Building Science Acoustics BSCI 9060

Through labs designed for specific subject topics, students will develop strategies for design and problem solving using both empirical formula and predictive software. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory and lab tools directly to realistic problems requiring advanced understanding of systems integration and building performance issues in the term project. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

• Conduct building and environmental noise surveys, using ASTM standard test method to assess existing conditions; characterize the noise source in terms of pressure and frequency, identify direct and flanking transmission paths. Present results in a professional report.
• Apply analytical tools to predict and evaluate acoustical performance of building components, subsystems, and whole buildings, including sound propagation from transportation source to receiver, sound transmission through partitions and building envelope, mechanical system noise and sound behaviour in non-complex rooms.
• Design and evaluate outdoor barriers for noise mitigation
• Design building envelope to meet outdoor-to-indoor sound isolation requirements;
• Specific interior partitions based on STC, noise frequency spectrums and flanking conditions,
• Specify absorption materials for noise control in industrial and performance rooms.
• Assess the interface of natural and mechanical displacement ventilation systems with the building acoustics. ASHRAE algorithms are used to predict and evaluate acoustical performance of mechanical components and system and their contribution to room acoustics.
• Discuss the relative merits of various performance criteria. Evaluate sound characteristics relative to performance criteria.
• Optimize design solutions to meet acoustical performance requirements given realistic economic, environmental, and social constraints.
• Convey an understanding of acoustics as an applied science integrated into a whole buildings system with a view of human comfort, health, and serviceability and environmental sustainability.
• Evaluate options and develop appropriate integrated solutions for sustainable buildings rated through green building rating systems.

Conducted in parallel with lectures and lab work each student develops a research project that aligns with current course topics. The Final Course Research Project Expectation document and the BSCI Research Project Evaluation Rubric document delineates expectations and evaluation of the students research level, communication and professional autonomy skills for all assignment and the research project (documents in course folder D2L).

Effective as of Fall 2021