Kina23620enc 002

European Commission
Research Fund for Coal and Steel

New applications of steel in the interior
coating of buildings, taking account of design
and acoustic criteria
J. J. Ordieres
University of La Rioja
Calle Luis de Ulloa 20, E-26004 Logroo
M. J. Sanchez, C. Arce
Aceralia Transformados (ACE), Aceralia Corporacin Siderrgica (ArcelorMittal)
Residencia de la Granda, s/n, E-33418 Gozn-Asturias
B. Schmolke
Forschungs-und-Qualitatszentrum Oderbrcke GmbH
Industriepark EKO, Strae 20, D-15890 Eisenhttenstadt
A. Chaves
Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade
Av. Prof. Dr. Cavaco Silva, 33, Talade, Taguspark, P-2780-994 Porto Salvo
Contract No RFSR-CT-2004-00043
1 July 2004 to 30 June 2007
Final report
Directorate-General for Research
2009 EUR 23620 EN

LEGALNOTICE
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission
is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information.
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers

to your questions about the European Union
Freephone number (*):

00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
(*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed.
Agreat deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet.
It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://europa.eu).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2009
ISBN 978-92-79-10572-2
ISSN 1018-5593
European Communities, 2009

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Printed in Luxembourg
Printed on white chlorine-free paper

