Determining the effect of multifunctional partitions on noise level at "Open space" offices

• Main Authors: Viacheslav Berezutskyi, Olha Ilinska, Ludmila Vaskovets, Iryna Mezentseva, Viktoriya Khalil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PC Technology Center 2019-04-01
• Series: Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies
• Subjects: "open space" office; workspace localization; construction partitions
• Online Access: http://journals.uran.ua/eejet/article/view/164786

Multifunction partitions and their influence on noise levels were explored. It was emphasized that the existing systems of classification of building partitions explore them based on the convenience of their use, material, design, etc. At the same time, not enough attention was paid to their impact on the indicators of a decrease in noise levels in office premises. Partitions are made of different materials, having different properties; they are different in shape and enclosure of premises or workspace at different distances from the floor. In such cases, there arises a complicated problem of selecting certain types of partitions, which, as shown in the research, make it possible to solve the problem of optimizing working conditions and reduce the negative effect of noise on the health of employees. The performed research showed that the set problem of noise reduction through the use of partitions can be solved. The factors that should be especially taken into consideration include the height of a partition (degree of enclosure of the height of premises by a partition), material of partitions, existence of technological openings and the geometry of their location. It was revealed that double-layer walls, made of heavy materials (density ≈2,500 kg/m3) and 100 % premises enclosure by height, can reduce the noise level by 2–3 times (from 90 dBA to 30–45 dBA). Glass partitions (glass pipes) of moderate heaviness (≈1,200 kg/m3) reduce noise by 1.5–1.6 times. If enclosure of premises is not complete or there are openings, ventilation shafts, etc., the effect of influence of partitions decreases considerably, reducing it almost to zero. Significant influence of partitions takes place in the frequency range of 200–3,000 Hz at noise level of 40–60 dBA. Noise was explored in the premises of the "Open space" type, where various options of partitions were applied (glass pipes in metal casings, ceramic panels, foam plastic panels). The research found that partitions can have a significant impact on noise indicators, but only on condition of complete enclosure of premises by height, closed doors and construction channels in walls. It was established that the material of partitions does not affect noise indicators if the degree of premises enclosure is not complete (less than 100 %). The studies proved the relevance of scientific substantiation of partitions’ application and of determining the relations of premises enclosure with the factors that affect employees with a view to improving their working conditions. Improvement of working conditions, in turn, will make it possible to decrease professional diseases, minimize turnover, and increase work efficiency