Controlling interoffice sound transmission through a suspended ceiling

A simple, economical technique is discussed to improve the noise reduction between adjacent offices where the dominant sound transmission path is through the suspended ceiling and the common plenum above the ceiling. A series of laboratory measurements has been made to determine the important physical parameters associated with using a stack of absorptive batts as a sound barrier. These are compared with measurements made of an installation in a commercial office building. Further studies are required to evaluate the effect on air quality.