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Course Outlines

BSCI 9060

Advanced Acoustics

School School of Construction and the Environment
Program MASc, M.Eng
Course Credits 3
Minimum Passing Grade 60%
Start Date September 05, 2017
End Date December 15, 2017
Total Hours* 45
Total Weeks 15
Hours/Weeks 3
Delivery Type Lecture/Lab
CRN 38511

Acknowledgement of Territories

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).

Instructor Details

Name Maureen Connelly
E-mail mconnelly@my.bcit.ca
Location NE-03 Rom 107
Office Hours

By appointment

Course Description

The acoustical theory introduced in the Building Science prerequisite courses will be advanced through the measurement, prediction and evaluation of the acoustical environment. Through lab work and a major design/evaluation project, to be conducted in parallel with lectures, the site level acoustical environment which impacts the building layout, building envelope and mechanical system design will be characterised. Sound behaviour in rooms will be investigated through research in reverberation and propagation theories, sound absorption and materials, and speech intelligibility. Performance criteria for the acoustical environment, defined in policies, guidelines and current green building design and rating systems will provide the context for the major project. The project goal will be to optimize the integrated design solution of all building systems to meet acoustical performance targets.

Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Through labs designed for specific subject topics, students will develop strategies for design and problem solving using both simplified hand calculations 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. At the end of this course the student will be able to:

  • Interpret building and environmental noise surveys, using a noise systems approach to assess existing conditions; characterize the noise source in terms of pressure and intensity and frequency, identify direct and flanking transmission paths.
  • Evaluate the 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 using analytical tools.
    • Design and evaluate outdoor barriers for noise mitigation.
    • Design building envelope to meet outdoor-to-indoor sound isolation requirements.
    • Specify interior partitions for NIC rating based on STC, ratings 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 will be used to predict and evaluate the acoustical performance of mechanical components and systems and their contribution to room acoustics.
  • Evaluate sound characteristics relative to performance criteria and the relative merits of various performance criteria.
  • Optimize design solutions to meet acoustical performance requirements given realistic economic, environmental, and social constraints.
  • Integrate the applied science of acoustics 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 LEED and similar green building rating systems.
  • Defend the results of the analysis in a clear and understandable manner, in either a written or public presentation

Learning Resources

Recommended:

Long M. Architectural acoustics /. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press; 2006 ON RESERVE AT BCIT LIBRARY

Ver I, Beranek LL. Noise and vibration control engineering: principles and applications. 2nd ed. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons; 2006.

2005, ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 7, Sound and Vibration, Chapter 47 of the 2003 ASHRAE Handbook

Course Goals

Through labs designed for specific subject topics, students will develop strategies for design and problem solving using both simplified hand calculations 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. At the end of this course the student will be able to:

1. Conduct building and environmental noise surveys, using a noise systems approach to assess existing conditions; characterize the noise source in terms of pressure and intensity and frequency, identify direct and flanking transmission paths.

2. 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.

a. Design and evaluate outdoor barriers for noise mitigation;

b. Design building envelope to meet outdoor-to-indoor sound isolation requirements;

c. Specific interior partitions for NIC rating based on STC, ratings and flanking conditions,

d. Specify absorption materials for noise control in industrial and performance rooms.

3. Assess the interface of natural and mechanical displacement ventilation systems with the building acoustics. ASHRAE algorithms will be used to predict and evaluate acoustical performance of mechanical components and system and their contribution to room acoustics.

4. Discuss the relative merits of various performance criteria. Evaluate sound characteristics relative to performance criteria.

5. Optimize design solutions to meet acoustical performance requirements given realistic economic, environmental, and social constraints.

6. 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.

7. Evaluate options and develop appropriate integrated solutions for sustainable buildings rated through LEED and similar green building rating systems.