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2. Final Summary ............................................................................................................................ 4
3. Scientific and technical description of the results .................................................................... 6
3.1 Objectives of the project ...................................................................................... 6
3.2 Comparison of initially planned activities and work accomplished ................ 7
3.3 Description of activities and discussion .............................................................. 8
3.3.1 Work Package 1. (Market survey) .....................................................................................8
3.3.2 Work Packages 2, 3, 5 and 6. (Laboratory tests) .............................................................17
3.3.3 Work Package 4. (Numerical analysis and simulations)..................................................27
3.3.4 Work Package 7 (Mechanical Tests) ...............................................................................37
3.4 Conclusions ......................................................................................................... 45
3.5 Exploitation and impact of research results .................................................... 47
3.5.1 Actual applications...........................................................................................................47
3.5.2 Technical and economic potential for use of the results ..................................................47
3.5.3 Patent filing ......................................................................................................................48
3.5.4 Publications ......................................................................................................................49
3.5.5 Contribution to acoustic comfort standardization ............................................................49
3.5.6 Dissemination of results ...................................................................................................53
4. List of Figures and Tables ........................................................................................................ 53
4.1 List of Figures ..................................................................................................... 53
4.2 List of Tables ....................................................................................................... 54
5. List of References....................................................................................................................... 55
6. Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 57
ANNEX I: Software validation and case study ............................................................................. 58
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 59
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOFTWARE ........................................................................................ 59
DATA ENTRY ............................................................................................................... 59
DATA PROCESSING ................................................................................................... 60
DATA REPRESENTATION ........................................................................................ 60
CASE STUDY: STUDY OF PUBLIC PREMISES....................................................................... 61
DESCRIPTION OF THE INITIAL CONDITION OF THE PREMISES .............. 61
ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS OF THE STUDY ........................................................ 61
IN SITU TESTING ........................................................................................................ 61
TR average ...................................................................................................................................62
Average TR curve ........................................................................................................................62
ACOUSTIC SIMULATION ......................................................................................... 63
Global parameters of the area under study ..................................................................................63
3
Parameters obtained for two laterals of the room ........................................................................67
Parameters obtained for the ceiling of the study area ..................................................................79
Parameters obtained for the floor of the room .............................................................................85
COMPARISON OF RESULTS FOR THE PRESENT STATE ............................... 86
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: STUDY OF PROTOTYPES........................................... 86
SIMULATION A ........................................................................................................... 86
Echogram. Lateral 1 .....................................................................................................................88
Acoustic maps of sound level. Lateral 1 ......................................................................................89
Musical Clarity. C80. Lateral 1....................................................................................................90
Early Decay Time (EDT). Lateral 1 ............................................................................................91
TR20. Lateral 1 ............................................................................................................................92
TR30. Lateral 1 ............................................................................................................................93
SIMULATION B ........................................................................................................... 94
Echograms and acoustic parameters. Diffuse Estimation ............................................................94
Echogram of a lateral in the room................................................................................................95
Isophonic maps of sound level. Lateral 1 ....................................................................................96
Musical Clarity. C80. Lateral 1....................................................................................................97
Early Decay Time (EDT). Lateral 1 ............................................................................................98
TR20. Lateral 1 ............................................................................................................................99
TR30. Lateral 1 ..........................................................................................................................100
SIMULATION C ......................................................................................................... 101
Ray calculations .........................................................................................................................101
Echograms and acoustic parameters. Diffuse Estimation ..........................................................102
Echogram. Lateral 1 ...................................................................................................................103
Isophonic maps of sound levels. Lateral 1 .................................................................................104
Musical Clarity. C80. Lateral 1..................................................................................................105
Early Decay Time (EDT). Lateral 1 ..........................................................................................106
TR20. Lateral 1 ..........................................................................................................................107
TR30. Lateral 1 ..........................................................................................................................108
CONDITIONING OF THE PREMISES. PRESENT STATE ................................ 109
In situ testing after conditioning ................................................................................................110
