Preferred noise criterion (PNC) curves and their application to rooms.
01 Nov 1971-Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (Acoustical Society of America)-Vol. 50, Iss: 5, pp 1223-1228
TL;DR: A reexamination of the noise criterion curves has been undertaken using Stevens's Mk.
Abstract: The noise criterion (NC) curves were developed both as a method for evaluating existing noise situations and as a means for specifying design goals for noise control. They have also influenced the N ratings used abroad. It has been demonstrated that if a background noise whose spectrum conforms to an NC‐curve shape is deliberately generated, it does not sound to a listener as a pleasant or neutral noise, but is both “hissy” and “rumbly.” A recent tendency in consulting practice, therefore, has been to specify noise levels that are lower than NC curves at both low and high frequencies. Also, the original NC curves were derived using Stevens's Mk. I method of calculating loudness level from noise levels measured with the old octave bands, the lowest of which was the “below 75 Hz” band. A reexamination of the noise criterion curves has been undertaken using Stevens's Mk. VI method and the new octave bands. The result is a new set of curves, called “preferred noise criterion (PNC) curves,” having levels in the bands below 125 Hz and above 1000 Hz that are lower than those of the 1957 NC curves by 2–5 dB. The new set also takes into account the engineering realities of achieving the specified noise levels with conventional air‐handling equipment. The results of a number of recent noise‐control projects in building are presented for comparison.
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01 May 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a free-text for any format or medium provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context, and the material must be acknowledged as Crown copyright with the title and source of the publication specified.
Abstract: This publication (excluding the logo) may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided that it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context. The material must be acknowledged as Crown copyright with the title and source of the publication specified.
227 citations
Cites background from "Preferred noise criterion (PNC) cur..."
...This was one reason for the development of the PNC rating as an improvement of the NC rating (Beranek et al., 1971)....
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16 Dec 2005
TL;DR: Information-Centered Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics Cost Benefit Analysis of Improvements in the Human Factor Design Conducting a Human Factor Investigation
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196 citations
Cites methods from "Preferred noise criterion (PNC) cur..."
...This methodology was developed by Beranek et al. (1971) (Figure 13....
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TL;DR: To measure the signal-to-noise ratios in classrooms while class was in session and students were interacting with the teacher and each other, results revealed that when classroom amplification was used, students heard the teacher's voice at a level that was an average of 13 dB above the noise floor.
Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the signal-to-noise ratios in classrooms while class was in session and students were interacting with the teacher and each other. Method Measuremen...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a wide acoustic environment survey were presented, where sound pressure measurements were carried out in a group of offices and the measurements lasted for five minutes and the resulting noise spectra were used to calculate the most significant acoustic parameters.
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44 citations