ACOUSTICS

UNIT V
Acoustic design process and requirements of different types of
buildings: Auditoriums, concert halls, cinema halls, Seminar
rooms, lecture halls, class rooms and open offices. Exercises
involving reverberation time and absorption co-efficient.

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FACTORS AFFECTING ACCOUSTICS OF A BUILDING
REVERBERATION TIME
• If a hall is to be acoustically satisfactory , it is essential that it should have the right reverberation
time. The reverberation time should be neither too long nor too short . A very short reverberation
time makes a room ‘dead’ .On the other hand , a long reverberation time renders speech
unintelligible.
• The optimum value for reverberation time depends on the purpose for which a hall is designed.
REMEDIES
• The reverberation time can be controlled by the suitable choice of building materials and furnishing
materials.
• Since open windows allow the sound energy to flow out of the hall , there should be a limited
number of windows . They may be opened or closed to obtain optimum reverberation time.
• Cardboard sheets, perforated sheets, felt , heavy curtains , thick carpets, etc. are used to increase
wall and floor surface absorption . Therefore, the walls are to be provided with absorptive materials
to the required extent and at suitable places.
• Heavy fold curtains may be used to increase the absorption. Covering the floor with carpet also
increase the absorption.
• Audience also contribute to absorption of sound . The absorption coefficient of an individual is
about 0.45 Sabines.
• In order to compensate for an increase in the reverberation time due to an unexpected decrease in
audience strength , upholstered seats are to be provided in the hall.
• Absorption due to an upholstered chair is equivalent to that of an individual.
REVERBERATION TIME
FACTORS AFFECTING ACOUSTICS OF A
BUILDING
LOUDNESS
• Sufficient loudness at every point on the hall is important factor for
satisfactory hearing.
• Excessive absorption in the hall or lack of reflecting surfaces near the sound
source may lead to decrease in the loudness of the sound.
REMEDIES
• A hard reflecting surface positioned near the sound source improve the
loudness.
• Low ceilings are also of help in reflecting the sound energy towards the
audience.
• Adjusting the absorptive material in the hall will improve the situation.
• When the hall is large and audience are more , loud speakers are to be
installed to obtain the desired level of loudness.
 FACTORS AFFECTING ACOUSTICS OF A BUILDING

FOCUSSING
• Reflecting concave surfaces cause concentration of reflected sound , creating a sound
of larger intensity at the focal point . These spots are known as sound foci.
• Such concentrations of sound intensity at some points lead to deficiency of reflected
sound at other points.
• The spots of sound deficiency are known as dead spots . The sound intensity will be low
at dead spots and inadequate hearing.
• Further , if they are highly reflecting parallel surfaces in the hall , the reflected and
direct sound waves may form standing waves which leads to uneven distribution of
sound in the hall.
REMEDIES
• The sound foci and dead spots may be eliminated if curvilinear interiors are avoided . I f
such surfaces are present , they should be covered by highly absorptive materials.
• Suitable sound diffusers are to be installed in the hall to cause even distribution of
sound in the hall.
• A paraboloidal reflecting surface arranged with the speaker at its focus is helpful in
directing a uniform reflected beam of sound in the hall.
 FACTORS AFFECTING ACOUSTICS OF A BUILDING

ECHOES
• When the walls of the hall are parallel , hard and separated by about 34m
distance , echoes are formed.
• Curved smooth surfaces of walls also produce echoes.
REMEDIES
• This defect is avoided by selecting proper shape for the auditorium.
• Use of splayed side walls instead of parallel walls greatly reduces the
problem and enhance the acoustical quality of the hall
• Echoes may be avoided by covering the opposite walls and high ceiling
with absorptive material.
FACTORS AFFECTING ACOUSTICS OF A BUILDING

ECHELON EFFECT
• If a hall has a flight of steps , with equal width, the sound waves
reflected from them will consist of echoes with regular phase
difference .
• These echoes combine to produce a musical note which will be heard
along with the direct sound . This is called echelon effect.
• It makes the original sound unintelligible or confusing.
REMEDIES
• It may be remedied by having steps of unequal width.
• The steps may be covered with proper sound absorbing materials ,
for example with a carpet.