Acoustic simulation after conditioning ......................................................................................112
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS ............................................................................................................ 129
VALUES OBTAINED ................................................................................................. 129
Comparison of in situ values......................................................................................................129
Comparison of the values of acoustic simulation ......................................................................129
Comparison of the values of possible solutions .........................................................................130
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE ............................ 131
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE WITH THE
PROTOTYPES ............................................................................................................ 131
CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 132
RESULTS OF THE INITIAL STATE OF THE PREMISES ................................ 132
RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE OF THE PREMISES .................................... 132
RESULTS OF THE INITIAL and FINAL STATEs ............................................... 132
USE OF PROTOTYPES ............................................................................................. 133
4
SIMULATION SOFTWARE ..................................................................................... 133
APPENDIX I: ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS .............................................................................. 134
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL) ............................................................................................ 135
REVERBERATION TIME (TR) .................................................................................................. 135
TR MID ........................................................................................................................ 135
TR NORRIS-EYRING ................................................................................................ 135
TR KUTRUFF ............................................................................................................. 136
ACOUSTIC QUALITY (BR) ........................................................................................................ 136
ACOUSTIC RADIANCE (BR) ..................................................................................................... 136
ENERGETIC RELATIONSHIPS ELR ....................................................................................... 136
CT .................................................................................................................................. 136
VOICE CLARITY (C50) ............................................................................................ 137
MUSICAL CLARITY (C80) ...................................................................................... 137
DEFINITION (D) ........................................................................................................................... 137
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT) ..................................................................................................... 138
SONORITY (G) .............................................................................................................................. 138
SONORITY (S)............................................................................................................................... 138
LOSS OF ARTICULATION OF CONSONANTS (%ALCons) ............................................... 139
SPEECH TRANSMISSION INDEX (STI) .................................................................................. 139
RAPID SPEECH TRANSMISSION INDEX (RASTI) .............................................................. 140
5
1. Abstract
The purpose of this project was to conduct research into the use of steel in new products for coating and
mixed steel features for cosmetic uses in wall and ceiling elements and focus on the latest acoustic design
criteria.
The project partnership has produced specific market surveys in Portugal, Germany and Spain and, given
that the EU enlarged during this period, the consortium analysed certain opportunities in new EU member
states, such as Poland and Romania.
The output from market studies singled out several elements as being relevant, and specific tests were
planned for them. Accordingly, it is important to note that as some partners improved their acoustic rooms
regarding low frequencies from proposal submission through to project kick-off, whereby sample
movements between laboratories were rendered unnecessary, the consortium agreed to extend the number
of sample tests from 96 to 120 as the information gathered for model calibration would be much more
convenient.
Even though this was not one of its initial goals, the project partnership produced some specific software
tools to help technical people identify valuable solutions for acoustic performance prediction by
considering all the response spectra of elements. Indeed, some software tools were developed to help
designers to choose materials to fit an expected tonal curve.
Finally, specific design rules have been introduced to help technical users with their work, by considering
specific and relevant aspects as key for obtaining the right answer, regarding the quality of solutions for
customers.
7
2. Final Summary
mixed steel features for cosmetic uses in wall and ceiling elements and focus on the latest acoustic
design criteria.
The European Committee for Standardization, CEN, received mandates from the European Commission
to facilitate trade within the European Single Market through harmonised European standards that must
be published by each of the National Standards Bodies as identical national standards.
Most of these anticipated harmonised European standards are already available at least at a stage of
advanced drafts. They cover the area determination of material properties, absorption and reverberation
time (RT) measurements, measurement and rating of sound insulation, as well as testing of sound
emission from water installations and from service equipment in buildings, the measurement of flanking
transmission and also the estimation of acoustic performance of buildings through product performance.
The measurement of sound intensity in building acoustics and also standards on new techniques such as
MLS will supplement later harmonised European standards, thereby forming a comprehensive tool to
avoid trade barriers between countries.
Regarding sound problems, the basic idea is not only noise reduction (classical) and noise emission
reduction (environmental) but also (and mainly) acoustic conditioning. So, new elements could be
offered to the market in order to improve this approach.
Certain environments are suitable for such improvements. A modern office is a complex unit,
comprising many different areas, each with its own requirements and acoustic conditions. Whatever the
areas intended activity, the challenge is to ensure that this does not cause disturbance.
Research shows that staff divide their time evenly between communication, concentration and
administration, meaning that a wide range of tasks are carried out between periods of communication
and concentration.
The well-planned office provides areas for both these activities in equally carefully designed
environments.
Communication is basically about hearing and being heard. Good speech intelligibility is essential, be it
informal conversations at your desk, or formal meetings with several people in a conference room.
Speech should not be masked by background noises, such as ventilation systems or other peoples'
conversations.
Low noise levels and low sound propagation is achieved by ensuring short reverberation times, which
require optimum sound absorption in the room.
While all occupants of multi-family buildings may insist on the right to live peacefully at home without
having to worry about bothering or being bothered by the neighbours, few of them can objectively
