compose reports and certificates? 15 Appendix I - Calculation method 16 Appendix II - Improvement meausers 17 Appendix III - Example report 18 Appendix IV - Example certificate 37 3

3 Preface What is the Quiet Room label? Noise pollution is the No. 1 complaint among hotel guests world wide; this has led to a growing demand for quiet hotel rooms. The Quiet Room label is a quality label for quiet hotel rooms and comprises the first, and so far the only standardised guidelines on this subject world wide. The label was developed by the Knowledge Centre Sound Insulation (KGI) and presents an objective measure of the absence of sound levels in hotel rooms. What is the purpose of this handbook? The silence category of a hotel room can be determined by measurements. This handbook describes the procedures which must be followed to execute these measurements, the calculation and determination of the silence category and it provides guidelines for reporting and certification of hotel rooms. The handbook is intended for acoustic consultants involved in the measurements, calculations and determination of the silence categories and the composition of reports and certificates. An acoustic consultant can be defined as someone who has followed a course in acoustics, comparable to one of the following courses: Course offered by the Institute of Acoustic Sound & Vibration Research Post-HBO course on the subject of sound, such as the Hogere Cursus Akoestiek. To obtain the Quiet Room label, the following steps must be taken: measurement of sound levels determination of the silence category composition of a report and a certificate To this end the handbook is composed of the following parts: Part 1 provides background information on the sound levels that need to be measured, on the silence categories and on their respective limiting values. Part 2 describes the way in which measurements must be carried out Part 3 describes how the silence category must be calculated Part 4 describes how reports and certificates must be composed. Attention: The use of the name Quiet Room label or any other related term is only allowed after official certification and registration with the Quietroom Foundation. It is not allowed to use the name Quiet Room label for any purposes of publicity, marketing or advertising without previous permission from the foundation. 4

4 1 Introduction 1.1 Which sound levels must be determined? To obtain qualification for the Quiet Room label, the reverberant sound period as well as three different sound levels must be determined, i.e.: the airborne sound insulation between rooms the airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas the service equipment sound level The level of the airborne sound insulation between rooms determines the silence category. The Quiet Room label distinguishes between three different silence categories. 1.2 What is the airborne sound insulation between rooms? The airborne sound insulation between rooms is the difference in sound level between the receiving area (the area in the hotel room containing the bed) and the source area (the adjacent area in hotel room nr. 2). Measuring the airborne sound level between rooms involves measuring the decrease in speech, radio or television noises between the reception area and the source area. The airborne sound insulation is expressed as D nta. The higher the value, the better the sound insulation of the dividing construction. For more information on silence categories and limiting values, see Overview limiting values and silence categories and How to determine the silence category of a hotel room. receiving area source area traffic area 5

5 1.3 What is the airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas? The airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas is the difference in sound level between the source area (here the traffic area) and the receiving area (the adjacent area in the hotel room). Measuring the airborne sound level between rooms and traffic areas involves measuring the decrease in speech, radio or television noises between source area and receiving area. The airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas is expressed as D nta. To qualify for the Quiet Room label, the value of the airborne sound insulation must be higher than 30 db. receiving area traffic area/ source area 1.4 What is the reverberant sound period? The reverberant sound period is the period which expires between switching off an airborne sound source in an area and the moment at which the sound level in that area has dropped to a value which is 60 db lower than at the moment of switching off. Say a sound source produces a sound pressure level of 90 db. From the moment the source is switched off, it takes 0,6 seconds until the sound pressure level has dropped to 30 db. The reverberant sound period in this case is 0,6 seconds. To qualify for the Quiet Room label, the period may not exceed 0,6 seconds. The reverberant sound period is expressed as T i. 6

6 1.5 What is the service equipment sound level? The service equipment sound level is the noise produced by technical installations in the hotel room such as ventilation, refrigerator and toilet. Measuring the service equipment sound level determines the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level. The characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level is expressed as L I, A,k. To qualify for the Quiet Room label the level may not exceed 30 db. 1.6 Overview limiting values and silence categories Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Airborne sound insulation between rooms db db 62 db QRCL3 QRCL2 QRCL1 Airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas Reverberant sound period Service equipment sound level 30 db 0,6 sec 30 db 7