RESONANCE
• Sound waves are capable of setting physical vibration in surrounding objects , such as window
panes , walls , enclosed air , etc.
• The vibrating objects in turn produce sound waves .
• The frequency of the forced vibration may match some frequency of the sound produced and
hence result in resonance phenomenon.
• Due to the resonance certain tones of the original music may get reinforced that may result in
distortion of the original sound.
REMEDIES
• The vibrations of bodies may be suitably damped to eliminate resonance due to them by
proper maintenance and selection.
ACOUSTICAL DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS
ACOUSTICAL DESIGN STEPS
An acoustical consultant should take the following steps in designing a room for speech communication:
Assess the acoustical requirements.
Will the room be configured in a lecture style with a fixed speaker location or will it be a more interactive type of
use as in many meeting rooms and classrooms? Will users of the room regularly include those with special
acoustical needs such as very young, very old or hearing-impaired listeners who would require superior listening
conditions? (Listeners with more severe hearing impairment may require the installation of systems that transmit
speech to personal receiving devices.)
Choose a maximum noise level goal.
Determine the maximum ambient noise level criterion from Figure 2 and modify it to meet the needs of
particular users.
Design to meet noise criteria.
Set the maximum noise level criteria for mechanical systems. Room boundaries must be adequate barriers to
intruding noise from outdoors and from adjacent spaces.
Choose the reverberation time criterion.
Select the RT design goal from Figure 3 and use the lower (special needs) curve if more critical uses are expected.
Determine the required total sound absorption and amount of material to be added.
Figure 4 gives a simple estimate of the total required sound absorption. Calculating the amount of added sound-
absorbing material requires knowledge of the sound absorption of various products and an estimate of the
absorption of the expected room occupants.
Consider the room shape and the location of the sound-absorbing material.
In smaller rooms, sound-absorbing material should usually be distributed evenly over the room surfaces but
avoiding the center portion of the ceiling and surfaces close to talker locations such as fixed podiums. In larger
rooms the shape of the room and the location of absorption will also be important.
 ACOUSTICS FOR
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
BUILDINGS
LECTURE HALLS
Acoustic considerations
• Speech intelligibility and rhetoric must be in focus in lecture halls.
• Ideal acoustic conditions are ensured by creating a sonorous room – a rich sound environment with a
hint of resonance.
• Furthermore, good sound diffusion is necessary in order to spread the consonants to the audience.
Acoustic design
• Recommended reverberation time is 1 second.
• the NC level should not exceed 25 to 30.
• The front wall and ceilings can be reflective, enabling sound to reach everyone.
• Absorptive material on the back and side walls will help reduce the reverberation time and unwanted
reflections.
• If possible, try to avoid parallel surfaces, which can cause flutter echoes.
• Consider splaying or canting the sidewalls.
• Lecture halls must be fitted with sound reflecting elements above the speaker.
• In addition, it is important to enable the sound to be angled so that it can reach the audience.
• The ceiling can be created as a separate shape that prevents the sound from being reflected back to
the speaker.
• Walls should have a Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) rating of not less than 50.
• Walls must extend to the floor above or to the roof construction, and not stop at the ceiling.
The mix of sound- reflectant and sound-absorbent materials must be carefully calculated to control
reverberation without creating a sound-deadened room.
Ceilings should be sloped or stepped and primarily of a hard surface.
Acoustical treatment for the ceiling, if required, should be installed around the perimeter of the sides and
rear in the form of a ‘U’ with the front and middle sections of hard surfaced , sound reflectant materials.
Acoustical treatment normally will not exceed 40-50% of the ceiling surface.
Partial wall-surface treatments should be considered as an alternative to ceiling treatment.
The back wall may need to be 50-100% covered with acoustical absorption materials.
Care must be exercised in isolating the facility from exterior noise as well as controlling the background
noise level in the room, especially that generated by the mechanical systems.
Ambient sound levels measured at 4 feet above the floor at all points throughout the room must have a
Noise Criterion (NC) rating of more than 35.
The mechanical system should generate a background noise of not more than NC 15-20.
Factors that have been identified in the design of a quiet operating system include :
• Air handlers or fans located away from the lecture hall
• Low velocity of air within the lecture hall
• Proper sizing and acoustical treatment of ducts , returns and diffusers.