describe the acoustic privacy of their dwelling. To most people, acoustic comfort is a vague concept
that becomes clear only when they are dissatisfied. The vocabulary that builders use to describe the
acoustic comfort from which future tenants will benefit is just as inadequate; they often refer to
superior soundproofing, which is very difficult to define in a legal context when occupants are not
satisfied and turn to the courts to exercise their rights.
Attractive interior design and comfort are both required for well-being in multi-purpose halls,
restaurants, auditoriums, rooms, etc. Current architectural trends, which favour strongly reflecting
materials like concrete or glass, do not aid acoustic requirements in such spaces. In order to achieve
acoustic comfort, a room must exhibit an adequate reverberation time down to low frequencies.
Furthermore, and depending on the main use, other quantities such as clarity etc. may also become
important. It is a requirement for acoustic comfort and attractive design to harmonize, taking into
account other relevant factors like:
Light efficiency
9
From a lighting point of view, an acoustic ceiling should provide good light reflectance
and diffusion. The effect of indirect lighting is highly dependent on the way the ceiling is
able to reflect and diffuse light. For good light efficiency, the reflectance factor should be
above 80% and the diffusion factor as high as possible.
Accessibility
The requirement for ease of dismantling is determined by the users need for access inside
the acoustic ceiling or wall. It may be a case of servicing the ventilation system or adding
new cables. The need for access may be local, for example, in a passage or an open plan
office, or more general, such as a whole corridor.
Cleaning
In order for an acoustic ceiling to last a long time, the visible surface should be dirt and
dust repellent and easy to clean.
Fire safety
The category of an area determines the basic requirement for ceilings and walls in respect
of surface layer fire classifications. Relevant test methods and standards to consider this
are, for example, BS 476 part 6 and 7, ASTM E 1264, DIN 4102 together with
requirements for non-flammable coverings along evacuation routes.
Environmental impact and Indoor climate
Following this introduction, it seems clear that a window market for steel based panels will exist
according to incoming harmonized acoustic regulations in order to fit the objective tonal curve for room
uses.
From here, considering that these panels must be produced as a new product, a research effort is
required in order to provide panels suitable for absorption at high frequencies, at low frequencies, band
absorbers, and resonators:
For high frequency absorption, holes must be drilled over 30% of the surface to allow
porous material to breathe.
For low frequency absorption, high deformation members are adequate, so the geometry of
panels must be duly selected in order to produce suitable diffusion.
The use of steel panels produces serial resonators operating at low frequencies and
contributing to the appropriate absorption at very narrow bands.
All these ideas must be validated and tested empirically, considering other constraints, such as cleaning,
stiffness, etc., and design tools must be produced as initial steps prior to the potential product launching
process.
The market is clear that, in terms of addressing acoustic conditioning, there is no single material with a
uniform aspect compatible with high mechanical resistance and good behaviour against cleaning and
environmental agents. Indeed:
Absorption of medium and high frequencies. They can be absorbed by open pore materials,
like mineral fibres and polyurethanes, and this is the easy part of the problem.
Absorption of low and very low frequencies. They can be absorbed by materials with a high
degree of deformability, which allows them to record a broad band of absorption at low
frequencies.
When porous materials are used, and insofar as they are soft, they must be covered by cloths or similar,
ensuring stiffness.
When high deformability materials are used, and in order to avoid undesired displacements, some
Teflon coatings must be applied. The panels and membranes are usually made of wood or gypsum.
This problem and the enhancement of uniform regulations and standards make it possible to try and
solve it and foster the use of steel and mixed panels and wires as a new market for them. This is why the
proposal talks about new product, which is the use of these steel panels, adequately transformed, for
acoustic conditioning, allowing for the same finish throughout the room, if desired.
The work programme is organised into 8 packages. As far as the proposal is engaged with the
generation of a new product, it is to be expected that the first package addresses the product
10
development methodology, including a review of marketing, regulations and application of QFD and
other strategies for product design. This is the reason for full partner involvement headed by the
industrial party.
It is clear that this is not a theoretical research proposal but rather applied research. Industrial
knowledge, criteria and competence are essential. This role is assured by the industrial partner and its
interests.
After this work package (WP), there are a further four research WPs (WP 2, 3, 5 and 6) focused on
testing and evaluating diffuse reflection and the two major parameters determining the RT, namely, the
mean free path and the mean acoustic absorption coefficient, the reverberating time itself. Each one of
these WPs deals with low, high, band frequencies and resonators. In each package, a total of eight
conceptual designs will be produced and four parameter variations will be added for each design,
raising the final number of samples to be tested regarding its acoustic parameters.
The aim with these tests is both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative in order to discover global
rules, and quantitative as they will provide the information used for model calibration in WP 4. The
partner mainly involved in these four WPs (2, 3, 5 and 6) is the industrial partner, in order to provide
and contribute to producing basic designs according to its practical vision.
As we said before, acoustic characterization is the goal but other criteria must also be addressed, such as
mechanical resistance, corrosion and so on. Accordingly, WP 7 will focus on testing, modelling and
evaluating the samples specifications.
The market surveys main findings were, among others, that the potential for using structures with a
variable geometry based upon a grid of steel meshwork with a uniform appearance was found to be a
very interesting proposition.
This particular and unexpected output was considered for introducing this option through the
perspective of the methodology chosen for product design.
Some research was conducted to identify key items in this area, as they will be very relevant in future
work. In order to select the best conceptual design, customers, costs and environmental criteria must be
taken into account during the decision-making process, and the Green Quality Function Deployment
(G-QFD) provided a very useful approach.
Detailed product specification was carried out following that methodology, and certain mesh types,
panels with different transparency designs, resonators and trays were identified.
The idea here is not to use microperforated solutions, as the market already has some ceilings using this
approach, but to explicitly combine materials in a visible way, where steel will account for resistance,
and appearance, and absorbent material will be exposed through holes or similar windows making it
much easier to achieve visual effects capable of providing additional options in decoration.
After intensive work on testing samples, obtaining properties, tuning software simulations tools, and
preparing selection and design rules, a real case study was performed in order to evaluate, as a whole,
these types of products.
Following the chosen methodology, two types of applications were identified and two patents were
filed. Scientific knowledge is currently being reported by means of technical journals.
3. Scientific and technical description of the results
3.1 Objectives of the project

