Reflected ceiling plans

Reflected ceiling plans are useful in controlling the design of the ceiling plane. Figure 38.19 shows that each element (lighting, HVAC, fire-protection sprinkler heads, special systems, and ceiling-mounted equipment) can be installed and operate properly. 

Unfinished Products. Unfinished fiber glass products are available in the form of boards, blankets, and batts in various thicknesses and densities. These products are used by fabricators who apply finishes to make products suitable for ceilings, walls, open-plan office screens, etc. They also are used for sound absorption behind decorative and protective facings such as perforated or expanded metal and wood grilles. Thicker materials have better low frequency performance than thinner materials. Low frequency performance can be improved by spacing the material away from a sound-reflecting surface rather than applying the material directly to the surface. 

Analysis of sound travel will help when planning noise control in a room. Noise travels away from a source. The energy level in a sound field will decay with the square of the distance from a source. However, most rooms have reflective surfaces, such as floors, walls, and ceilings. Placement of noise sources in a layout can help with noise control. For example, placement of noise sources in a comer near highly reflective floor, ceiling and walls will concentrate noise energy in one location and one direction. Conversely, placement of noise sources away from reflective surfaces may give noise a chance to dissipate to an acceptable level. 

In the office situation, if it is open plan, use may be made of barriers of composite material, porous ceiling tiles and porous flooring to reduce noise transmission and reflection. Noise can come from conversation, older style printers, telephones and so on. Well designed partitioning in closed plan offices is also effective. Serious interference by ontside noise may be coming via windows. Double glazing can reduce this. 

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