7 1.7 How to determine the QR label of a hotel room? 8

8 2 Carrying out a measurement 2.1 Which equipment do I use for the measurement? To obtain qualification for the Quiet Room label, the reverberant sound period as well as three different sound levels must be determined, i.e.: the airborne sound insulation between rooms the airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas the service equipment sound level The sound levels and the reverberant sound period are determined by carrying out measurements. The following equipment is needed to carry out the measurements: Name Function Explanation White noise source, including amplifier and loudspeaker Microphone or wind cover Artificial source. Creating noise Preferably integrated in 1 device. If there are several loudspeakers, these need to be contained in a single housing, where the connexion is such that the cones are moving in phase. The biggest dimension of the housing may not exceed 70 cm. Receiving sound Sound level meter Indicate sound level Is connected to microphone or wind cover Calibrator Tripod Blank gun Laptop and software for sound measurements Calibration of microphone Adjusting the height of the pink noise source Generate a loud noise to determine the reverberant sound period Storing data of sound measurements and making calculations to determine the sound insulation levels. 9

9 2.2 Which preparations do I make before I carry out the measurements? Make sure that: You and the hotel owner are agreed on the date and time that the measurements will be carried out. Confirm in which rooms the measurements are going to be done and that these and the adjacent rooms will be vacant. Inform the housekeeping department (cleaning) and the reception of the measurements. The rooms needed for the measurements must be blocked for reservations for the specified period. There are plans available for all hotel rooms and floors. On the basis of the plans you can determine which rooms are most susceptible to noise and therefore most suitable to carry out measurements (representative rooms). Rooms and floors which are architecturally identical to the rooms that are measured, need not be measured separately. Similar rooms may be given the same label. It is therefore not necessary to measure every room in the hotel. A minimum of six representative hotel rooms (receiving rooms) and the adjacent rooms (source rooms) are vacant. All measurements can be carried out on the same day. You have all the necessary equipment. For the complete overview see 2.1 Which equipment do I use for the measurement? You determine and record the volumes of the rooms in which you will carry out the measurements. You do not use a spherical loudspeaker to produce sound. A spherical loudspeaker is unable to sufficiently direct the sound on to the dividing construction. All rooms, doors and ventilation grids in both the hotel room and the adjacent room are closed, so as to limit as much background noise as possible. Weather conditions, like wind or rain, do not cause any disturbances during the measurements. If they do, the measurements must be carried out at a later date. Measurements may only be carried out if: Rain, hail or snow do not cause too much background noise; Wind speeds are not such that aerodynamic interference is caused around the microphone with a sound level of less than 10 db below the level to be measured; There are no parts of the outer construction (including roofs) covered in snow; The humidity and temperature conditions are not such that they cause visible condensation on the measuring equipment; The sound level meter has been calibrated before you start measuring. 10

10 2.3 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? Suggestion! For the airborne sound insulation measurements, pink noise may be used. With pink noise the energy per octave band is the same. When doing a frequency analysis this produces a flat spectrum. 1. Check whether the room(s) where you are going to measure are vacant. 2. Make sure that the sound level meter has been calibrated. 3. Only carry out the measurement if the background noise level is sufficiently low. If the background noise level is unacceptably high, the measurement can not be carried out. Usually the background noise has little influence, because the noise source produces a lot of sound which masks the background noise. 4. Always close windows, doors and ventilation grids. 5. If applicable, switch off the mechanical ventilation, disconnect the refrigerator and switch off all other devices which may cause background noise. 6. Place the sound level meter and the microphone (or wind cover) in the receiving area. Attention! Make sure the sound level meter and microphone are placed at a distance of at least 1 metre from walls and 1.5 metres from windows. Attention! If it is not possible to keep these distances, carry out the measurement with the maximum possible distances. Use the same distances for the other rooms where you are measuring. 7. Always measure the sound level at 2 to 4 spots in the room. With 2 to 4 spots you can determine a good average sound level and thus a correct reflection of the acoustic quality. Attention! Move the sound level meter during the measurement so as to minimise the disturbance by standing waves. 11

