Building acoustics

• describe the fundamental acoustic concepts such as the sound pressure, sound power, sound energy density, sound intensity
• describe fundamental properties of hearing and effects of noise on human beings
• explain how sound is measured, describe the decibel scale, A-weighted levels, and octave and one-third octave bands
• explain the influence of wind and temperature gradients on outdoor sound propagation and the effect of noise barriers
• calculate the attenuation of sound with distance in a free field and in a room
• interpret resonances and modes in a room
• calculate the reverberation time in a room
• describe the sound absorptions properties of porous absorbers, panel absorbers, and resonant absorbers
• calculate the sound insulation of single and double constructions, and describe the critical frequency and the resonance frequency of a double construction
• describe and calculate resonance frequency and the attenuation by a simple vibration isolator
• describe and calculate the sound attenuation through a ventilation duct
• list the basic principles for good acoustical design of rooms

Basic acoustic concepts. Noise effects on human beings. Measurement of sound and noise rating methods. Outdoor sound propagation. Traffic noise. Noise barriers. Room acoustics and reverberation time. Sound absorbing materials. Airborne sound and impact sound insulation. Vibrations and noise from building services. Sound transmission through ducts, noise from ventilation equipment. Noise regulations and noise control in the environment and in buildings. Principles for acoustical design of rooms.

Lectures, problem solving
E-learning is used in the form of multiple choice quizzes and digital exam, and video streamed lectures if the lecture room facility allows.

The course is a prerequisite for 34850 Architectural Acoustics, 34846Environmental Acoustics.