Human Comfort

Question 1

Benefits of sound insulation

Answer 1

Reduces external noise into the building such as traffic

Question 2

4 types of sound insulation

Answer 2

Triple glazing
Flooring , matts, and carpets : they absorb noise
Plasterboard
Acoustic fabrics : prevents the passage of sound waves and noise

Question 3

What is u-value

Answer 3

thermal transmittance of a material

Question 4

Discuss how condensation affects the fabric of the building (9)

Answer 4

1. Mould growth may occur when moisture condenses onto cold surfaces
2. Condensation could cause metallic components to corrode
3. Insulation can become damp
4. Can cause discolouration of plasterboard
5. Timber can lose it structural integrity

Question 5

How can flanking sound be reduced

Answer 5

install insulation strips around doors to reduce gaps which prevents sound from travelling between rooms

Question 6

Benefits for triple glazed windows

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

Fabric heat loss

Answer 7

Loss of heat through conduction through materials used in the wall

Question 8

Reverberation time

Answer 8

The time it takes for sound to disperse

Question 9

Benefits of LED lights

Answer 9

Long lasting
Energy efficient
Cost effective

Question 10

Approaches to tackle sound insulation

Answer 10

Find the source of the sound
Improve structural elements
Control flanking sound
Use the appropriate materials

Question 11

Flanking sound

Answer 11

Sound that travels around structural elements of a building

Question 12

State one way of improving flanking sound from one apartment to another

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

State 2 causes of condensation in student apartments

Answer 13

Moist air from cooking touches cold surfaces
High levels of humidity caused my showers

Question 14

Benefits of using a smartphone application to control and monitor heating (6)

Answer 14

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

Question 15

explain 3 methods of how houses could be designed to reduce heat loss

Answer 15

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

Question 16

explain one use of a hygrometer when surveying a building

Answer 16

indicates the humidity of air in a room (1) which will identify current problems with condensation that will need to be resolved (1)

Question 17

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)

Answer 17

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

Question 18

explain 2 advantages of using natural lighting in a warehouse building (4)

Answer 18

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)

Question 19

explain one method for controlling condensation in dwellings (2)

Answer 19

ventilation allows for air flow (1) and remove moisture to the outside (1)

the use AC (1) to remove moisture from the air (1)

Question 20

explain one way a thermostat control temperature

Answer 20

The thermostat measured the temperature of the air (1) therefore interprets the information to turn off (1)

Question 21

explain 2 reasons for the need to consider ‘noise criteria indices’ when designing a new building. (4)

Answer 21

comfortable levels of noise differ for different types of use (1) meaning that materials used must be chosen that can control noise levels

Question 22

State one reason why sound reduction indices might be calculated for the new houses

Answer 22

-To meet relevant regulations

Question 23

Personal factors influencing acoustic comfort

Answer 23

Age
Activity
State of health