BSEE
How to reduce noise polluon from wastewater systems in mul residence developments
W ith people
spending more time indoors than ever in recent months, the effect our
surroundings have on our physical and mental wellbeing is becoming increasingly clear. One of the biggest and most disruptive issues for many is noise pollution, be it from the environment or from structural elements within a building. As a result, it’s more important for specifiers and engineers to create healthy and enjoyable spaces where noise is kept to a minimum, especially on multi- residence projects or commercial developments. Here, Karen Stables, marketing communications manager at Wavin, explains how choosing the right wastewater system can help you support occupant well- being.
One major, and often forgotten, contributor to noise pollution is wastewater as it travels down soil stacks in a building. The effects of this are increased in multi-storey buildings such as apartment blocks, hospitals and hotels, and can sometimes result in an environment that’s not only uncomfortable but also unbearable to be in. To limit the impact of noise pollution on occupants, there are a number of building regulations to consider. The acceptable sound levels in residential buildings vary from country to country, but an absolute sound pressure level of 30dB(A) is generally accepted as the maximum in rooms requiring sound insulation. In the UK, Building Regulations (2010) Approved Document E ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ specifies a noise reduction rather than an absolute value. The document applies to any building that is used as a dwelling and requires that any wall or floor should reduce the noise transmitted to the next room by 45Db(A) or more. However, this figure excludes noise from wastewater running through pipes explicitly.
WATER TREATMENT, PUMPS & DRAINAGE Achieving the quietest wastewater solution
individual parameters. In just four clearly defined and intuitive steps, you can get the answers you need to see if your design meets regulations.
New innovaons in quiet drainage
While some of the traditional methods listed above still have a place in modern construction, advances in pipe manufacturing have made way for sound-attenuated pipes. These innovative products are also known as low-noise or acoustic systems. This modern approach to soil and waste extraction offers a whole range of benefits that mitigate the need for additional insulation. These pipes aim to limit the propagation of airborne noise by keeping it within the pipes, which are made from dense, sound- dampening materials. They are also designed to allow for expansion in the pipework and offer support to fixings, helping to limit structure-borne sound.
While these regulations are crucial, the lack of accountability when it comes to wastewater can potentially leave buildings exposed to unhealthy levels of noise. This becomes more prevalent when you consider that improved construction materials and home appliances are now producing quieter spaces overall thanks to better insulation and technology, meaning the noise from plumbing systems will be more noticeable. Therefore, it’s vital that engineers, and specifiers play their part by choosing intelligent, noise- reducing soil and waste systems.
How to identify wastewater noise
To successfully prevent noticeable levels of wastewater noise, it is important to first identify how the noise is created and recognise the difference between structure-borne and airborne sounds. Wastewater noise can have a variety of causes, including when water changes direction due to a bend in the pipe, or when it falls through vertical pipes and then makes connection with a solid surface. In turn, this results in either airborne noise, which is generated by wastewater flowing inside the pipes, or structure-borne noise which is the noise that can be heard from the pipe after the sound has permeated through pipe supports, brackets and walls. Once the type of noise is identified, specifiers can then focus on reducing it. As a basic rule of thumb, the thicker and heavier the pipe, the lower the noise. But for a more holistic evaluation, it is important to pay attention to the testing that the pipe has gone through. The vast majority of soil and waste pipes are tested at the Fraunhofer IBP Institute in Germany, where they are evaluated on their performance against the emission of both airborne and structure-borne sound.
20 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2021
While measurements for structure- borne sound look good on paper, often being lower than airborne sound as well as the official noise requirements set out by building codes, these figures offer no guarantee that your building is fully compliant. This is because the brackets and wall materials have a considerable influence on how much the sound is reduced. Therefore, when the systems are installed, the sound reduction rates will differ from project to project. As a result, you may be required to replace the pipes or provide additional noise insulation, which costs more time and money. That’s why when designing low-noise soil and waste solutions, it’s crucial to consider the whole system, not just the pipe.
The tradional methods of noise reducon
Traditionally, reducing the level of wastewater noise would be done through careful layout designs and affixing additional protection once the system has been installed. Such practices include reducing the water flow rate and speed, using soft direction changes, mounting pipe supports on the heaviest wall to resist vibrations, and avoiding fixed connections between pipe and floor slabs where possible. Most commonly, pipe wrapping materials are added as insulation to the pipework once the installation is complete. These are usually made from mineral wool or fibre sheeting, which helps absorb unwanted sound. Although these measures can reduce noise significantly, due to the unique nature of each system some installations can still fall short of regulations. So, to ensure that your efforts have not been made in vain, Wavin has created a unique online Soundcheck Tool. It simulates system acoustics in a final installation and calculates noise levels based on
One such solution is Wavin AS+ - or Acoustic Soil Plus – which has been designed to help specifiers meet ever-tightening regulations. This reinforced polypropylene low noise soil and waste system has undergone extensive testing to make it the best performing solution on the market when it comes to absorption of both airborne sound and mechanical variations. Its unique, high-density material composition and three-layer pipe structure produces some of the most impressive reductions in wastewater noise – with an output of just 48dB(A). It also has a patented pre-lubricated elastomer seal (EPDM), which eliminates the risk of leaks and allows for a quick, easy and reliable installation. The new sculptured spigot, which reduces push-in force, also helps to keep the process quick and easy, with added angular rotation guidance and insertion depth checks.
By installing sound-attenuated pipe systems with carefully considered layouts, engineers and specifiers can effectively reduce wastewater noise and create more peaceful spaces and healthier environments for occupants. Not only does this improve the end user’s wellbeing in the long run, it also means that the project is able to meet regulations from the outset, helping keep the work on schedule and within budget. To find out more about Wavin AS+, visit the website.
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