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Compliance Documents
Training Series
G6 Airborne & Impact Sound
2 LBP skills maintenance points
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Ltd ©© 2014
2014
G6
G6 Airborne
Airborne and
and Impact
Impact Sound
Sound
-- 1
1 --
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Published: Version 1; October, 2009
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Content
Introduction
4
Symbols
4
Download Requirements
4
NZ Building Code Clause G6 5
Activities
5
Navigating Your Way Around the Compliance Document
6
References 6
Definitions
7
Verification Method 8
Acceptable Solution 8
Answers to Activities
11
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Introduction
The New Zealand Building Code clause G6 was first published in July 1992.
A compliance document is for use in establishing compliance with the New Zealand
Building Code. There are also other methods of compliance which are detailed in the New
Zealand Building Code Handbook.
For the document history please refer to the inside cover of the document.
Symbols

Activity 1
Where you see the glasses symbol you are being asked to complete an activity using the
Clause G6 Document.

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This training module is based on the Department of Building and Housing (DBH)
Compliance Document G6 Airborne and Impact Sound, amendment 2 effective 1
December 1995.
Tip
Where you see the symbol you should pause to read this carefully as it is an important tip or
note.
For this course you will need to download
• Compliance Document Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound from
www.dbh.govt.nz

Tip
It is recommended that you make yourself familiar with the preface to the
New Zealand Building Code Handbook that both describes the status of
Compliance Documents and explains alternative methods of achieving
compliance.
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NZ Building Code Clause G6 – Airborne and Impact Sound
All Compliance Documents commence with a copy of the relevant NZ Building Code clause.
Activity 1
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
All Compliance Documents commence with a copy of the relevant NZ Building Code
clause.
Review the NZBC clause for G6 [page 3 of the Document]
Q.1
What is the objective of clause G6?
[G6.1] _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Q. 2 Fill in the blanks from the functional requirement:
[G6.2]
Building elements which are …………………… between occupancies, shall
be constructed to prevent undue noise …………………………………….from
other occupancies or common spaces, to the ……………………… ……………
of household units.
Q.3
Consider the performance requirements and answer the questions below:
[G6.3.1] The Sound Transmission Class of walls, floors and ceilings shall be no
less than what figure?
_____________________________________________________
[G6.3.2] Fill in the blanks below:
The Impact Insulation Class of …………………………..shall be no less than 55.
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Navigating Your Way Around the Compliance Document
The Compliance Document G6 Airborne and Impact Sound contains the following sections:
[page 5]
•
References
•
Definitions
•
Verification Method G6/VM1
•
Acceptable Solution G6/AS1
•
An index

Activity 2
Refer to the References section of the G6 Document [page 7 ]
Q.1
#
1
There are five referenced documents quoted in Verification Method G6/VM1.
Please note them below - the first has been done for you.
Source and Standard(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials
Description
Method for measurement of airborne
sound insulation in buildings.
ASTM E 336: 1990
2
3
4
5
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Definitions
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An abbreviated list of definitions for words or terms particularly relevant to Compliance
Document G6 are found on page 9 of the Document.

Tip
Definitions for any other italicised word may be found in the NZ Building
Code Handbook, which contains a full list of definitions. The Handbook can
be downloaded from www.dbh.govt.nz If you do not understand any terms
refer back to this reference point and look up the word in alphabetical order.

Activity 3
Go to the definitions section of G6 and familiarise yourself with the meaning of the following
terms:
• Adequate
• Amenity
• Building
• Building element
• Fixture
• Habitable space
• Household unit
• Impact insulation class (IIC)
• Sound transmission class (STC)
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Verification Method G6/VM1
Sound Tests
Airborne Sound Insulation
Field Tests
Performance Verification
Procedures detailed in
ASTM E 366
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The field sound transmission class
may be verified using the described
method in ASTM E 413.
Impact Sound
Insulation Field Tests
Shall be within 5 dB
of the performance
requirement
Procedures detailed in ISO 140:
Part VII
The field impact insulation class
may be verified using the described
method in ASTM E 989.
Acceptable Solution G6/AS1

