Building Acoustics

Avoid Costly Mistakes for Specialists and Non-Specialists Alike Bad acoustics in buildings is a nuisance that is not dealt with easily. The problem applies just as much to open-plan offices and restaurants and to production facilities and transportation stations as it does to performance halls, not to mention homes. It does not merely affect oral communication or enjoyment of music but has quite profound consequences on well-being. Gives Guidance on What to Expect from Design Teams and Contractors Building Acoustics is devoted to practical building and room acoustics, illustrated by numerous examples. It introduces the basics for the different specialists in a design team and for the client and sets out the issues for shared consideration. It guides them in the drawing up of sensible acoustic specifications. It is written for non-specialists and gives an outline of potential problems. It also shows what to consider before the construction stage. It empowers its readers to express their needs to a specialist consultant and to avoid the worst pitfalls. Covers interactions between acoustics and other disciplines Shows through numerous real-life examples the route to understanding and solving the problem Illustrates various points of views through real projects

Introduction Acoustics Definition of Acoustics Brief History Notions of Levels Notions of Propagation Basics of Sound Insulation and Attenuation Basics of Reverberation Time Notions of Intelligibility Notions of Annoyance and Disturbance Standardization in Acoustics Basics of Regulations Laboratory and In Situ Measurements Active Noise Control References Building Acoustics Introduction Foreword Sound Insulation Impact Noise Acoustic Absorption and Reverberation Time Vibration Control Construction Noise A Few Stages of Building Construction Refurbishment Notions of Sound Masking A Word about Privacy and Security Examples Having a Go at Dimensioning the Project References Mechanical Equipment Introduction Applicable Standards and Regulations HVAC Electrical Lifts Sanitary Equipment Vibration Control A Few Practical Aspects Examples References User’s Equipment Foreword Applicable Standards and Regulations A Few Usual Types of User’s Equipment A Few Practical Aspects Examples References Room Acoustics Introduction Basic Parameters A Few Types of Rooms What Parameter for Which Use? Speech Intelligibility Diffusion and Scattering Modeling A Few Practicalities Renovation Examples References Offices, Open Spaces, and Restaurants Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Modeling Measuring Examples References Dwellings Hotels and Hospitals Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Examples References Other Spaces Used by the Public Introduction Analysis of Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules A Few Types of Public Spaces Examples References Production Facilities and Workshops Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Modeling Measurements Examples References Educational Facilities’ Performance and Lecture Halls Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Typical Spaces Examples References Theatres and Cinemas Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Examples References Music and Concert Facilities Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Modeling Examples References Operas Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules Modeling Examples References Multipurpose Facilities Introduction Requirements Acoustic Targets A Few Basic Rules A Few Types Rehabilitation Examples References Conclusion Example of a Building Project Description Acoustic Objectives Acoustic Specifications Conclusion References Examples of Fitting Out Description Bedroom Meeting Room References A Word about Other Interesting Topics (Thermal and Fire Protection of Buildings, Structures, and Rodent Repulsion) Introduction Structural Engineering Thermal Insulation Fire Protection Animal Repulsion Examples Conclusion References Glossary Index

Marc Asselineau has worked with Peutz & Associates acoustical consultants for more than 25 years, on projects from simple equipment noise in an office building to large architectural projects. He has been active in French and ISO standards and was awarded the Canac Prize by the French Acoustics Society in 2004.