Building Acoustics Course

Lesson 1 • Frequency Analysis and Spectra

Explains octave and third-octave band analysis for characterising noise sources. Enables students to read and interpret spectral data used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Decibels and Sound Levels

Introduces the logarithmic decibel scale and its use in quantifying sound. Connects measurement conventions to real-world acoustic criteria.

Lesson 3 • Nature of Sound Waves

Covers wave propagation, particle motion, and pressure fluctuations in air. Provides the physical basis for all subsequent acoustic analysis.

Lesson 4 • Human Perception of Sound

Covers psychoacoustic responses including loudness, pitch, and annoyance. Grounds technical metrics in human experience to guide design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Room Modes and Low-Frequency Behaviour

Analyses axial, tangential, and oblique modes in rectangular rooms. Addresses low-frequency unevenness that affects music and speech quality.

Lesson 2 • Early Reflections and Clarity

Distinguishes early reflections from late reverberation and their perceptual effects. Introduces clarity and definition metrics used in room acoustic design.

Lesson 3 • Reverberation Theory

Derives reverberation time using Sabine and Eyring formulas. Connects RT60 to room volume and total absorption for design calculations.

Lesson 4 • Sound Reflection and Absorption

Examines specular and diffuse reflection and the role of surface absorption. Establishes how material choices shape the acoustic character of a room.

Lesson 1 • Floor and Ceiling Assemblies

Covers impact sound transmission and floating floor systems for floor-ceiling assemblies. Links material selection to both airborne and impact isolation ratings.

Lesson 2 • Composite Partition Performance

Analyses double-leaf walls, air gaps, and decoupled assemblies for enhanced isolation. Connects cavity resonance and stud bridging to real-world performance gaps.

Lesson 3 • Doors, Windows, and Weak Elements

Identifies acoustic weak points including doors, glazing, and penetrations. Teaches composite TL calculation to predict overall partition performance.

Lesson 4 • Mass Law and Sound Transmission

Introduces the mass law governing single-leaf partition transmission loss. Provides the theoretical baseline for evaluating wall and floor assemblies.

Lesson 1 • Predicting Isolation in Real Buildings

Applies field measurement corrections and flanking models to predict in-situ performance. Bridges laboratory data to expected field results for design validation.

Lesson 2 • Airborne Sound Transmission Metrics

Defines STC, Rw, and weighted sound reduction index for rating partition performance. Establishes the single-number descriptors used in specifications and standards.

Lesson 3 • Flanking Transmission Paths

Identifies indirect sound paths through floors, ceilings, and structural elements. Teaches flanking reduction strategies essential for achieving design isolation.

Lesson 4 • Wall Assembly Design for Isolation

Guides selection and detailing of wall assemblies to achieve target STC values. Integrates mass, decoupling, and absorption within cavity design.

Lesson 1 • Floating Floor System Design

Covers resilient mat, concrete topping, and raised access floor systems. Teaches resonant frequency calculation to ensure effective low-frequency isolation.

Lesson 2 • Impact Sound Metrics and Standards

Defines IIC, FIIC, and Ln,w ratings for impact sound performance. Connects measurement procedures to occupancy-based acceptance criteria.

Lesson 3 • Low-Frequency and Bass Noise Control

Addresses low-frequency impact and bass noise that standard metrics underestimate. Introduces G-weighting and special design measures for sensitive occupancies.

Lesson 4 • Mechanical Equipment Vibration Isolation

Applies vibration isolation theory to HVAC, pumps, and rotating machinery. Ensures equipment vibration does not become structure-borne noise in occupied spaces.

Lesson 1 • HVAC Noise Sources and Mechanisms

Identifies fan, diffuser, damper, and duct-generated noise mechanisms. Provides the source characterisation needed for downstream attenuation design.

Lesson 2 • Silencers and Active Noise Control

Introduces dissipative and reactive silencers and their selection criteria. Covers active noise control as a supplement for low-frequency duct noise.

Lesson 3 • Duct Acoustic Design

Covers duct lining, elbows, and plenums as passive attenuation elements. Teaches insertion loss calculation for lined duct sections and fittings.

Lesson 4 • Room Noise Criteria and Ratings

Applies NC, RC, and NR curves to evaluate HVAC noise in occupied rooms. Connects system design to occupancy-specific background noise targets.

Lesson 1 • Sound Transmission Loss Testing

Describes laboratory and field procedures for measuring airborne sound isolation. Covers source and receiver room requirements and result reporting.

Lesson 2 • Reverberation Time Measurement

Applies interrupted noise and impulse response methods to measure RT60. Connects measurement procedures to room acoustic design verification.

Lesson 3 • Environmental and Background Noise Surveys

Conducts ambient noise surveys for site assessment and compliance verification. Covers time-of-day sampling, statistical descriptors, and survey reporting.

Lesson 4 • Measurement Instrumentation

Covers sound level meters, microphones, and data acquisition systems. Establishes calibration and uncertainty practices required for reliable measurements.

Lesson 1 • Residential Building Acoustics

Applies isolation and impact criteria to multi-family and mixed-use residential buildings. Addresses party wall, floor-ceiling, and facade noise control.

Lesson 2 • Industrial and Mixed-Use Buildings

Controls noise in manufacturing, warehouse, and mixed-use occupancies with high source levels. Addresses enclosures, barriers, and receiver room protection.

Lesson 3 • Educational Facility Acoustics

Applies classroom acoustic criteria for reverberation, background noise, and isolation. Addresses special needs spaces and multi-purpose hall design.

Lesson 4 • Performance Spaces and Auditoria

Designs concert halls, theatres, and multipurpose auditoria for optimal acoustic quality. Applies room shaping, surface treatment, and isolation to performance venues.

Lesson 5 • Healthcare Facility Acoustics

Addresses speech privacy, patient recovery noise, and equipment noise in hospitals. Integrates acoustic design with infection control and clinical workflow.