Human Comfort Flashcards
Benefits of sound insulation
Reduces external noise into the building such as traffic
4 types of sound insulation
Triple glazing
Flooring , matts, and carpets : they absorb noise
Plasterboard
Acoustic fabrics : prevents the passage of sound waves and noise
What is u-value
thermal transmittance of a material
Discuss how condensation affects the fabric of the building (9)
- Mould growth may occur when moisture condenses onto cold surfaces
- Condensation could cause metallic components to corrode
- Insulation can become damp
- Can cause discolouration of plasterboard
- Timber can lose it structural integrity
How can flanking sound be reduced
install insulation strips around doors to reduce gaps which prevents sound from travelling between rooms
Benefits for triple glazed windows
- helps to keep heat in, therefore reduced energy cost
-results in fewer damp patches since the u-value of the window will be closer that of the walls
Fabric heat loss
Loss of heat through conduction through materials used in the wall
Reverberation time
The time it takes for sound to disperse
Benefits of LED lights
Long lasting
Energy efficient
Cost effective
Approaches to tackle sound insulation
Find the source of the sound
Improve structural elements
Control flanking sound
Use the appropriate materials
Flanking sound
Sound that travels around structural elements of a building
State one way of improving flanking sound from one apartment to another
- Install triple glazed windows to minimise sound re entering the building
- increase thickness of insulation material to allow for more sound absorption between wall surfaces
State 2 causes of condensation in student apartments
Moist air from cooking touches cold surfaces
High levels of humidity caused my showers
Benefits of using a smartphone application to control and monitor heating (6)
Temperature can be controlled through an app (1) allowing for temperature to be set once residents arrive home (1)
Energy use can be monitored (1) allowing for residents to save more money (1)
Allows more temperature control in individual rooms (1) as heating is controlled in zones
explain 3 methods of how houses could be designed to reduce heat loss
use triple glazing because triple glazing has a lower U-value
Specify if draft proofing to reduce the likelihood of cold air entering the building
explain one use of a hygrometer when surveying a building
indicates the humidity of air in a room (1) which will identify current problems with condensation that will need to be resolved (1)
explain 2 approaches a developer could do to provide adequate sound insulation for residents of a new flat that is located next to a busy road and rail (4)
the use of trees to buffer noise from the railway (1) reducing exposure for residents on the upper and lower level of the building (1)
The use of Hugh mass material for the walls (1) will reduce the noise heard from the railway/ road
explain 2 advantages of using natural lighting in a warehouse building (4)
reduces the need for artificial light (1) therefore reduces the need for fossil fuels for electricity (1)
natural light renders more accurately (1) resulting in fewer potential accidents (1)
improves the wellbeing of residents (1)
explain one method for controlling condensation in dwellings (2)
ventilation allows for air flow (1) and remove moisture to the outside (1)
the use AC (1) to remove moisture from the air (1)
explain one way a thermostat control temperature
The thermostat measured the temperature of the air (1) therefore interprets the information to turn off (1)
explain 2 reasons for the need to consider ‘noise criteria indices’ when designing a new building. (4)
comfortable levels of noise differ for different types of use (1) meaning that materials used must be chosen that can control noise levels
State one reason why sound reduction indices might be calculated for the new houses
-To meet relevant regulations
Personal factors influencing acoustic comfort
Age
Activity
State of health
