R&D Report 1993-06 : Metal-framed partitions with reduced thicknesses: Part 2 -- Built-in acoustic treatment. G.D. Plumb Laboratory measurements were made of the sound insulations and absorption coefficients of a range of metal-framed partitions having built-in acoustic treatment. The optimum constructions for single and double leaf absorbent partitions had marginally lower sound insulations (approximately 1 dB) than those of comparable single and double metal-framed Camdens. The effective absorption coefficient curves of the new partitions were reasonably flat between 50 Hz and 10 kHz. Savings in studio floor areas of up to 25% should be possible by using the new partitions rather than metal-framed Camdens fitted with conventional modular acoustic treatment. The partitions should have similar construction costs and weights to those of metal-framed Camdens. An initial assessment was made of the expected structural loadbearing performances and fire resistances of these partitions. However, a further assessment by specialists will be necessary before the partitions can be recommended for use in studio construction.