• For lecture halls noise limits of 35 dB(A) or 30 dB(A) are recommended.
Requirements Maximum Noise Level
Low 40 dB(A)
Middle 35 dB(A)
High 30 dB(A)
• Maximum allowable background noise levels
CLASSROOMS
Acoustic considerations
• in a class room, it is important to ensure good speech and listening comfort.
• the most important aspect in achieving listening comfort is the audibility and clarity of consonants.
• this is due to the fact that comprehension of speech is dependent on consonants.
• in addition, interfering noise must be reduced so that it does not drown or ”mask” the relevant sound.
• speech comfort is ensured by creating a sense of reverb in order for the rhetoric effects to be used.
• if too much sound is absorbed, the rhetoric effects of the speech will disappear.
• if too little sound is absorbed, the noise will impede the listening comfort.
Acoustic design
• rectangular room, 50 to 70 m². ceiling height max. 3 m.
• room dimension may not be close to or exceed 1:2.
Ceiling:
• Acoustic materials with sound absorbing and diffusing properties, as well as a small amount of reflection.
• The area of the ceiling to be acoustical tile is a function of ceiling height.
ceiling height %of acoustical tile
10feet 40-50
12feet 50-60
• These numbers presume the use of Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) 0.55-0.65 tile in a ceiling suspension system.
• The acoustical tile should be arranged in the form of a ‘U’ around the perimeter of the room , with the opening at the front
and rest of the ceiling a hard material such as gypsum board or plaster.
Walls:
• Sound absorbing materials with diffusion characteristics.
• Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC) not less than 50.
• Walls must extend to the floor above or to the roof construction, and not stop at the ceiling. This will reduce
noise transmission.
• Higher STC ratings and special wall construction details must be included whenever classrooms are located
to ,adjacent, or below restrooms, mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, athletic facilities , or other sources of high
noise levels or where the classroom function generates a significant amount of noise.
• Concrete masonry units may be used, but may have to be covered with another finish in order to provide proper
acoustical treatment.
• Folded walls are extremely undesirable and should not be used except under very extraordinary circumstances.
It is difficult to develop a folding-wall design that is able to maintain adequate sound separation between
classrooms.
• Sound levels as generated by mechanical systems or other ambient noise measured at all points in a classroom
at 4 feet above the floor must have a Noise Criterion (NC) rating of not more than 35.
Mechanical systems:
• The mechanical systems supporting general purpose classrooms should generate a background noise of not
more than NC 35.
• The air changes and circulation of air per ASHRA standards is a critical factor instructional spaces . This must be
achieved with effective control of HVAC system-generated background noise.
Utility Boxes:
• When classrooms share a common wall, electrical receptacles or other utility boxes should not be installed back-
to-back with similar receptacles in the next room.
• Off setting the boxes will reduce sound transmission between rooms.
OPEN OFFICES
Acoustic considerations
• Open plan offices are best suitable for employees with related work functions and the occupations
requiring visual and verbal contact.
• The most important acoustic measure is sound separation.
• The interior fit-out plays therefore an important acoustic role.
• In addition, personal relations have a decisive influence of the perception of sound versus noise.
• It is thus in some cases required to plan the fit-out on a more individual level.
Acoustic design
• It is important to create discontinuous ceiling and wall surfaces, both as structures, inclinations or
curves.
• Hard surfaced elements that reflect sound should be avoided or equipped with sound absorbers.
• Alternatively, the groups should be separated by room dividing elements, stretching from the ceiling
to the floor.
BLOCK SOUND
• To stop the direct path of sound, we erect barriers (system wall panels) which stop sound from passing through. The STC, or
Sound Transmission Class, of a partition measures the ability of a barrier to stop sound from passing through it. A material of
an STC of 21 will prevent 21 decibels from passing through.
• The most sound reduction that can be expected between workstations is 21 decibels, because sound will diffract, that is, bend
over the top and around the side of partial height partitions. An STC of more than 21 is not generally an advantage.
ABSORBING SOUND
• Acoustically absorbent panels absorb rather than reflect sound. The reflection of sound off hard surfaces is called
reverberation. The absorption of sound, on the other hand, actually refers to energy conversion.