mixed steel features for cosmetic uses in wall and ceiling elements and focus on the latest acoustic
design criteria.
The latter are relevant requirements regarding reverberating time, which makes it necessary to use
collaborative coating materials in order to produce the required noise absorption.
11
An excellent opportunity exists for steel to corner a market share regarding alternative products, such as
gypsum and other materials, and this proposal seeks to achieve this; i.e. create new products with steel
for the construction market.
The main advantage is the ability to use the same material in steel construction, with the same finished
aspect and with the enhanced characteristics for energy absorption over a very wide frequency range,
which is a very important aspect for customers.
restaurants, auditoriums, rooms, etc. Current architectural trends, which favour strongly reflecting
materials like concrete or glass, do not aid acoustic requirements in such spaces. In order to achieve
acoustic comfort, a room must have an adequate reverberation time down to low frequencies.
Furthermore, and depending on the main use, other qualities such as clarity etc. may also become
important. It is a requirement that acoustic comfort and attractive design can harmonize, taking into
account other relevant factors, such as light efficiency, accessibility, fire safety, cleaning resistance,
environmental impact, indoor climate and so forth.
3.2 Comparison of initially planned activities and work

accomplished
According to the technical annex to the contract (see annex), the structure of work was:
WP 1 - Market analysis
WP 2, 3, 5 and 6- Laboratory tests
WP 4 - Numerical simulation of acoustic properties
WP 7 - Numerical simulation of mechanical issues
In addition there was an administrative work package, WP 8, focused on project and risk management.
The projects underlying concept can be depicted as follows:
HELPING TO DESING BY USING

THESE PRODUCT CLASSES
{
Acoustic
Botn
Simulation Tools
Construction and
decoration Markets Acoustic
Support
Botn
Decision Tool
Product Product Product
Class Class LAB TESTS Class
Type I Type II Type n Mechanical
design
Botn
methodology
Design
Botn
guidelines
SURVEYS PRODUCT DESIGN

METHODOLOGY
Figure 1. Global depiction of the project concept

A key point for developing certain products is to show how far they can provide better solutions than
current ones and, no less relevant, to promote tools that are easy for designers to use and to think with
these products.
12
From here, NASCENT will try to identify certain potential product classes and based on them, it will
arrange laboratory tests in order to obtain appropriate acoustic absorption coefficients against
frequency.
This database will be a project output used to calibrate acoustic simulation software, mainly based on a
ray tracing approach allowing for the use of these products. It was clear from the beginning of the
proposal that the goal was not to produce acoustic software but to allow for the introduction of the
right effects for making more accurate simulation outputs and providing designers with confidence
regarding such solutions.
As this was the concept for the project, no relevant changes were made.
In any case, it is important to note that as some partners improved their acoustic rooms regarding low
frequencies from the proposal submission through to project kick-off, and so sample movements
between laboratories were rendered unnecessary, the consortium agreed to extend the number of sample
tests from 96 to more than 170, as the information gathered for model calibration and for the database
itself was much more appropriate.
This means that each laboratory will test samples over the entire frequency range (low, medium and
high) (i.e. from 100Hz to 5000Hz).
From the consortium perspective, all the work required has been carried out and all the goals initially
established have been achieved.
The tasks outlined in the Technical Annex are described in this report. In order to improve the
readability of the document, the content of the final report does not directly follow the order of the work
packages in the project plan in the Technical Annex. Acoustic test issues are presented here separately
as a whole.
3.3 Description of activities and discussion

