Abstract |
This report presents a methodology developed to measure the cost impacts of acoustical performance requirements for new buildings. The methodology can be applied to a wide range of noise control requirements. The cost items addressed by this methodology are expected changes in construction costs, the cost of acoustical testing to certify levels of performance, code administration costs, and energy savings due to modifications of the building envelope. The building components considered, which are those most commonly affected by noise comtrol requirements, are doors, windows, interior walls, exterior walls, and floor/ ceiling assemblies. The basic cost assessment method consists of linear cost estimation equations for most component designs commonly used in educational and multifamily residential buildings. Each equation relates the acoustical performance of the design to its construction cost so that construction costs associated with alternate levels of acoustical performance can be compared. The methodology also includes a cost minimization model useful for selecting the least-cost design for a particular level of acoustical performance. |