11 2.4 How do I measure the airborne sound insulation between rooms? To measure the airborne sound insulation between rooms: 1. Carry out the steps as described in 2.3 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? 2. Determine the background noise from the receiving area. The receiving area is the area of the hotel room which contains the bed. 3. Place the noise source in the source area. The source area must be adjacent to the receiving area. 4. Place the noise source at a distance of at least 1 metre from walls, 1.5 metres from windows and 1.5 metres above the floor. Attention! If it is not possible to keep these distances, carry out the measurement with the maximum possible distances. Use the same distances for the other rooms where you are measuring. Attention! Never direct the noise source directly on to the dividing construction. 5. With the sound level meter, measure the sound level of the noise source (the transmission level) for a period of 15 to 20 seconds. Determine whether the sound level emitting from the noise source is sufficiently stable and even. 6. After measuring the transmission level, go to the adjacent room (receiving area) and measure the sound level in there. Consequently, you can determine the airborne sound insulation based on the measured transmission and receiving levels. receiving area source area traffic area 12

12 2.5 How do I measure the airborne sound insulation between a room and a traffic area? To measure the airborne sound insulation between rooms and traffic areas: 1. Carry out the steps as described in 2.3 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? 2. Determine the background noise from the receiving area. The receiving area is the area is the room directly adjacent to the traffic area (source area). 3. Place the noise source in the traffic area (source area). 4. Place the noise source opposite the door in the receiving area. The noise source must be place at a distance of at least 1 metre from walls, 1.5 metres from windows and 1.5 metres above the floor. Attention! If it is not possible to keep these distances, carry out the measurement with the maximum possible distances. Use the same distances for the other rooms where you are measuring. Attention! Never direct the noise source directly on to the dividing construction. 5. With the sound level meter, measure the sound level (transmission level) of the noise source for a period of 15 to 20 seconds. Determine whether the sound level emitting from the noise source is sufficiently stable and even. 6. After measuring the transmission level, go to the adjacent room (receiving area) and measure the sound level in there. Consequently, you can determine the airborne sound insulation based on the measured transmission and receiving levels. receiving area traffic area/ source area 13

13 2.6 How do I measure the reverberant sound period? To measure the reverberant sound period: 1. Carry out the steps as described in 2.3 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? 2. Place the sound level meter and the microphone (or wind cover), preferably on a tripod, in the hotel room containing the bed. 3. Generate a loud clap with the blank gun or a noise source. 4. Measure the reverberant sound period with the sound level meter. 2.7 How do I measure the service equipment sound level? To measure the service equipment sound level: 1. Carry out the steps as described in 2.3 Which basic measurement protocol do I use for every measurement? 2. From the centre of the receiving area (the hotel room containing the bed), measure at least three different sound levels, e.g.: a. Sound level when the toilet in the adjacent room is flushed. Switch off all other service equipment. Set the meter to SLOW (integration time of 1 sec). Flush the toilet in the adjacent room. Measure the sound level from the receiving area. b. Sound level of the aircon/ventilation. Set the meter to FAST (integration time of 125 millisec). Set the aircon/ventilation to position 1. Switch off all other equipment. Measure the sound level in the receiving area. c. Sound level of the refrigerator. Switch on the refrigerator. Switch off all other equipment. Set the meter to FAST (integration time of 125 millisec). Measure the sound level in the receiving area (the room containing the bed). 14

14 3 How do I calculate the silence category and compose reports and certificates? To calculate the silence category and compose a report and a certificate: 1. Import the measured sound levels using your software. 2. For every room where measurements have been carried out, determine: a. The A-weighted normalised characteristic airborne sound level difference between rooms (D nta ). b. The A-weighted normalised characteristic airborne sound level difference between room and traffic area (D nta ). c. The characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (L i,a,k ). Suggestion! See appendix I for the formulas used to make the calculations. 3. Compare the A-weighted normalised characteristic airborne sound level difference between rooms (D ntak ) to the limiting values, as described in the Overview limiting values and silence categories. 4. Determine the silence categories for the hotel rooms which have been measured. To this end, use the Overview limiting values and silence categories. 5. Using the flow chart in 1.7 How to determine the QRL label of a hotel room the QRL label of the hotel rooms which have been measured. 6. With the help of the requested plans, determine the QRL labels of the hotel rooms which have NOT been measured. Hotels with a similar representative construction receive the same QRL label. Attention! Only if the score is sufficient will a QRL label be awarded. See appendix II for measures which can be carried out to improve sound insulation levels. 7. Compose the report. See appendix III for an example of a report. 8. Compose the certificate. See appendix IV for an example of a certificate. 15