The first work package was oriented to identify potential opportunities, by learning from all the agents
involved in the erection of buildings.
3.3.1 Work Package 1. (Market survey)

The first approach was to identify countries with dynamic building markets and, above all, try to
identify potential products and opportunities for steel-based items.
Spain and Portugal are good candidates, as the building market is overheated and growing sharply.
On the other hand, data from Germany reveal a fairly mature market with a growth rate of around 6%
Manufacturer 2003 2004
A 8 400 m 8 400 m
B 425 000 m 450 000 m
C 850 000 m 900 000 m
D 120 000 m 140 000 m
Also, as suggested by the commission at the mid-term review, attention was paid to new enlargement
countries. Poland and Romania were selected because of their different size and the expectations for
growth in the construction market.
Usual applications involve increasing absorption by using certain techniques (Figure 2, Figure 3 and
Figure 4):
13
Figure 2. Acoustic panels in kindergarten Figure 3. Acoustic panels in foyer /2/
/2/
Figure 4. Acoustic absorber in cinema /3/ Figure 5. Acoustic absorber with expanded
metal /4/
Our main target with this project is not just to insulate from an acoustic point of view. Instead, the goal
will be to achieve an appropriate tonal curve. Obviously, low noise levels and low sound propagation
are achieved by ensuring short reverberation times, which require optimum sound absorption in the
room. These absorption levels depend on the frequency, and helping to provide good values of
14
absorption for these frequencies is the main objective for this project. This is why the project seeks to
address the acoustic conditioning problem rather than its more classical acoustic absorption
counterpart.
restaurants, auditoriums, rooms, etc.
Current architectural trends, which favour strongly reflecting materials like concrete or glass, do not aid
acoustic requirements in such spaces. In order to achieve acoustic comfort, a room must have an
adequate reverberation time down to low frequencies.
Furthermore, and depending on the main use, other qualities such as clarity etc. may also become
important. It is a requirement for acoustic comfort and attractive design to harmonize, taking into
account other relevant factors, such as light efficiency, accessibility, fire safety, cleaning resistance,
environmental impact, indoor climate and so on.
This makes it clear that a window market for steel-based panels will exist according to incoming
harmonized acoustic regulations in order to achieve the objective tonal curve for room uses.
Todays market offers microperforated metallic panels as an alternative to gypsum ones, but no special
differential options are shown (see Figure 5).
The market is clear that, in terms of addressing acoustic conditioning, there is no single material with a
uniform aspect compatible with high mechanical resistance and good behaviour against cleaning and
environmental agents. Indeed:
Absorption of medium and high frequencies. They can be absorbed by open pore materials,
like mineral fibres and polyurethanes, and this is the easy part of the problem.
Absorption of low and very low frequencies. They can be absorbed by materials with a high
degree of deformability, which allows them to record a broad band of absorption at low
frequencies.
When porous materials are used, and insofar as they are soft, they must be covered by cloths or similar,
ensuring stiffness. When high deformability materials are used, and in order to avoid undesired
displacements, some Teflon coatings must be applied. The panels and membranes are usually made of
wood or gypsum.
Considering that these types of alternative steel panel must be produced as a new product, a research
effort is required in order to provide panels suitable for absorption at high frequencies, at low
frequencies, band absorbers, and resonators:
For high frequency absorption, holes must be drilled over 30% of the surface to allow porous
material to breathe.
For low frequency absorption, high deformation members are adequate, so the geometry of
panels must be duly selected in order to produce suitable diffusion.
The use of steel panels produces serial resonators operating at low frequencies.
Wearied steel wire could help to bear absorbent material offering a support frame and helping
to acquire the required shape.
Regarding the concrete side, there are some similar approaches to this one from Microsorber /5/.
In this particular case, the connection key is a press-stressed concrete ceiling with microperforated foil.
The hole diameter is only d = 0.2 mm and the hole distance only b = 2.0 mm. The foil thickness is t =
0.17 mm. The acoustic absorption coefficient can be adapted by the distance D for the desired
frequency.
15
Figure 6. MICROSORBER acoustic ceiling /5/
A similar concept is managed inside this project by trays, where distance can be changed, as can the
distance from the tray to the ceiling system itself.
Additionally, the NASCENT project was ready to explore combinations with other materials, such as
polyurethane and certain open polyamides, offering excellent finishing quality and good or very good
acoustic absorption properties. This is why the project will analyze not only the microperforated case
but samples with larger hole diameters, as the panel will provide mainly structural coating for these
materials.
In order to gain a perspective from several actors in the construction market, specific surveys were
conducted, except in the German case, as the market is fairly mature with a low growth rate.
In all other cases, the size of the sample was set at around 250 interviews. The size of the sample
referred is associated with a margin of error of 6.3% for the total sample, with p = q = 50 and a
reliability level of 95%. The fieldwork was carried out in May 2005 for the Spanish and Portuguese
markets and in May and June 2007 for the Polish and Romanian markets.
Apart from certain numerical differences, it is quite surprising to note the consistency of information
from all the surveys. In general, the following issues emerge:
A high percentage of the companies gave a positive rating to the aesthetics of steel as a visible
element in construction (from 60 to 65%). On a scale of 1 to 10, the average rating for this
question was 7.01 points. Architects' studios were the segment that gave the highest rating for
this, with an average score of 7.63.
Furthermore, on average, 75% of the respondents have a positive or very positive opinion of
steel as a dry construction element. In this case, the average rating amounted to 7.00, and once
again it was the architects' studio segment that yielded the highest score (7.7).
The potential for using structures with a variable geometry based upon a grid of steel meshwork
that is uniform where appearance is concerned was considered an interesting or very interesting
proposition by 70% of the sample analysed. As far as the architects' studios were concerned,
this percentage was greater than 80%, yet estate agents gave a rating that failed to reach 65%.
Bigger differences are found here, from 54% in the Polish case to 83% in the Romanian case
and 74% for the Spanish and Portuguese markets.
This was largely an unexpected observation, as no expectation was initially held for these types of
system.
As systems with variable geometry were considered important, specific tests and analyses were planned
with stainless steel meshes, as appropriate for their prototyping.
16
It is quite surprising that even though respondents consider soundproofing to be very important in the
construction of premises, most of the companies that formed part of the sample stated that they only
sometimes needed to design sound absorption systems in their architectural projects. A very low
percentage of them stated that they always or almost invariably designed such systems, whereas at least
the same percentage declares that it never or hardly ever did so.
Some other information was requested as a contrast. More than 60% of the companies stated that they
usually use insulation materials as soundproofing systems for both ceilings and walls.
Absorbent ceilings and absorbent walls are the soundproofing systems that are most extensively used. It
should be pointed out that other options, such as geometric variable systems, resonators and absorbent
baffles, have made only slight inroads.
As far as insulating materials are concerned, the ones whose use is most widespread are rock wool and
polystyrene, which were mentioned most often.
Geographical differences emerge here and, again, greater importance is reported in the Eastern EU, but
lower practical uses are also reported. In any case, it is always stated that companies only occasionally
sought the advice of technicians who specialise in acoustics. It was worthy of note that about a quarter
of the sample never or hardly ever did so.
Furthermore, more than 35% do not conduct standardised in situ tests on the soundproofing of
installations once finished, so that they can be officially certified.
44% of the respondents find that improving the soundproofing in building construction is of great
interest. This matter received a rating higher than 5 in more than 90% of the cases.
41% of the companies stated that their clients required a specific type of soundproofing in less than
10% of their architectural projects. Only 8% said that such a requirement was demanded in more than
80% of the projects.
The extent to which a particular type of soundproofing level is demanded (reverberation time, STI or
RASTY) is less. In this case, the companies point out that their clients insist on such requirements in
less than 10% of their projects.
It is clear that there is ample room for development as clients or final customers start to require
technical assessment on the acoustic performance of their buildings or commercial premises.
For rather more than 70% of the respondents, the aesthetics of the acoustic absorption systems are fairly
or very important in the soundproofing of premises. Only 7% stated that they attach little or no
importance to the question of aesthetics.
Along these lines, 81% rate as either positive or very positive the possibility of being able to have a
standard appearance in the aesthetics of a zone that has been soundproofed. In addition, maintenance
factors like cleaning capability and durability against aggressive agents are reported as very important.
Overall, the companies that were interviewed felt that the cost of the materials had a neutral effect with
respect to the aesthetic rating of the acoustic absorption systems. On a scale from 0% to 100%, where
0% means no effect and 100% means a great effect, the average percentage of effect was 49%.
Furthermore, 35% think that the importance of the cost of the soundproofing in the total price of a
project is of little or no importance. In 23% of the cases the cost factor was rated as fairly important.
Detailed aspects are presented in the annex, but merely as a summary, the following graphics present
the relative importance of different factors.
17
Aesthetic rating for steel as a visible
6.91
construction element
Opinion about steel as a dry construction 7.10

