Table 9-1 outlines the accessible standards that apply
The STC ratings related to the Court's environment fall
specifically to courts and highlights instances where
into three categories. These categories are listed below
policy or preferences developed by GSA, in conjunction
along with some typical examples of interior partition
with the Judicial Conference of the United States, differ
construction that will provide the appropriate acoustic
from ABAAS. Adaptability requires that dimensional
isolation:
consideration has been included in the original design to
STC of 40-45: One layer of 12.7mm (1/2") gypsum wallboard
incorporate accessible elements at a later time. Wherever
on each side of steel studs to the underside of
ramps or lifts are provided for access to a raised area,
structure with acoustic sealant at top and
railings must be provided as required.
bottom.
Infrastructure
STC of 50:
One layer of 15.9mm (5/8") gypsum wallboard
Electrical outlets, wiring, conduit, or raceways to support
on each side of steel studs, plus an additional
sound and visual communication equipment for persons
layer on one side, to the underside of
with disabilities shall be provided by GSA. Electrical
structure with acoustic sealant at top and
service may be required for: transcription services,
bottom. (Install 69.8mm (2-3/4") glass fiber
telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with
insulation in the wall cavity.)
hearing aids, closed caption decoders, text telephones
(TTYs) or other devices to assist those with hearing or
STC of 55:
One layer of 6.3mm (1/4") and 15.9 (5/8")
visual impairments.
gypsum wallboard on each side of steel studs
to the underside of structure with acoustic
Acoustic Planning Requirements
sealant at top and bottom. (Install 69.8mm (2-
3/4") glass fiber insulation in the wall cavity.)
The Project Design Team will include an acoustic
consultant who shall develop the appropriate information
Refer to discussions on the acoustic criteria for each
at each stage of the design process to assure the Courts
courthouse facility space described in the USCDG. (The
and GSA that sound/vibration issues have been properly
finished space performance will be tested against these
addressed.
specific requirements.)
The following is a list of NIC and STC ratings for privacy
levels required in a courthouse:
Privacy Level
NIC*
STC
Inaudible
65
55
Confidential
50
50
Normal
40
45
Minimal
27
40
*Per USCDG Standards
268 F A C I L I T I E S S T A N D A R D S
FOR THE
PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
SERVICE
9.2 General Requirements
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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