15 Appendix I - Calculation method Conform the calculation method used for the limiting values of the QRL label, it is stipulated that the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (L i,a,k ) for a living area is calculated using the formula: In which: L I,A = the service equipment sound level [db] V = the volume of the living area [m 3 ] V 0 = the reference value of the volume of the living area [m 3 ] at L I,A,k V vg = the total volume of all receiving areas r of the living area [m 3 ] L i,a,r = the A-weighted service equipment sound level in area r 16

16 Testing Consultancy Reports Certifi cate HOTEL Step by Step Quietroom Design & Build Set out scope of the project KGI / Hotel Quotation for testing & report KGI Testing existing situations KGI Certifi cate Quiet Hotel Room 1/2/3 In case Sound protection needed Report & Consult KGI Quotation Samplerooms Hotel Tech Design Hotel Tech Contract Samplerooms Hotel Tech Testing new Samplerooms Quotation project Hotel Tech Contract project Hotel Tech Final testing KGI Award Quiet Hotel Room Certificate New Build Renovation Enhancement Quietroom Design and Build Concept

17 Appendix II - Improvement measures Attention! After you have taken improvement measures, carry out control measurements and then determine the silence category and the QRL label. Measures in case the airborne sound insulation between rooms is too high: Add more mass to the relevant dividing constructions, e.g. by using double wall systems or adding weight using extra heavy panelling. Measures in case the airborne sound insulation between the room and the traffic area is too high: Make sure that gaps are closed as much as possible. Repair or replace the drop seals. Measures in case the reverberant sound period is too long: Fit out the rooms with sufficient absorption. Measures in case the service equipment sound level is too high: Adjust the ventilation in the room to the minimal required air supply. Reduce the flushing noises of the toilets. Attention:The use of the name Quiet Room label or any other related term is only allowed after official certification and registration with the Quietroom Foundation. It is not allowed to use the name Quiet Room label for any purposes of publicity, marketing or advertising without previous permission from the foundation. 17

18 Appendix III - Example report 18

19 Noise Measurements Quiet Room Label QUIET HOTEL ROOM Keizersgracht EA Amsterdam t +31 (0) info@quiethotelroom.org Kenniscentrum Geluidsisolatie This publication is copyright protected Quiet rooms available

20 Sound insulation research report For the purposes of the Quiet Room Label Hotel xxxx 2, Netherlands Amsterdam LOGO HOTEL Client: Contact: 'Hotel xxx xxxxx' Mr. x Document no.: Date: 28 September 2015 Author: Ing. Lr IS MORE THAN JUST A LOGO IT S AN EXPERIENCE! KGI GROUP Keizersgracht EA Amsterdam T +31(0) E info@kgigroep.nl I

21 1. Introduction 2. Principles 3. Measuring equipment 4. Measuring and calculation methods 1. Airborne sound 2. Service equipment sound 5. Limiting values 1. Airborne sound 1. Between rooms 2. Room to traffic space 2. Service equipment sound 3. Reverberant sound field 6. Calculations 1. Airborne sound level difference 1. Between rooms 2. Room to traffic area 2. Service equipment sound 1. General 2. Background measurements 3. Service equipment sound measurements 3. Reverberant sound field 7. Discussion of measurement results 1. Parquet floor room 2. Window constructions room 3. Between rooms 4. Room to traffic area 2. Service equipment sound score 3. Reverberant sound field score 8. Determination QRL Qualification 9. Conclusion and recapitulation Appendix 1 Certificate and Drawings Qualification Quietroom label Hotel xxxx, Amsterdam Netherland Pagina 2 van 18

22 1. INTRODUCTION The investigation at the Hotel xxxx, situated at 2, Amsterdam Netherlands, was carried out in response to a request for qualification for the Quietroom Label (QRL ). For the purpose of qualification, on Monday 21 September 2015 sound measurements were carried out from a representative number of hotel rooms, divided among the 6 floors of the hotel in question. The hotel has a total of 99 guest rooms. Only the dividing constructions between hotel rooms were investigated. Investigation of the sound insulation of dividing constructions between spaces in one and the same room fall outside the scope of this investigation. In addition, the service equipment sound in a number of hotel rooms was measured. The service equipment sound is primarily emitted by the balanced ventilation system in the rooms. Measurements were carried out from the centre of the rooms in question. The measurements of the service equipment sound of the ventilation system and the airborne sound were carried out in accordance with the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). This report presents the results of the investigation.