element
Rating for the use of variable geometry 7.03

structures based upon steel grids
Importance of soundproofing in construction 8.92
Frequency of design for acoustic absorption

6.20
systems
Consultation with soundproofing specialists 5.19
Interest in making improvements to

8.19
soundproofing
Verification / certification with standard tests 4.39

in situ
Importance attached to aesthetics in 7.00

soundproofing systems
Rating for the possibility of uniformity for 7.51

aesthetics in the premises
Importance of the cost of soundproofing in 4.90

the total cost of the works
Interest in using variably geometry systems 6.50
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Figure 7. Main figures for the Spanish and Portuguese markets
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Aesthetic rating for steel as a vsibte constructon element 7,2

Opinion about steel as a dry construction element 7,3
Ratng for the use of variable geometry structures based
upon steel grids
5,8
Importance of soundproofing in constructron 9,1
Frequency of design for acoustic absorption systems 5,6
Consultation with soundproofing specialists 4,3
Interest in making improvements to soundproofing 6,2
Verification / certification with standard tests in situ 2,5
Importance attached to aesthetics in soundproofing
systems
7,3
Rating for the possibility of uniformity for aesthetics in the
premises
6,9
Importance of the cost of soundproofing in the total cost of
4,5
the works
Interest in using variably geometry systems 6
Figure 8. Overview of the Polish market
18
Figure 9. Overview of the Romanian market
The main conclusions are that there is a potential niche for products, as long as they provide specific
advantages from an acoustic point of view, but without forgoing aesthetic properties and maintenance
capabilities.
In addition, unexpected interest was detected for variable geometry ceiling systems in the case of
commercial premises and large spaces.
Cost does not seem to be a key factor, as products will provide specific and valuable benefits, taking
into account the total cost of construction or refurbishment.
Finally, the final point from surveys was that, in all the cases, the customer has plenty of slack for
requesting better performance from the acoustic point of view. In the near future they will probably gain
knowledge and expertise and, in due course, they will ask for a higher lever of insulation and/or
conditioning.
In connection with this, differences between countries are obviously clearly defined. This can even be
seen from codes and standards, simply regarding acoustic insulation:
Country Airborne sound for Impact Faade insulation/ Remarks
separating walls sound for Indoor noise from
and floors (dB) separating traffic or other
floors (dB) outdoor sources (dB)
UK 45 62
(DnT,w + Ctr) (LnT,w)
France 53 62 DnTA 30 Faade noise reduction
(DnTA) (LnT,w)
Spain DnT,A 45-55 dBA L'nT,w D2m,nT,Atr 30-51 dBA Requirements for faades
(different unit) RA 60-65 dB depend on external noise
35 dBA (same unit) and use of room
Finland 55 53 LAeq, 7-22 35 (day) Indoor noise level from
(Rw) (Ln,w) LAeq, 22-7 30 (night), traffic
Sweden* 52 58 (Ln,w LAeq 30 Indoor noise level from
(Rw with C50-3150) with Ci,50-2500) traffic
Table 1. Courtesy of RFCS-project Acousvibra. RFS-CR-03025

19
After prospecting the market, a product design approach was adopted to identify types of elements to be
tested /6/ according to well-known standards and internal rules /7/ /8/ /9/ /10/.
A product design methodology combined QFD (Quality Function Deployment) /11/ and TRIZ /13/. To
select the best conceptual design, customers, costs and environmental criteria must be taken into
account during the decision-making process, and Green Quality Function Deployment (G-QFD)
provides a very useful methodology to fulfil this objective/12/.
Figure 10. Sample of the Quality Home, used on QFD methodology

The product development process may be defined as the complex system of activities that produces the
information required for bringing products to manufacture that is derived from market opportunities.
Furthermore, it is known that the design process is an information generating process, which starts with
an abstract and often uncertain and confuse description of a new or enhanced product performance and
ends with the documentation for manufacturing the desired product. Efficiently and effectively
supporting the design process with computational tools and methods is limited due to its lack of
integration.
QFD has been used to reflect the needs of customers in products, while TRIZ (a Russian acronym for
Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) was developed to assist engineers in finding innovative solutions
to technical problems in product development processes.
We have selected, as our main methodology, the Innovative Product Development Process (IPDP)/14/,
which systematically integrates QFD with TRIZ and enables the effective and systematic creation of
technical innovation for new products. In IPDP, the target products' functions and mechanisms are
deployed in parallel to hierarchical structures, and the mechanism that most requires technical
innovation is specified from an analysis of customers' needs by calculating mechanism weight.
As a new product with interesting potential was identified based on steel meshes, it is interesting to
include it even when the tests are quite difficult regarding its variable geometry.
A report has also been drawn up describing the constructive characteristics of steel panels, trays,
resonance devices and materials to be tested. This report includes engineering work in order to provide
an appropriate product definition, including drawings of use to manufacturing facilities:
20
Figure 11. Sample of drawing defining the geometry for a resonator
Figure 12. Definition of tray-based ceiling system
21
A report /6/ describing each test to be performed, as well as the way assembly should be carried out and
the parameters that the tests will attempt to obtain, has been also drafted in order to help and coordinate
laboratory work. Standards were also taken into account /7/.
Given that variable geometry and active aesthetic and sound elements were key aspects, it was decided
to introduce resonators as decorative and active elements for controlling small frequency windows and
influencing reverberation time.
Specific distribution between laboratories has been carried in order to send packages of processed
samples and Rockwool panels.
The products selected for design and testing were families, such as:
Steel panels with several patterns of holes (round, square, combinations) and with several
sizes (62 samples. 158 units).
Several trays as useful tools for finishing walls and ceilings in order to model their
behaviour and be able to simulate it and predict the answer obtained. (24 samples).
Resonators as elements allowing for controlling frequencies in a narrow way. (34 samples.
108 units).
Steel meshes as elements improving the aesthetics and providing variable geometry
surfaces. (18 samples with 4 basic units.).
3.3.2 Work Packages 2, 3, 5 and 6. (Laboratory tests)