8. Present the results of the analysis in a clear and understandable manner, in either written or public presentation.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria % Comments
Lab presentation 15
Term project 40
Midterm 20
Final Exam 25

Course Schedule and Assignments

Schedule

Week

2016

Lecture Topic

Lab

Assignments

Readings

1

Sep 8

Introduction- Fundamentals of sound and acoustics, hearing health and sustainability

MASc candidate presentation

1,2 and 3

2

Sep 15

Sound energy and characteristics

Instrumentation and SLM survey

Question set A

3

Sep 22

Modelling noise and environmental effects on building envelopes

Outdoor sound propagation

(ASTM E1014 and E1780)

Eduardo Stehling defense practice

Question set B

4, 5

4

Sep 29

Sound absorption

(Rooms)

Reverberation time

(ASTM C423)

Question set C

5

Oct 6

Sound absorption and scattering(Materials)

Modeling room absorption

Bring laptop to class

Kate Jetvipa Odeon tutorial

Odeon Software

6

Oct 13

Measurements and Study session AWC

7

Oct 20

Mid-term

8

Oct 27

Mechanical System Noise

ASHRAE

Question set D

9

Nov 3

Room criteria

Speech intelligibility and privacy

ASHRAE,

ASTM E1374 &E1130

Question set E

5

10

Nov 10

Sound transmission

ASTM E966

Literature review DUE

11

Nov 17

Sound transmission

building envelope, Impact noise,

Modelling assemblies

Sound Flow ASTM E336

Question set F

12

Nov 24

Construction assemblies (Multi-family units & Office)

ASTM / Reporting and consulting

6

13

Dec 1

Pychoacoustic parameters current directions in the field

ASTM/ ISO

7

14

Dec 8

Lab presentations

Poster Due

15

Dec 15

Final exam

BCIT Policy

The following statements are in accordance with the BCIT Policies 5101, 5102, 5104, and 7507, and their accompanying procedures. To review these policies and procedures please click on the links below.

Attendance/Illness:
In case of illness or other unavoidable cause of absence, the student must communicate as soon as possible with his/her instructor or Program Head or Chief Instructor, indicating the reason for the absence. Students who are seeking accommodation for a medical absence must have a BCIT approved medical certificate submitted to the department, substantiating the reason for absence. For other absences, the student should be prepared to provide appropriate supporting documentation. Unapproved absence in excess of the prescribed regulations within this outline may result in failure or forced withdrawal from the course or program. Please see Policy 5101 - Student Regulations, and accompanying procedures.

Academic Integrity:
Violation of academic integrity, including plagiarism, dishonesty in assignments, examinations, or other academic performances are prohibited and will be handled in accordance with Policy 5104 - Academic Integrity and Appeals, and accompanying procedures.

Accommodation:
Any student who may require accommodation from BCIT because of a physical or mental disability should refer to BCIT's Policy on Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Policy #4501), and contact BCIT's Disability Resource Centre (SW1 2360, 604-451-6963) at the earliest possible time. Requests for accommodation must be made to the Disability Resource Centre, and should not be made to a course instructor or Program area.

Any student who needs special assistance in the event of a medical emergency or building evacuation (either because of a disability or for any other reason) should promptly inform their course instructor(s) and the Disability Resource Centre of their personal circumstances.

Human Rights, Harassment and Discrimination:
The BCIT community is made up of individuals from every ability, background, experience and identity, each contributing uniquely to the richness and diversity of the BCIT community as a whole. In recognition of this, and the intrinsic value of our diversity, BCIT seeks to foster a climate of collaboration, understanding and mutual respect between all members of the community and ensure an inclusive accessible working and learning environment where everyone can succeed.

Campus Mediation Services is a supportive resource for both students and employees of BCIT, to foster a respectful learning and working environment. Any student who feels that they are experiencing discrimination or harassment (personal or human rights-related) can confidentially access this resource for advice and support. Please see Policy 7507 – Harassment and Discrimination and accompanying procedure.

Students should make themselves aware of additional Education, Administration, Safety and other BCIT policies listed at https://www.bcit.ca/about/administration/policies.shtml

Guidelines for School of Construction and the Environment

Attempts:
Students must successfully complete a course within a maximum of three (3) attempts at the course. Students with two attempts in a single course will be allowed to repeat the course only upon special written permission from the Associate Dean. Students who have not successfully completed a course within three attempts will not be eligible to graduate from their respective program.

Approved

I verify that the content of this course outline is current.
Maureen Connelly, Instructor
October 05, 2017

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed.
Fitsum Tariku, Director
October 05, 2017

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed and complies with BCIT policy.
Wayne Hand, Dean
October 05, 2017

Note: Students will be given reasonable notice if changes are required to the content of this course outline.

*Course hours and credits are calculated per Policy 5012 and the associated procedure.

Total hours – Example of 3 credit lecture/lab course:

  • Full-time course: 45 hours of scheduled learning
  • Flexible Learning course: 36 hours of scheduled learning plus 9 hours of independent (non-scheduled, non-instructional) learning