Sound Cell ™ & Acoustade™

SOUND CELL AND ACOUSTADE

Sound Cell and Acoustade are exciting new developments in architectural masonryacoustics that connects art and science into a unique blend of form and function.

Each unit utilizes a combined skewed and sloped surface design which allows forsound attenuated slots to be removed from blatant on the face locations and berepositioned discreetly in the crossed webs of each masonry unit.

Once assembled this acoustical system creates a framework design that is distinc-tive from other flat surface products. By breaking up the smooth rectangularplane of ordinary masonry units, Sound Cell and Acoustade are able to achieveadditional sound controlling performance benefits.

SOUND SCIENCE

Sound absorbing masonry units have been utilized since the early 1960’s toreduce reverberation within a given space, however, current acoustical science nowrealizes that traditional acoustical masonry unit’s have limited use and may evencause problematic reflections as a result of their flat surfaces. Dispersing soundreflection patterns are often more important than reducing reverberation for con-trolling problem acoustics.

In addition to merely absorbing noise, Sound Cell and Acoustade are specificallydesigned to scatter and deflect sound energy in order to improve acoustics.Today, these products can now offer to the design profession a tool that can beutilized to both control noise and improve sound quality within a room environment.

DIFFUSION

Diffusion is the random reflection and dispersal off the sound path after striking

irregular shaped surfaces and relief ’s, sound is “scattered” providing a desirable distribution in many directions therebyminimizing sound “bounce” in a directional pattern.

Mouldings, surface ornaments, ridges, convolutions, provide desirable diffusion without a conscious effort in any roomschemes.

The design of our Sound Cell and Acoustade wall systems do provide for diffusion with its irregular surface pattern. It improves the quality and nature of sound by spraying away the reflected sound energy that would other-wise bounce directly off hard flat walls.

FLUTTER ECHO

Flutter Echo receives its name from the fluttering sound it describes. It is often heard as a high frequency ringing orbuzzing which can be an annoyance and a hindrance to speech intelligibility as well as confusing the ear. FlutterEcho, commonly misnamed for reverberation or resonance is characterized by discrete replications of the originalsource sound between two highly sound reflective surfaces more than 30 feet apart (9140mm). The lack of ornamen-tation in modern architecture results in great flutter possibilities. A flutter can be reduced by careful placement ofsound absorbing materials or by skewing walls as little as 1 inch in 1 foot or 1mm in 12mm (1:12).

Conventional acoustical masonry units are only average in absorbing high-frequency sound to control this effect.Conversely when built as parallel walls they have 93% of their area acting as a highly reflective surface to promote flut-ter echo. Sound Cell and Acoustade have surface areas skewed or sloped in order to reduce the flutter echo effect.

STANDING WAVE/ RESONATE FREQUENCIES

Every room with parallel wall surfaces support standing waves (musical notes or natural noises are sustained louderand longer) at frequencies which are determined by the size of the room. The fundamental resonant frequenciesassociated with room dimensions fall primarily in the base (low-frequency) range which gives the building environ-ment a boom type of quality.

Conventional acoustical masonry utilized in a typical square room design, may contribute to this standing waveeffect. Sound Cell and Acoustade are not designed with opposite parallel surface planes and thus do not produceparallel surface planes which add greatly to noise diffusion. Additionally, each unit has any effective 1.2 absorptioncoefficient athlete difficult to treat 125 Hz octave band which boldly aids in controlling the standing wave resonatefrequency effect

ABSORPTION / HELMHOLTZ RESONATOR

Sound Cell and Acoustade utilize a Helmholtz type volume resonator to achieve sound absorption at all frequencylevels. A slot type resonator is conceded by stacking these units into a system that greatly improves the resonatoraction at the difficult to reach lower audio frequencies. These Richvale York Block Inc. products offer anunmatched 95% average absorption efficiency at the 100 –125 – 160 Hz frequency bandwidth.This low-frequency absorption is invaluable in supplying sound control that cannot be addressed bycarpets, tapestries, acoustical tiles and the like.

CREATIVE DESIGNS, LOUDNESS & THE PINNA

God has designed the pinna, or outer ear as a sound gathering device to funnel sound into the auditory canal. If we had no external ears, just two holes in our heads, the loudness of sound we hear would be diminished. We have all experienced a further increase in the loudness of sounds by cupping a hand behind the pinna. Measurements have shown that this act alone increases sound pressure level about 5 dB sound pressure level (a physical measure) cannot be equated to loudness (a subjective effect) but they do go hand in hand.

