Code: NBC - The British Columbia Building Code 1998 is the same as the NBC of Canada.

General Information: The NBC contains sound transmission requirements for residential occupancies. Below is the section of the code related to this:


Section 9.11. Sound Control

9.11.1. Sound Transmission Class Rating (Airborne Sound)

9.11.1.1. Determination of Sound Transmission Class Ratings
    1) Sound transmission class ratings shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E         413, "Classification for Rating Sound Insulation," using results from         measurements in accordance with

        a) ASTM E 90, "Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of             Building Partitions," or

        b) ASTM E 336, "Measuremnt of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings."


9.11.2. Required Sound Control Locations (Airborne Sound)

9.11.2.1. Minimum Sound Transmission Class Ratings
    1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), every dwelling unit shall be separated from         every other space in a building in which noise may be generated by a         construction providing a sound transmission class rating of at least 50, measured         in accordance with Subsection 9.11.1. or as listed in A-9.10.3.1. in Appendix A.

    2) Where a dwelling unit is adjacent to an elevator shaft or a refuse chute, the         separating construction shall have a sound transmission class rating of at least         55, measured in accordance with Subsection 9.11.1. or as listed in A-9.10.3.1. in         Appendix A.


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