Regarding noise propagation

[Helios047]

TL;DR

How to reduce propagating noise to 20 dB minimum in a multi-story building. General assumptions: 72F, wall thickness = 2 ft, material = paper/gypsum.

Need help

 

[Drakkith]

There is simply not enough information here to help you. How loud is the noise you are trying to block? How far away is it? Is this a residential building? Etc.

Probably the easiest thing to do is to simply buy some soundproofing material and install it. There are many options at various prices that you can find online.

 

[Tom.G]

Probably the easiest thing to do is to simply buy some soundproofing material and install it.

I second that. See if it is adequate.

Those are thick walls!

If the walls are hollow, that 2 foot spacing may resonate at musical notes around B5, F#6, B6.

Noise transmission will be affected by what the wallboard is attached to inside the walls. For instance if both surfaces are attached to structure that supports both sides of the wall, the noise will be conducted thru that common structure.

One common approach in original construction is to have different thickness wall board on each side of the wall; this avoids resonance between the two, and in some circumstances, can greatly reduce noise transmission.

Or put a second layer of wallboard on one, or even both, sides. That may or may not be cheaper than soundproofing material.

Also, if the noise is very low frequency (more of a vibration) then it could also couple thru the floor, making the adjacent wall vibrate.

More information is needed as to the environment & usage, floor construction, what is inside those 2 foot walls, the type of noise involved such as voices, heavy machinery, or ???.

Many Architects are somewhat familiar with soundproofing approaches and may be of some help. Last resort ($$$) could be an Acoustics Engineer.

Please keep us updated on what you find, we like to learn too!

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Baluncore]

Get some thick rugs for the floor.
Hang heavy carpets on the walls.
Stick egg cartons to the ceiling.
Wear noise-cancelling headphones.
Move to a deep cave system or a snow cave.

 

[berkeman]

TL;DR Summary: How to reduce propagating noise to 20 dB minimum in a multi-story building. General assumptions: 72F, wall thickness = 2 ft, material = paper/gypsum.

Need help

It looks like you are still at university. Is this question for schoolwork, or are you having noise problems in the dorms?

 

[sophiecentaur]

Those are thick walls!

If they are hollow (stud walls?) then fill them with sound absorbing filler. Sound can get through unexpected gaps even in solid brick walls.

There is simply not enough information here to help you.

But much more detail is needed to get anywhere at all with this. I can say with some certainty that there will be no quick and cheap solution. Unwanted sound is the very devil to deal with

 

[Vanadium 50]

Since this was a post-and-run, there's probably no reason to continue, but I am still amused that the OP felt that telling us the endpoint of 20 dB was important, but the starting point was not.

I once stayed at a hotel right next to an airline engine test facility. You should have seen the walls and windows!