The International Building Code (IBC) and most other major model codes have long required some minimum acoustic performance from buildings. However, the recent emergence of “green” codes and standards is taking acoustic protection requirements to a higher level. Now, advocates for “green building” have broadened the definition of sustainable to include acoustic performance in buildings.
If the trend in green codes and standards begins to creep over into “regular’ building codes, as is often the case, the construction industry will need to deliver better-performing hotels, schools, offices and similar buildings to boost their ability to keep out unwanted sounds. Cold-formed steel will face challenges like many other materials.
This new SFIA Issue Paper provides an overview of the momentum that is building behind the move toward more stringent acoustic performance requirements and suggestions on how to address the new challenges they present.