Architectural and Building Acoustics

Learning Outcomes

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply prediction methods to assess the transmission of noise in buildings and its mitigation.
• Use room acoustics software to model simple auditoria
• Make basic room acoustic measurements and determine the various indicators used for auditorium acoustics
• Select appropriate building constructions for the solution of practical noise problems and evaluate their performance
• Understand standard measurement methods that are used in building acoustics.
• Apply prediction methods to assess the reverberation of sound in rooms.

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Selection of building constructions and room finishes to meet target performance according to relevant international and national standards.
• Selection of room finishes (absorbent materials) and wall designs (for sound insulation) to meet target performance according to relevant international and national standards.
• Assessed by two written assignments.
• Mathematical analysis of measured data from three labs to quantify sound absorption, sound transmission and auditorium acoustical performance.
• Use of a variety of analytical tools and methods including CATT-Acoustic for ray tracing / image source modelling of an auditorium and both empirical and analytical methods for building acoustics calculations.
• Carry out laboratory exercises as part of a team.
• In building acoustics students should be able to use and show understanding of various calculation methods for the prediction of reverberation, sound insulation and noise levels in buildings. In the assessment of auditoria, students should demonstrate understanding of the implications of various indicators used to describe room acoustic performance.
• Application of relevant international standards for building acoustics and room acoustics and application of standard measurement methods.

Building acoustics:

• Legal framework: building regulations (relating to noise); Approved Document E; particular requirements for schools (Building Bulletin 93) and hospitals (HTM08-01).
• Sound insulation (laboratory tests, according to ISO 10140, in-situ tests according to ISO 16283, single number ratings Rw and Dw according to ISO 717, typical building constructions).
• Absorption and reverberation time (Sabine and Eyring models, air absorption, typical absorption spectra, requirements for different purposes).
• Background noise criteria (NR, PNC, STI); sources of external noise (rain noise, traffic, etc); sources of noise within buildings (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning noise sources; fans;

boilers; chillers; packaged units). Guidance according to BS8233.

• Vibration isolation (of noisy equipment, of buildings); ground-borne noise from underground railways.
• Laboratory sessions: measurement of sound insulation according to ISO 16283; measurement of sound absorption according to ISO 354.

Auditorium acoustics:

• Subjective and objective requirements for different rooms (concert halls, theatres, opera houses, multi-purpose halls).
• Reverberation (T20, T30, EDT); other indicators (clarity C80, D50, lateral energy fraction, sound strength) according to ISO 3382.
• Absorption of seats, audience, other materials, variable absorption.
• Scattering and diffusion.
• Measurement of impulse responses; determination of room acoustic parameters from the IR.
• Sound source characteristics (musical instruments, speech, singing; sound power, directivity).
• Prediction methods (image sources, ray tracing, beam/cone tracing, finite differences, modal methods, physical scale modelling).
• Public address system design for buildings and auditoria.
• Laboratory sessions: measurement of room impulse responses; use of CATT-Acoustic to predict room acoustics.

Optional introductory sessions will be provided for students with no background in acoustics.

This is a one-semester course, normally three lectures per week. Detailed lecture notes are provided and one-to-one assistance and verbal feedback is facilitated through laboratory and tutorial classes.

Three laboratories are included: sound transmission, sound absorption and room impulse responses. In addition, training is given on the use of CATT-Acoustic software for room acoustic prediction. Blackboard is used to allow the lectures and additional material to be disseminated. Students are encouraged to read supporting texts and a booklist is provided.

Visiting lectures from Arup Acoustics staff are included covering practical aspects of building acoustics and auditorium design.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.