WHETHER GYPSUM PLASTER IS SOUND ABSORBING ?

In recent years, people's interest in solving the situation has increased, especially in cities where noise concentrations are higher because of extremely high traffic and industry development. Problems associated with noise in such environment are constantly increasing and therefore people require somehow protect their buildings or working spaces. For this reason, it is necessary to take care about the selection of materials with improved sound insulation just during the construction of building. The ability of building materials to absorb sound waves usually depends on their stiffness, density and porosity.

A number of plasters are used in plastering, among them gypsum plaster offers better advantages, in terms of smooth finish coat, strength, curing time, good insulation, shrinkage crack resistant, light weight and resistant to fire. Gypsum plaster, is a typically cheaper material. It exhibits good thermal insulation and acoustic attenuation. Owing to its thermal properties, the plaster is thought to be a hygroscopic material, which permits the regulation of the room microclimate. Vapor can permeate into the plaster and does not close the water in the construction while simultaneously permitting the natural drying of residual water from the blocks. Gypsum plaster is suitable for antibacterial environment because its smooth surface prevents dust from settling on it. At high temperatures, water vapor is released by gypsum, which is typically used to increase fire resistance

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With growing acceptance of acoustic control as a key contributor to indoor environmental quality, building project teams are looking for practical, new ways for reducing ambient noise to enhance occupant comfort and concentration.

Among acousticians, it is generally accepted most people in average public spaces would need to speak at least 15 dB louder than the ambient noise level to be heard at all. Therefore, a conversation that would normally register moderate sound levels 40 to 60 dB can encroach into the loud sound range 60 to 80 dB when the speakers try to overcome background noise already in the moderate sound level range. Hence, it is best for ambient noise to be limited to less than 40 dB in a space where conversations or public speaking are regularly taking place.

Healthcare facilities are under constant pressure to provide a pleasant, quiet, and calming interior environment that supports faster healing. Hospitals designed and constructed with reduced noise levels typically experience higher patient satisfaction due to the more comforting environment and improved sleep. These factors can lead to quicker healing times, which can mean shorter stays and reduced costs for both patients and hospitals. From a hospital employee perspective, a low-noise environment can increase job satisfaction, which could reduce employee turnover.

Noise stimuli in critical care units have been associated with physiological stress in patients, and those who undergo surgery are more likely to suffer surgical site infections (SSIs) if the operating room is too noisy. Acoustic control is also important for patient rooms, as too much noise can disturb sleep, also prolonging recovery.

With schools, it is imperative for designers to create an effective learning environment, characterized by clear communication between teachers and students. Ambient noise (e.g. conversations in hallways, sound systems, neighboring classrooms, and mechanical equipment) can easily distract students and interfere with communication.

Excessive ambient noise also may cause teachers to raise their voices, which further increases the noise level and can cause vocal strain for the teacher. Concerns like these have inspired more stringent school acoustical requirements for both new construction and remodels from leading building standards.

With various investigations and studies conducted it is evident that gypsum plaster is sound absorbing material. Gypsum plaster is the cheapest acoustic controlling material for our buildings, which can automatically provide a clean, clear and healthy environment in our spaces we live in.

One of the best advantages of gypsum plaster, that impress a common man is, the touch and feel factor. One will be mesmerized to see the finish and feel the difference once he/she touches the gypsum plastered surface. The temperature of the surface will be cool enough that one will say, this is AWSOME!