As an analogy, conventional acoustical masonry could be compared to “just holes in our heads”.Continuing with the skewed and sloped face of our product acts as a pinna to focus and direct additional reflectedsound to the aperture of the unit “the canal”.

Sound waves enter Sound Cell and Acoustade directly as well as being reflected from the skewed and sloped facesof each unit, these reflected sound waves reach the opening later than the direct wave impact because they havetraveled farther and as such, this time difference constitutes a phase angle between the direct and reflected noisecomponents and loudness of sound within the room and environment is diminished.

CONSIDERATION

SOUND CELL & ACOUSTADE OFFER A SOUND SOLUTION

Traditional acoustical masonry attempts to control the acoustics of a room environment by sound absorption onlywhich in fact, can actually create adverse sound reflections and other problems due to their hard parallel flat surfaces.

Richvale York Block Inc. offers to the designer an acoustical solution to mere absorption. Diffusion, flutterecho, standing waves and noise intensity are all sound concerns that are improved in aninnovative aesthetic and practical building component new in acoustical masonry.Sound control and aesthetic arrangement are two major concerns when addressing thetreatment of a room environment. We provide for these two elements with a superioracoustical product and the unique presentation with that architects, designers and ownerscan truly appreciate.

ACCOUSTICAL CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

Masonry for sound attenuation shall be Sound Cell or Acoustade masonry wall system units manufactured by Richvale York Block Inc. and shall be supplied with rock wool fibrous fillers with the system meeting a minimum noise reduction coefficient of 0.75.

For use in load-bearing or non-load-bearing locations, units shall conform to CSA Standard A165.1-M-2004, classification, H/15/D/M.

AREA COVERAGE

Although acoustical engineering calculations and formulas must take precedence, it is recommended that wall areaswhere the Sound Cell or Acoustade wall system is to be used, shall cover on average, a minimum of 30% to 40% ofthe total wall.

INSTALLATION

In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and best masonry practice as specified in CSA A-371-M-2004,units shall be laid with a stack bond pattern in 10mm face shell bedded mortar. Each joint shall be struck flush,brushed, filled and dressed on the exposed face side of the units.

Where 30cm Sound Cell or Acoustade units are to be used with vertical reinforcement, backer boards to isolategrout and designed for unit installation by the contractor, shall be supplied upon request.

Contractor shall ensure that any excess mortar is cleaned from the open apertures and that the face of each unit be keptclean and free of mortar droppings.

STORAGE AND HANDLING

All masonry units shall be kept dry and free of contaminants. Units shall be stored on level ground with no doublestacking of the palleted cubes. Units are to be handled with care to protect faces and edges from chipping.

ORDER AND DELIVERY

To order Sound Cell or Acoustade, please contact Richvale York Block Inc. at 416-213-7444, 416-213-7447 or 1-877-792-5625. Provide for a minimum of two weeks delivery time.

SOUND CELL UNITS WALL SECTION

REGULAR C.M.U.

USE AN INVERTED SOLID TOPFILLED BOND BEAM, OR STOUTFACE UNIT TO TRANSITIONBETWEEN REGULAR C.M.U.s ANDSOUND CELL UNITS.

SOUND CELL C.M.U.

SOUND CELL C.M.U.

FOR BAND COURSINGUSE A STOUT FACE UNITOR FILLED BOND BEAM UNIT

SOUND CELL C.M.U.

SOUND CELL C.M.U.

USE A SOLID-TOP, FILLED BONDBEAM, OR STOUT FACE UNITTO TRANSITION BETWEEN REGULARC.M.U.s AND SOUND CELL UNITS

REGULAR C.M.U.

12” REGULAR C.M.U.

GROUT

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

12” STOUT FACE C.M.U.

BUILDING PAPER OR FELTFIELD INSTALLED, TYPICALAT DESIGNATED GROUTINTERVALS

12” SOUND CELL C.M.U.

GROUT SHIELDS-FIELDINSTALLED, TYPICAL ATDESIGNATED GROUTINTERVALS12” SOUND CELL C.M.U.

GROUT

12” STOUT FACE C.M.U.

GROUT

12” REGULAR C.M.U.

