The acoustic study is another significant aspect that helps improve large structures’ environments concerning comfortability, efficiency, and productivity.

Large structures, namely, buildings, bridges, stadiums, airports, educational institutions, etc, can suffer from noise pollution due to containing a vast number of occupants speaking simultaneously, machines operations, and surrounding environments. It leads to discomfort, poor intelligibility, unproductivity, and even safety hazards if clear communication is crucial around structures such as industries, airports, hospitals, etc.

With the help of acoustic study, structures can be designed and constructed so that noise would have minimum effects on structures and people in their environments resulting in increased comfort, productivity, and safety.

This article examines the importance of acoustic studies for large structures, techniques, and the benefits.

What Is The Acoustic Study for Large Structures?

The acoustic study in the context of large structures aims to improve the acoustics of structures. It deals with sound, its behavior, and its effect on structures, their environment, and occupants.

The acoustic study involves evaluating the impacts of sound on different spaces of a structure, the transmission of sound within different spaces of a structure, and the impact of structural material on sound. It also gauges the effectiveness of sound control methods, such as partitions and sound absorbing materials, etc., to optimize structures’ acoustics properties and design comfortable and productive environments for occupants.

The typical process of acoustic study includes measuring parameters, such as sound intensity, sound absorption coefficient, sound transmission loss on site, etc, using specialized equipment and simulating virtual structures models to predict the acoustic behavior of structures.

Techniques of Acoustic Study for Large Structures

As mentioned above acoustic study is carried out using a combination of measurement techniques and simulation techniques, which are as follows:

1. Sound Intensity Measurement 

Sound intensity is the energy per unit area passing through a particular surface at a particular time. This technique measures the sound intensity of particular areas within a structure.

In acoustic study, to measure the sound intensity, acousticians use advanced equipment called Sound Intensity Prob to measure the sound pressure level and direction of sound sources and waves.

This technique is valuable for evaluating sound transmission loss in a structure. The higher the sound transmission loss, the more effective partition is, and vice versa.

This measurement can identify the leakage area within structures and help design soundproof measures to reduce sound leakage.

Furthermore, it can also determine the sound intensity of a noise source which is a significant parameter for evaluating the acoustics of structures.

2. Sound Absorption Coefficient Measurement 

Sound absorption coefficient measurement is used for large structures to evaluate the effectiveness of sound-absorbing materials in reflecting sound in space.

It involves evaluating the ability of materials to absorb sound energy compared to the amount of sound energy that collides with materials. This measurement is usually carried out using a reverberation room which is a specifically designed room with highly reflective walls and ceilings, and floors.

The rooms are used to create diffuse sound fields, which are crucial for accurate sound coefficient measurement. In rooms, sound sources are used for sound signals, and the difference in the sound pressure level without the material in the room determines sound absorption coefficient measurement.

Sound reflection measurement is essential in the acoustic study because reflected sound can cause many acoustic problems, such as echoes, reverberation, etc., resulting in poor intelligibility, interference in communication, and incompatibility.

3. Sound Transmission Loss Measurement 

Sound transmission loss measurement is done in the acoustic study to evaluate the sound insulation performance of partitions and other sound barriers in a structure.

It Includes measuring the reduction in sound intensity when sound travel from one side of the partition to another. The sound transmission loss is a measure of the ability of partitions to reduce sound transmission.

It is carried out using a reverberation room. The rooms are designed to be highly absorptive, contrary to the sound absorption coefficient measurement rooms.

When conducting the measurement, a sound source is placed at one side of the partition, and sound pressure is calculated at both sides of the partition. The difference in sound pressure is the sound transmission loss.

The thickness and density of partitions, materials, and any air gap in the partition influence sound transmission loss. Therefore, sound transmission loss measurement can be used to improve barriers and acoustics of structures.

4. Computer Simulation 

This technique in acoustic study creates virtual models of large structures to evaluate the acoustic behaviors of structures. It simulates virtual models using computer programs and numerical methods to understand sound behavior in virtual environments to improve the acoustics of structures.

The process involves creating a virtual model using engineering computer programs like CAD and importing models into simulation programs. These programs use algorithms and mathematical equations to simulate sound behavior, applying other factors that may influence acoustic, such as the material used in structure and sound source, etc.

This method is economical and accurate as it allows experts to evaluate structures’ acoustics virtually before the structures are built.

Benefits of Acoustic Study 

We have already discussed the benefits of acoustic study in large structures. Let’s explore them in detail:

1. Better Sound Quality 

By evaluating and identifying areas where sound leakage may occur and improving and implementing soundproofing measures, the acoustic study can help to achieve improved sound quality inside/ around structures.

2. Improved Comfortability 

The acoustic study can significantly assist acousticians in improving the comfort of large structures. By helping to reduce unwanted noise levels, the acoustic study allows occupants to experience a more peaceful and quiet environment leading to increased productivity and well-being.

3. Enhanced Intelligibility 

One of the main features of the acoustic study is the ability to analyze and optimize the acoustic properties of structure elements, such as walls, ceilings, and floors. Therefore, it allows experts to optimize spaces where sound transmission is clear, leading to clear communications between occupants.

4. Achieved Compliance 

Structures located near residential areas, such as buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, etc that are intrinsically noisy are supposed to keep their produced noise under a certain level to comply with regulations. The acoustic study can exceptionally aid in it by helping to minimize noise levels.

Conclusion

Acoustic study pretty much is essential for large structures to improve their acoustics. It enables acousticians to evaluate and analyze sounds, their behaviors, and anything that may have any impact and influence on sounds and acoustic properties in the environment of structures.

The acoustic study also allows them to optimize and design structures with better acoustics which means improved comfortability, productivity, well-being, and safety of occupants.

Just like the acoustic study is so valuable, it requires proficiency and mastery to conduct it successfully.

For expert guidance, consult Mechartes.

We are the leading FEA, CFD, and Acoustic analysis experts with an exceptional portfolio. We provide all kinds of simulation solutions for various industries, such as power, oil gas, HVAC, construction, and acoustic study for large structures.

Talk to us today!