23 2. PRINCIPLES For the purposes of this report, the following documents were used as starting points: Location visit and sound measurement on 21 September 2015; Floor-plan drawing ground floor, 1 st, 2 nd, 3d, 4th, 5t and 6th Floor as supplied by the client. The floor-plan drawing can be found in Appendix 1. Measurements were carried out in a number of hotel rooms on 6 different floors. On some floors, only partial measurements were carried out because of room occupation. As an additional measure, on these floors several rooms were inventoried with regard to layout and furnishing. These rooms are representative of the other room types on the floor-plan, because they have been built according to the same standards. The measured rooms consist of an entrance, wardrobe space, toilet and bathroom and a sleeping area. The table below provides the layout of the measured rooms on the 6 floors. Table 1. Classification of measured rooms Floor 2 nd floor 4 rooms 3d floor 5 rooms 6 th floor 4 rooms 1 st floor 4 rooms Room numbering 2.35, 2.34, 2.19, , 3.04, 3.11, 3.10, , 6.11, 6.19, , 1.15, 1.17, 1.12 The bold-numbered rooms in table 1 were effectively measured with a sound source. In the calculations, for each area the numbering has been used which is identical to the designation of the areas in the floor-plan in Appendix 1.

24 3. MEASURING EQUIPMENT Table 2 gives an overview of the measuring equipment which was used. Table 2. Measuring equipment used Sound level Real-time analyser Rion NA-27 Serial nr meter Microphone Half-inch Rion UC-53A Serial nr Calibrator Rion NC-74 Serial nr Artificial Power noise transducer Decabel - source Amplifier Power Amplifier Brüel & Kjær Serial nr Tapping ANV Measurement Systems, Serial nr. TM01015 machine TM01 Tripod 1,5 meter - Wind cover Yes - For the determination of the A-weighted normalised characteristic sound level difference DnT,A,k (formerly Ilu,k) between hotel rooms, measurements were carried out from a source room to the adjacent hotel room. Additionally, in the receiving rooms the reverberant sound period and the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (LI, A,k) were measured. The insulation-indexes are calculated from the measured sound levels and reverberant sound periods and from data relating to the size of the rooms. Before and after the measurements, the sound meter was calibrated. During the measurements, doors, windows and ventilation grids were closed.

25 4. MEASUREMENT AND CALCULATION METHODS Airborne sound The measurements and calculations were carried out in accordance with the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). The sound insulation indexes are determined by means of measurements, complemented by calculations. For the determination of the characteristic insulation-index of airborne sound (DnT, A,k) between spaces, dependent on the floor area, one or two white noise sources are placed in a room. The measured sound level is the sound level generated by the white noise source(s) in this room (the emitting room) as well as in the receiving room. In addition, in the receiving room the reverberant sound period is measured. The isolation index is calculated from the measured sound levels and reverberant sound periods and from data relating to the dimensions of the areas. Furthermore, in the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ) it is indicated which criteria the white noise source must meet, how these sound sources must be placed and at how many points in the areas measurements must be taken. In addition, before and after every measurement the background interference level of every area must be determined. If this is sufficiently low however, a measurement is not necessary. For the sake of the measurements and calculations of the insulation-indexes, we used the limiting levels of the Quietroom Label (QRL )computer programme.

26 Service equipment sound In addition, in the reception area the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (LI,A,k) was measured, in the meter reading 'slow' and at three points in the area. The service equipment sound was measured at meter setting 1, which is representative of the required refreshment capacity. For additional corrections to the airborne and service equipment sound, we also determined the reverberant sound period by means of measurements using abbr in accordance with the limiting levels of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). Following the calculation methods of the limiting levels of the Quietroom Label (QRL ), it is mandatory to determine the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (LI,A,k) for a living area by means of the formula: (16) 1 L I, A, k = L I, A V + 5 lg V o (17) n L = 10 lg ( V r 10 Li, A, r / 10 ) + 5 lg V vg I, A, k r =1 V vg V o In which: LI, A V V0 Vvg Li,A,r the service equipment sound level [db(a)] the volume of the living area reference value of the volume of the living area [m3] at LI,A,k total volume of all receiving areas r of the living area [m3] A-weighted service equipment sound level in area r

