The subject gives a detailed introduction to the principles and practice of acoustics and presents the possible solutions to noise problems with special interest in construction related situations.



It is divided into three blocks: first, we establish the basic principles of acoustics and sound perception. In a second block, we introduce the absorption to study the optimal acoustic conditions of a given space (factories, theaters, restaurants, …), taking into account that the noise/sound and the receiver are in the same space. Finally, we deal with sound isolation, where the sound and the receiver occupy different spaces. We analyze the isolation from traffic, airports, machine vibrations, and in all kind of buildings.

Competencies:

- At the end of the course the students should know and understand the basics of the subject.

- Show the capacity of solving specific situations related to acoustics.

- Be able to find and interpret the relevant data to give solutions to acoustics problems considering technical, economical and legal aspects.

- Be able to present (in writing and through oral presentations) their results in a well-structured manner.

Syllabus:



1. Basic acoustic concepts: waves, measurement of sound intensity, harmonics, octaves, normal modes.

2. Sound perception: the effect of noise on the human being, volume, frequency, spectrum of hearing.

3. Indoor acoustic concepts: reflection, diffraction, absorption, reverberation.

4. Absorption in enclosed spaces. Methods of sound absorption and materials.

5. Soundproofing. Aerial noise, structural noise. Transmission loss. Mass law. Methods and materials.



Computer sessions:



1. Waves: normal modes in 1 and 2 dimensions, speed of sound in different media.

2. Noise map of the area surrounding our School: direct measurement using the QGIS program.

3. Noise map using noise prediction software, CadNa (Datakustik). Comparison with what we obtain through direct measurements.

4. Calculation of the soundproofing of different partitions using the software INSUL, where we can experiment with different thickness and materials.

This course has 45 hours of class. 2/3 of the hours correspond to theory classes while the rest is devoted to the computer sessions, where we work with software specifically designed to study acoustics and noise control. Besides, there are 6h/week of office hours, which can be held in English.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 30
  • Multiple-Choice Test (%): 30
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 20
  • Exhibition of works, readings ... (%): 20

1st option:



60% of the mark is obtained from the tests done along the course.

20% from the work done in the computer sessions

20% from the presentation of a paper of something related to the subject.

100% of the mark from an exam.

Basic bibliography

"Master Handbook of Acoustics", F. Alton Everest and Ken C. Pohlmann

“Industrial Noise Control and Acoustics”, R. F. Barron

Notes and presentations found in http://egela.ehu.eus

In-depth bibliography

“Engineering Noise Control”, D.A. Bies and C.H. Hansen
“Noise and Vibration Control Engineering” L.L. Beranek

Journals

“Acoustics in Practice”
“Applied acoustics”

Web addresses

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics/sound-and-waves
http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/demos.html
https://euracoustics.org/activities/acoustics-in-practice