UFC 4-179-02
5 March 2020
41
Noise to Adjacent Land.
Consider all notable sources of noise associated with the training facility when
determining its layout. Noise transmitted outside of indoor ranges can be significant
and depends on several factors including weapons and ammunition, thickness and
material of walls and roof, roof to wall connections, and direction of fire. Air handling
and dust collection systems can also produce significant noise. Noise transmitted
outside of indoor ranges can be reduced through a combination of strategic layout,
acoustic dampening characteristics of construction materials, and construction methods.
The location of the range and the adjoining land use will determine the acceptable level
of noise transmitted outside of the range.
Noise Inside the Training Area.
The training area design must incorporate acoustic control elements to reduce internal
ambient noise levels and reverberation time. To meet these levels, the acoustic design
should incorporate strategic layout, construction materials with acoustic dampening
characteristics, and intentional construction method types. The seals on doors and
windows should be tight to minimize the direct transmission of noise out of the firing
range and into other interior rooms or occupied spaces of the facility. Absorptive
acoustical surfacing will reduce the noise level in the range. Ambient noise does not
include the impulse noise generated by gunfire but does include other noise sources
such as air handling and dust collection systems. Ambient noise levels are generally
controlled by preventing the noise from reaching the occupied spaces. Some noise
sources can be isolated from the occupied spaces. Walls with designated Sound
Transmission Class (STC) ratings can also be used to separate noise generating
equipment from occupied spaces. Extending partitions to the ceiling or roof level and
sealing air gaps will reduce noise transmission.
Short duration impulse noise peaks created by gunfire will exceed the 85 dBA level and
could exceed 160 dBA. Reflective surfaces in a range will reverberate noise during
firing, extending the decay time of the noise.
Acoustical Treatment Locations.
Acoustic absorbing materials may be used behind the firing line and on the wall, ceiling,
and ceiling baffle surfaces extending down range. Treat the ceiling baffle nearest to the
firing line with acoustic absorbing materials as it is the most important ceiling baffle
regarding noise levels behind the firing line. Floor areas of the range must remain bare
concrete or steel. The floor behind the firing line may be covered with rubber or other
acoustic mitigating materials so long as the materials are suitable for floor application
and do not impede the removal of ammunition residue. Include the acoustic design
calculations in the design analysis.
Acoustic Panels.
Acoustic panels may be installed on walls, ceilings, and baffles. Blown-on acoustic
material and carpeting are not permitted due to the difficulty of cleaning accumulated