27 5. Limit Airborne sound Between rooms For the evaluation of the hotel rooms in this investigation, we have first and foremost adhered to the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). In the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ), for reasons of limitation of noise pollution in living areas, requirements are formulated with regard to the characteristic airborne sound level difference DnTA;k. In table 3 below these requirements are summarised. Table 3. Overview of requirements with regard to sound insulation between the interconnected areas of various living areas. Situation Sound transmission from an enclosed area to a living area of an adjacent room situated on the same plot Limiting value Dnta;K 52 db A living area is defined as an enclosed area, consisting of one or more adjoining living areas and other separate areas, situated on the same building level, not being a toilet or bathroom, technical area, communal area or meter room. The above mentioned aspects obtain for hotel rooms. The basic requirement is that any room must minimally meet the category 3 standards (DnTA;k = 52 db) to acquire the QRL ) L3 ) label. In practise it is possible for rooms to obtain a better score. In that case they can be be classified in category 2 (DnTA;k =57dB) or even category 1 (DnTA;k =62dB). The actual measurements will provide more insight into this classification.

28 Room to traffic area For the evaluation of the airborne sound from the surrounding traffic areas to a hotel room, requirements are formulated with regard to the characteristic airborne sound level difference DnTA;k. In table 4 below these requirements are summarised. Table 4. Overview of requirements with regard to sound insulation between the areas of various living areas to traffic areas. Situation Sound transmission from an enclosed area to a traffic area Representative requirements DnTA;k 30dB Service equipment sound This concerns the testing of service equipment sound, namely the characteristic A-weighted service equipment sound level (LI,A,K). See table 5 for a summary of the requirements. Table 5. Overview of requirements with regard to service equipment sound Situation A water closet, a tap, a mechanical ventilation system, a hot water installation, an installation for increased water pressure or an elevator will cause a characteristic service equipment sound level in a living area, situated on an adjacent plot, of no more than 30dB(A). Limiting value LI,A,K 30 db(a) The characteristic system pressure level in the area must be at least LI,A,K = 30 db(a) (Category 1-3 ) Ventilation in the room must be carefully set to the minimally required refreshment air capacity. The regenerated noise from toilets etc. needs to be sufficiently reduced.

29 6. CALCULATIONS Airborne sound level difference Between rooms The results of the measurements and calculations of the indexes for airborne sound level differences between the living areas of the rooms are represented in appendix 2 and summarised in table 6. The table shows the determined characteristic insulation- index for airborne sound (DnTA;k) between a living area of one room and a living area of an adjacent room. Table 6. Characteristic insulation-index of airborne sound to a living area Emitting area living area hotel room Receiving area living area hotel room Calculated insulationindex DnTA;k Hotel room 1.15 Hotel room L Hotel room 1.01 Hotel room L Hotel room 2.19 Hotel room R Hotel room 2.35 Hotel room R Hotel room 3.05 Hotel room L Hotel room 3.11 Hotel room R Hotel room 6.19 Hotel room L Hotel room 6.15 Hotel room L QRL score The insulation-index DnTA;k of the constructions of the interconnected living areas of the rooms all meet the requirement of +52 db.

30 Room to traffic space The results of the measurements and calculations of the indexes for airborne sound level differences between living areas of the rooms to traffic areas are represented in appendix 2 and summarised in table 7. Table 7. Characteristic insulation-index for airborne sound to a living area Emitting area living area hotel room Receiving area living area hotel room Calculated insulationindex DnTA;k Hotel room 1.01 Traffic area Hotel room 1.15 Traffic area Hotel room 2.35 Traffic area Hotel room 2.19 Traffic area Hotel room 3.05 Traffic area Hotel room 3.11 Traffic area Hotel room 6.19 Traffic area Hotel room 6.15 Traffic area QRL score The insulation-index DnTA;k of the constructions of the interconnected living areas of the rooms all meet the requirement of +30 db. Service equipment sound General For the determination of the characteristic service equipment sound LI,A,k, various sound measurements are needed, such as reverberant sound measurements of the area, disturbance noise in the area and service equipment sound of the ventilation system. The different measurements have been made in one single ventilation position. The system in question has a 4-position regulation which, at the time of the measurements, only functioned in the lowest or highest position. For this reason only these two positions have been explained. Before and after the measurements, the sound meter was calibrated. In the following paragraphs these measurements are presented.