Activity 4
Carefully read Acceptable Solution G6/AS1 [pages 13 – 17] and test your understanding
with the exercises below:
Q.1 True or False? Please select the correct answer
(a) Sound transmitted through building elements can be minimised
T/F
(b) Building elements can be used for noise control T/F
(c) It is best to mount fixtures such as TV sets on common walls
T/F
(d) Unsealed air space can sometimes amplify sound
T/F
(e) Carpet on underlay is an optional part of the Acceptable Solution
T/F
(f) Additional airborne and impact sound insulation is sometimes required T/F
(g) Installations are made airtight by sealing joints between elements Building Networks Ltd © 2014
G6 Airborne and Impact Sound
T/F
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Q.2 Refer to Figure 1: Location of Building Elements Requiring Noise Control
[page 14 of the Document]
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Which wall assembly details should you refer to for two adjacent units?
(a)
Numbers 1 and 2
(b) Numbers 1-5 inclusive
(c) Numbers 5-10 inclusive
(d) Numbers 6 and 7
Q.3
Refer to Figure 2: Acceptable Wall Assemblies for Noise Control
[page 15 of the Document]
Detail 4 STC 55 requires what concrete wall minimum thickness?
(a)
400 mm
(b) 150 mm
(c) 200 mm
(d) 115 mm
Q.4
Refer to Figure 3: Acceptable Floor/Ceiling Assemblies for Noise Control
[page 16 of the Document]
Detail 5 STC 55 / IIC 55 requires how many layers of 12.5 mm plasterboard?
(a)
2(b) 4
(c) 1(d) none
Q.5
Refer to Figure 4: Acceptable Internal/External Wall Junction for Noise Control Between Two Units
[page 16 of the Document]
Plan Detail D requires what thickness of glass fibre?
(a)
25 mm
(b) 45 mm
(c) 75 mm
(d) 52 mm
Q.6
Refer to Figure 5: Acceptable Floor/Wall Junctions for Noise Control Between Four Units [page 17 of the Document]
Section Detail C requires what kind of sealant?
(a)
rubber(b) multi layered
(c) flexible
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(d) water based
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Notes:
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Answers to Activities
Activity 1:
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Q.1 What is the objective of clause G6?
[G6.1]
ANSWER
The objective of this provision is to safeguard people from illness or loss of amenity as a result of undue noise being transmitted between abutting occupancies.
Q. 2 Fill in the blanks from the functional requirement:
ANSWER
[G6.2]
Building elements which are common between occupancies, shall
be constructed to prevent undue noise transmission from
other occupancies or common spaces, to the habitable spaces
of household units.
Q.3 Consider the performance requirements and answer the questions below:
[G6.3.1] The Sound Transmission Class of walls, floors and ceilings shall be no
less than what figure?
ANSWER
55.
[G6.3.2] Fill in the blanks below:
ANSWER
The Impact Insulation Class of floors shall be no less than 55.
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Activity 2:
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Q.1 There are five referenced documents quoted in Verification Method G6/VM1. Please note
them below - the first has been done for you.
#
1
Source and Standard(s)
American Society for Testing
and Materials
Description
Method for measurement of airborne
sound insulation in buildings.
ASTM E 336: 1990
2
American Society for Testing and
Materials
Classification for rating sound insulation
ASTM E 413: 1987
3
4
American Society for Testing and
Materials
ASTM E 492: 1990
Test method for laboratory measurement
of impact sound transmission through
floor-ceiling assemblies using the tapping
machine
American Society for Testing and
Materials
Classification for determination of impact
insulation class (IIC)
ASTM E 989: 1989
5
International Standards Organisation
ISO 140/VII: 1978
Field measurements of impact sound
insulation of floors
Activity 3:
Review as required.
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Activity 4:
Q.1 True or False? Please select the correct answer
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ANSWER
(a) Sound transmitted through building elements can be minimised
T
(b) Building elements can be used for noise control T
(c) It is best to mount fixtures such as TV sets on common walls
F
(d) Unsealed air space can sometimes amplify sound
T
(e) Carpet on underlay is an optional part of the Acceptable Solution
F
(f) Additional airborne and impact sound insulation is sometimes required T
(g) Installations are made airtight by sealing joints between elements T
Q2. (b)
Q3. (b)
Q4. (a)
Q5. (c)
Q6. (c)
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Notes:
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PO Box 12463, Thorndon, Wellington
Phone: (+64) 04 472 1702
Email: office@buildingnetworks.co.nz
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