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
Biography
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.
"The sheer number of types of projects, with the various suggestions, lessons learned, anecdotes, and pearls of wisdom, can provide at least a sense of the width and breadth of topics that should be considered and evaluated for a successful acoustical outcome."
—Tony Hoover in Journal of the Audio Engineering Society"This book is the result of many years of ground experience in the field of building acoustics. This certainly makes it today the most living material in this field. It is both a classical course and a contemporary work in the sense that is closely related to modern technical developments in building architecture. …I particularly appreciate the motivation of the author to provide a very general overview of the discipline going from the basics of acoustics up to the ground experience (including some personal stories)."
—P. Chevret, Institut national de recherche et de sécurité pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelles (INRS), France"The narrative texts and the references at conclusion of each chapter are a remarkable interweaving of European and North American standards and regulations, which not only documents and illustrates how universal acoustical issues and solutions are, but makes the book a global primer that might be useful on any continent."
—Jack B. Evans, PE, Jack Evans & Assoc., Inc. (dba) JEAcoustics