31 Background measurements To determine the reference sound, also known as disturbance noise, in the situation where all installations are switched off, a sound measurement was carried out in each area. The values were distributed over the octave bands 63 Hz to 8000 Hz, corrected for the measured equivalent sound levels. Every measurement lasted 30 seconds and was done in position 'slow'. Service equipment sound measurements After measuring the reverberant sound period, the disturbance noise was measured at four spots in the area. The disturbance noise was later corrected for the measured service equipment sound. The disturbance noise measurement was always carried out just before the service equipment sound measurement. To this end, the measurement of the service equipment sound was taken to be representative of the real situation. The ventilation system is operated by an automatic switch. The switch has one single representative position which determines the necessary air flow. Measurements were carried out with a measuring time of 30 seconds in position 'slow'. Table 8 presents the results of the measurements of the service equipment sound for every area. Table 8. Results characteristic service equipment sound Area Measured LI,A,k Rounded off LI,A,k Required LI,A,k QRl C Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes Hotel room , yes The table shows that all the measured areas or hotel rooms fall within the maximum service equipment sound level of 30 db(a).

32 7. DISCUSSION OF MEASUREMENT RESULTS Room to traffic area Table 7 shows that hotel doors allow the passage of some sound through the acoustic seal. Closer inspection on site shows that the gap under the doors of the rooms in question creates a sound leak. Preferably, these doors should be more closely examined. Supply of sound insulating acoustic seals for hotel doors Category I: Automatic Silent-drop seal to be fitted on the door for sound (48 db at 5mm gap, 47 db at 7mm gap according to DIN ), smoke and fire insulation (T30). Standard fitted with double sided controls. Can also be supplied with single sided controls for double doors. Room to room Table 6 and the measurement graphics show that hotel rooms which are connected by connecting doors, show a slight sound peak. The connecting doors create a sound leak in the separating construction between the rooms. It is advisable to fit these doors with an extra plate for added mass and with an acoustic seal. Service equipment sound score Table 8 shows that the service equipment sound levels in all the investigated hotel rooms remain below the maximum allowed level of 30 db(a). As far as service equipment sound is concerned, all rooms can be qualified as QRL 1-. Reverberating sound field score Table 9 shows that the reverberant sound field in all the investigated hotel rooms remains below the allowed maximum of 0,7 seconds. In fact, the reverberant sound field in all rooms turned out to be around 0,5 seconds. Since all other rooms in the hotel have the same construction, lay out and furnishings, it may be concluded that all the rooms will have a reverberant sound field of 0,5 seconds

33 8. DETERMINATION QRL QUALIFICATION Chapter 7 has provided the details about which rooms can be qualified in QRL -2. Table 10. Classification QRL by floor and room number. Floor QRL 1 QRL 2 Mezzanine floor 40,35 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 1 st floor 18 rooms 2 nd floor 17 rooms 3d floor 19 rooms 4 th floor 18 rooms 5 th floor 12 rooms 6 th floor 6 rooms 112,117,115,135,140 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 212,215,217,235,240 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 315,312,317,335,340 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 440,435,415,417,412 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 509,519,515,516,540 All other rooms qualify for QRL2 615,604,640,619,635, CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY For the purposes of qualification, on Monday 21 September 2015 sound measurements were carried out both between interconnected hotel rooms and between the rooms and the surrounding traffic areas. In the emitting rooms, sound equipment was installed. In the adjacent rooms and the traffic areas, the receiving levels were measured. The separating constructions between the investigated hotel rooms do not all meet the requirements for sound insulation set by the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). Additionally, in the investigated receiving rooms the service equipment sound and the reverberant sound field were measured. The service equipment sound levels and the reverberant sound field in all the living areas or hotel rooms meet the requirements set by the limiting values of the Quietroom Label (QRL ). The investigation concludes that the total of 99 hotel rooms qualify for QRL. Additional noise level reduction measures are described in chapter 7. SIGNED Place Netherlands, 28 Sept 2015 Name Ing. xx xxx Signature

34 QUIET HOTEL ROOM Quiet rooms available