RIVERBANK ACOUSTICAL LABORATORIESOF

IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEST REPORT

FOR: Best Block Company Sound Absorption Test

ON: 8 in. Sound Cell with Fiber Inserts RALTM - A00-105

CONDUCTED: 15 September 2000 Page 1 of 4

TEST METHOD

The test method complied explicitly with the requirements of the ASTM Standard Test Method.for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method:ASTM C423-90a and E795-93. Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories has been accredited by theU.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) underthe National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for this test procedure. Adescription of the measuring technique is available separately.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIMEN

The test specimen was designated by the manufacturer as an 8 in. Sound Cell with fiber inserts.The overall dimensions of the specimen as measured were 2.38 m (93.75 in.) wide by 1.94 m(76.25 in) long and 194 mm (7.625 in.) thick. The specimen was tested in the laboratory’s 292m3 (10,311 ft3) test chamber.

The sample consisted of concrete blocks with one side spread open at an angle of 30º in twoplaces to expose the inside cavities. Each of the two cavities of each Sound Cell had an insert ofmineral fiber measuring 184 mm (7.25 in.) wide by nominally 152 mm (6 in.) high and 38 mm (1.5in.) thick. Each of the two cavities of a Sound Cell block measured nominally 165 mm (6.5 in.)by 152 mm (6 in.) by the height of the block which was 194 mm (7.625 in.). The overall dimensions of each Sound Cell block were 394 mm (15.5 in.) wide by 194 mm (7.625 in.) high and194 mm (7.625 in.) thick. The blocks were arranged in 10 rows of 6 blocks each so that thecavities of all blocks lined up forming a continuous cavity from one end of the sample to the other.

The weight of the specimen as measured was 982.8 kg (2,166.75 lbs) an average of 213.3 kg/m2

(43.7 lbs/ft2). The area used in the calculations was 4.61m2 (49.6 ft2). The room temperature atthe time of the test was 22ºC (71ºF) and 58+ 1% relative humidity.

MOUNTING A

The test specimen was laid directly against the test surface.

1512 S. BATAVIA AVENUEGENEVA, ILLINOIS 60134

630/232-0104FOUNDED 1918 BY

WALLACE CLEMENT SABIN

This report shall not be reproduced expect in full, without the written approval of RAL.THE RESULTS REPORTED ABOVE APPLY ONLY TO THE SPECIFIC SAMPLE SUBMITTED FOR MEASUREMENT. NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR PERFORMANCE OF ANY OTHER SPECIMEN.

ACCREDITED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORYACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR SELECTED TEST METHODS FOR ACOUSTICS.THE LABORATORY’S ACCREDITATION OR ANY OF IT’S TEST REPORTS IN NO WAY CONSTITUTESOR IMPLIES PRODUCT CERTIFICATION, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST.

This report shall not be reproduced expect in full, without the written approval of RAL.THE RESULTS REPORTED ABOVE APPLY ONLY TO THE SPECIFIC SAMPLE SUBMITTED FOR MEASUREMENT. NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR PERFORMANCE OF ANY OTHER SPECIMEN.

ACCREDITED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORYACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR SELECTED TEST METHODS FOR ACOUSTICS.THE LABORATORY’S ACCREDITATION OR ANY OF IT’S TEST REPORTS IN NO WAY CONSTITUTESOR IMPLIES PRODUCT CERTIFICATION, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST.

RIVERBANK ACOUSTICAL LABORATORIESOF

IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEST REPORT

Best Block Company RALTM - A00-105

15 September 2000 Page 2 of 4

TEST RESULTS

1/3 Octave Center Absorption Total Absorption % Of UncertaintyFrequency Coefficient In Sabins With 95% Confidence