• Sound is created when something resonates i.e. pushes against the air and retracts creating waves of dense and rarefied air –
fluctuations in air pressure.
• Sound is a form of energy, and energy cannot be destroyed. It can be dissipated as it spreads out over distance or converted
into another form of energy. Acoustical panels convert sound energy into mechanical energy. As sound waves impact the
material, the material responds by vibrating. Those vibrations (“wiggles’) are then dissipated as a minute amount of heat. The
ability of a material to convert sound energy to mechanical energy is measured in a test that provides the Noise Reduction
Coefficient (NRC). An NRC of 70 means that a material absorbs 70 percent of the sound that hits it. The reciprocal, 30 percent,
is returned.
• The ability of a material to absorb sound determines its acoustical capabilities. The most effective sound reduction in a office
environment is achieved when the higher frequencies of human speech, those that lend intelligibility, are those which are
absorbed. These are often referred to as the articulate speech frequencies.
• The NRC is a simple average of the material’s absorption of sound at frequencies of 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Hertz (Hz).
Hertz cycles per second (CPS), and frequency all refer to the number of fluctuations per second which determines the pitch of
a sound.
• In evaluating an NRC rating for open plan acoustics, it is important that the higher absorption coefficients are at the higher
frequencies (the articulate frequencies of human speech).
• Two different materials may have the same NRC but, the one which absorbs more of the intelligible (higher) speech
frequencies is a more effective material for controlling sound in an office environment. In fact, the reflection of low
frequencies may be an advantage in that it permits an ambient sound level that can reinforce the background masking sound.
CONCERT HALLS
• The reverberation time will depend on what type of concert is performed.
• For classical or orchestral music, a higher reverberation time would be appropriate
(approximately 2 sec), for a rock concert, a lower reverberation time would be appropriate
(approximately 1 sec). Find a happy medium, perhaps 1.5 sec. This only applies to indoor
venues.
• It is vital to control the reflections from the back wall. If not, the presentation could reflect off
the back wall and "slap back" to the presenter(s). This won't necessarily impact the audience,
but could be disastrous and distracting for the people on stage. Because of this, it's usually
necessary to splay or tilt the back wall to avoid slap back. A concave back wall could
compound this problem. If not, it's imperative that it be treated with absorptive material.
• Control the reverberation time on the stage. Ideally, the reverberation time in the stage area
should be the same as in the house. Since the stage area might have a higher ceiling than the
rest of the auditorium, more absorptive materials might be required in this area. Frequently,
the back wall of the stage, and possibly one or two of the side walls, is treated with an
acoustically absorptive material, typically black in color.
• Beware of potential noise impact to your space from exterior sources and/or excessive HVAC
noise. In the design, the NC level should not exceed 25 to 35. When specifying NC, specify an
actual rating, such as NC 30, rather than a range, such as NC 30-35. Although specifying a
lower number will ensure minimal background noise, it might be cost prohibitive to achieve.
CINEMA HALL
• Recommended reverberation time: 0.8-1.2 seconds.
• Background noise levels should be kept to a minimum. Three primary
potential noise sources are mechanical equipment (HVAC), noise from
adjacent theaters and lobby, and outdoor noise.
• HVAC noise, which is often overlooked, can negatively impact the usability
of a space. To help protect your design, the NC level should not exceed 30
to 35. When specifying NC, specify an actual rating, such as NC 30, rather
than a range, such as NC 30-35. Although specifying a lower number will
ensure minimal background noise, it might be cost prohibitive to achieve
• Noise from the lobby area can be disruptive. Be sure openings such as
doorways are properly sealed. Consider a vestibule door system.
• Excessive room length should be avoided.
• Beware of potential outdoor noise impacting your space.
• A common, and often ineffective, practice is to use absorptive materials
only on the back wall of a cinema. This is meant to reduce slap back; but
slap back impacts the performers, which, in this case, are actors on a
movie screen. Primary concern should be given to the audience. Although
absorption on the back wall might be necessary, the critical areas are the
side walls. Walls, except possibly those closest to the screen, should be
absorptive.
• It is vital to control the noise transfer between theaters. The STC rating
should be at least 60-65, but keep in mind that STC ratings only address
noise isolation from 125 Hz to 4000 Hz. This range is fine when considering
speech frequencies, but gives no information for sounds that register at
lower frequencies, such as the base notes of the music or explosion sound
effects, which often register below 125 Hz. In such cases, be aware that the
STC rating might not accurately describe how well that particular wall will
work at that noise level.
AUDITORIUMS
• Recommended reverberation time is 1.0-1.5 seconds (might be higher for some auditoriums).
• Although the seating area will provide absorption, thereby reducing the reverberation time,
absorptive materials are to be added to the other surfaces within the space.
• It is vital to control the reflections from the back wall. If not, the presentation could reflect off
the back wall and "slap back" to the presenter(s). This won't necessarily impact the audience,
but could be disastrous and distracting for the people on stage. Because of this, it's usually
necessary to treat the back wall with an absorptive material. A concave back wall could
compound this problem. If not, it's imperative that it be treated with absorptive material.
• Splay or use irregular surfaces on the walls to avoid flutter echoes. Parallel reflective surfaces
can allow sound to "ricochet" back and forth between the surfaces. This potentially annoying
condition is referred to as standing wave or flutter echo. It is avoided by constructing non-
parallel surfaces or by adding absorptive materials to the surface(s).
• Consider faceting the ceiling to help with sound dispersion.
• Control the reverberation time on the stage. Ideally, the reverberation time in the
stage area should be the same as in the house. Since the stage area might have a
higher ceiling than the rest of the auditorium, more absorptive materials might be
required in this area. Frequently, the back wall of the stage, and possibly one or two of
the side walls, is treated with an acoustically absorptive material, typically black in
color.
• Remember the space will be less absorptive when only half full, since the audience
itself is absorptive. By using absorptive seating areas, the reverberation time will
remain more consistent regardless of the audience size.
• Noise from the lobby area can be disruptive. Be sure openings such as doorways are
properly sealed. Consider a vestibule door system.
• Persons seated deep under a balcony might experience auditory distortion. To avoid
this, the balcony should be no deeper than twice its height. Ideally, the balcony should
not be any deeper than its height.
• Even if everything else is controlled perfectly, the space might not be usable if the
background noise (e.g. HVAC system) is too loud. For good design, the NC level should
not exceed 20 to 35. When specifying NC, specify an actual rating, such as NC 20, rather
than a range, such as NC 20-30. Although specifying a lower number will ensure
minimal background noise, it might be cost prohibitive to achieve.
SEMINAR ROOMS
For Acoustic Treatment in conference halls and Seminar halls three basic steps kept in mind.
1. Sound isolation to avoid noise disturbance and to achieve good speech privacy.
2. Room finishes to create an acoustical environment conducive to discussion over the length of long
boardroom tables.
3. HVAC system noise control to reduce background noise and further provide for discussions over
those long tables.
A conference room is designed for two acoustic purposes:
• Confine sound within the walls so people on the outside cannot hear what is said inside.
• Create a good environment for conversations, both those made within and those made through a
speakerphone or similar.
• This means that the walls are thick and rigid – not letting much sound through and thus the sound is
trapped inside in the form of echoes or reverberations.
• These echoes pollute the acoustic environment on the inside and must therefore be eliminated –
something which is best done by sound absorption.
• Since the conversation that created these echoes consists of both high and low frequencies then the
echoes also consists of both high and low frequencies.
• Because of this both high and low frequencies alike need to be removed, or absorbed, and preferably
equally much of each.
• Aim for having at least 15% of the wall surface covered with panels for the best result (if there are no
other acoustic improvements).
• The best way is to either have them on all walls or on two walls out of four - this way there is no room
for echoes to bounce back and forth.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• https://geonoise.asia/acoustic-consulting-services/acoustical-design-process/
• https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building%20acoustics#.YradBScyV
kI.whatsapp
• https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/architectural-acoustics
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-key-acoustic-design-considerations-get-m
ost-out-video-ottley
• https://www.iands.design/acoustics/article/10168550/what-to-consider-for-a
coustics-design
• https://technosonus.com/acousticservice.html