(Hz) Limit With Specimen

100 0.50 24.95 2.98**125 0.67 33.46 2.90

160 0.94 46.70 2.30

200 1.16 57.52 1.87**250 0.89 44.03 1.64

315 0.68 33.67 1.20

400 0.59 29.36 1.02**500 0.51 25.52 0.90

630 0.55 27.45 0.73

800 0.66 32.81 0.67**1000 0.75 37.21 0.64

1250 0.78 38.54 0.63

1600 0.79 39.13 0.51**2000 0.77 38.38 0.43

2500 0.71 35.15 0.46

3150 0.68 33.85 0.42**4000 0.69 34.35 0.49

5000 0.69 34.10 0.49

NRC = 0.75

1512 S. BATAVIA AVENUEGENEVA, ILLINOIS 60134

630/232-0104FOUNDED 1918 BY

WALLACE CLEMENT SABIN

RIVERBANK ACOUSTICAL LABORATORIESOF

IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEST REPORT

Best Block Company RALTM - A00-105

15 September 2000 Page 3 of 4

TEST RESULTS

The percentage of uncertainty for the required 95% confidence limits indicated above must fallwithin the prescribed limits designated in par. 13.2 of ASTM C423-90a. It states that for theabsorption of the reverberation room containing the specimen the testing laboratory shall obtaindata with less than 4% uncertainty at 125 (hertz) and 2% uncertainty at 250, 500, 1000, 2000,and 4000 (hertz). The method of calculation is described in ASTM STP 15D and outlined insection 13 of the standard.

The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is the average of the coefficients at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz, expressed to the nearest integral multiple of 0.05.

Tested by Reviewed byDean Victor Roger P. HarmonSenior Experimentalist Research Engineer

1512 S. BATAVIA AVENUEGENEVA, ILLINOIS 60134

630/232-0104FOUNDED 1918 BY

WALLACE CLEMENT SABIN

This report shall not be reproduced expect in full, without the written approval of RAL.THE RESULTS REPORTED ABOVE APPLY ONLY TO THE SPECIFIC SAMPLE SUBMITTED FOR MEASUREMENT. NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR PERFORMANCE OF ANY OTHER SPECIMEN.

ACCREDITED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORYACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR SELECTED TEST METHODS FOR ACOUSTICS.THE LABORATORY’S ACCREDITATION OR ANY OF IT’S TEST REPORTS IN NO WAY CONSTITUTESOR IMPLIES PRODUCT CERTIFICATION, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST.

1512 S. BATAVIA AVENUEGENEVA, ILLINOIS 60134

630/232-0104FOUNDED 1918 BY

WALLACE CLEMENT SABIN

SOUN

D AB

SORP

TION

COE

FFIC

IENT

1.2

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0100 100 250 400 650 1K 1.6K 2.5K 4K

128 200 310 460 700 1.25K 2K 3.15K 5K

FREQUENCY (Hz)NRC = 0.75

This report shall not be reproduced expect in full, without the written approval of RAL.THE RESULTS REPORTED ABOVE APPLY ONLY TO THE SPECIFIC SAMPLE SUBMITTED FOR MEASUREMENT. NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR PERFORMANCE OF ANY OTHER SPECIMEN.

ACCREDITED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORYACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR SELECTED TEST METHODS FOR ACOUSTICS.THE LABORATORY’S ACCREDITATION OR ANY OF IT’S TEST REPORTS IN NO WAY CONSTITUTESOR IMPLIES PRODUCT CERTIFICATION, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT BY NIST.

SOUND ABSORPTION REPORTRAL - A00 - 105

RIVERBANK ACOUSTICAL LABORATORIESOF

IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEST REPORT

Page 4 of 4

2516

5

2516

5

2516

5

390

3214

118

1434

1411

814

32

2516

5

165

25

2516

5

COMPARISON OF SOUND CELL WITH STANDARD ACOUSTICAL MASONRY

SOUND CELL STANDARD

Unique decorative design Yes No

Load -bearing Yes Yes

Face surface area in contact with sound waves 141 Sq. In. 128 Sq. In.

Aperture protected from rain, dust, fingers, trash Yes No

Units may be spray painted without clogging Yes Nofibrous fillers

Solid-top configuration / Heavy / Difficult to lay No Yes

Sound Diffusion control characteristics Yes No

Sound Absorption control characteristics Yes Yes

Sound Transmission control characteristics Yes Yes

Flutter Echo control characteristics Yes No

Standing Wave control characteristics Yes No

Face angle reflecting surfaces - to apertures Yes No

Contact Our SalesOffice at:

Head Office5 Cardico Drive

Gormley, OntarioL0H 1G0

Order Desk (416) 213-7447Toll Free: 1-877-792-5625

Tel: (416) 213-7444Fax: (416) 213-7441

Kingston1035 Gardiners Road

Kingston, OntarioK7P 1R7

Toll Free: 1-800-267-2213Tel: (613) 384-2555Fax: (613) 384-9363

London1298 Clarke RoadLondon, Ontario

N5V 3B5Toll Free: 1-800-265-1592

Tel: (519) 455-4741Fax: (519) 453-0732

www.richvaleyork.com