After producing samples to be tested and sending them to partners, specific analyses were carried out,
according to the previously established plan /6/.
Figure 13. Pictures with samples of products used for testing
22
Figure 14. Picture showing the absorbing surface inside the acoustic room for recording the
appropriate measurement specifications
Figure 15. Active instruments used for measurements
23
Figure 16. General view of acoustic room measuring acoustic properties of meshes
Figure 17. General view of another acoustic room, now testing resonators
In the assessment of room-acoustic quality with speech presentations (classroom, auditorium, congress
hall, church sermon) and with music presentations (concert hall, opera-house), one distinguishes
between "overall parameters" and the source - receiver position-related room-acoustic quality criteria
for listeners (seats), as well as with music presentations for musicians (seats on the stage) and for the
conductor's position.
The "overall parameters are, amongst others:

the reverberation times T10 ,T20 and T30
the Early Decay Time EDT, as well as
the Bass-Ratio BR
As a rule, the "overall criteria" are measured with an omnidirectional microphone.
The position-related assessment of room-acoustic quality in the case of speech presentations takes place
with the help of quality criteria, such as:
50-ms-part or Definition D according to THIELE/15/
24
Speech Clarity C50 according to AHNERT /16/
Speech Transmission Index STI or RASTI /17/, /18/
Centre time is according to KRER /19/
Echo criterion EKspeech for the perception of (annoying) reflections (echo) /20/.
For the listener position-related assessment of room-acoustic quality in the case of music presentations,
the following objective room-acoustic quality criteria for the listeners have been developed or
suggested:
Sound source-related criteria:
Direct sound measurement C7 for the sense of directness and nearness of the sound source
Clarity measurement C80 for the transparency of musical structures (time and register clarity)
/21/.
Interaural cross-correlation coefficient, IACC, for the apparent sound source width ASW
subjectively perceived by the listener./22/, among many others available from literature.
Room impulse responses (RIR) form the basis for measuring Early Decay Time and Reverberation
Times using computer-aided reverberation time measurements - e.g. the measurement of energy criteria.
The reverberation time, RT, is not only the oldest, but also the best known room-acoustical quantity. It
is the time that passes after an acoustic source in a room has been turned off until the mean steady-state
sound-energy density w (t) has decreased to 1/1,000,000 of the initial value w(0) or until the sound
pressure has decayed to 1/1,000, i.e. by 60 dB.
The defined drop in the sound pressure level by 60 dB corresponds roughly to the dynamic range of a
large orchestra. The listener, however, can follow the decay process only until the noise level in the
room becomes perceptible. This subjectively assessed parameter of reverberation time duration thus
depends on the excitation level as well as on the noise level.
The required evaluation dynamic range is difficult to achieve even with objective measuring, especially
in the low-frequency range. Therefore, the reverberation time is determined by measuring the sound
level decay in a range from -5 dB to -35 dB and then defined as T30dB (also T30).
The so called initial reverberation time (IRT, T20dB between -5 dB and -25 dB) and the early decay
time (EDT, T10dB between 0 dB and -10 dB) are more consistent with the subjective assessment of the
duration of reverberation, especially at low-level volumes. This also explains why the reverberation
time subjectively perceived in the room may vary, while the values measured objectively according to
the classical definition with a dynamic range of 60 dB 30 dB or 20dB are, except for permissible
fluctuations, generally independent of the location.
The desired value of reverberation time RT depends on the kind of performance (speech or music) and
the size of the room. For auditoriums and concert halls, the desired values for the mean reverberation
time from 500 Hz to 1000 Hz with a room occupation between 80% and 100% are given in the figures
below:
25
Figure 18. Recommendation for reverberation times as a function of the rooms main use
There are certain proposals regarding RT tolerance between the recommended and final RT obtained:
Figure 19. Suggested tolerance range for RT
Regarding speech criteria for conditioning, the determination of STI-values is based on measuring the
reduction of the signal modulation between the location of the sound source, e.g. on stage, and the
reception measurement position with octave centre frequencies of 125 Hz up to 8000 Hz.
The authors proceeded on the assumption that reverberation and noise reduce not only the intelligibility
of speech, but generally all external signals or signal changes that occur on the path from source to
26
listener. For ascertaining this influence, they employ the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) for
acoustical purposes. The available useful signal S (signal) is placed in relation to the prevailing
interfering signal N (noise). The determined modulation reduction factor m(F) is a factor that
characterizes the interference with speech intelligibility:
(1)
F modulation frequency in Hz,

RT reverberation time in s,
S/N signal/noise ratio in dB.
In order to render this relatively time-consuming procedure practical, so that it can be applied in "real-
time operation", the RASTI-procedure (rapid speech transmission index) was developed from it in
cooperation with the company Brel & Kjaer. The modulation transfer function is calculated only for
two octave bands (500 Hz and 2 kHz) that are especially important for the intelligibility of speech and
for selecting modulation frequencies, i.e. overall for 9 modulation reduction factors m .
j
To obtain the RASTI value, the (apparent) effective signal-noise ratio X can subsequently be calculated
from the modulation reduction factors mi:
(2)
Based on the comparison of subjective examination results with a maximum possible intelligibility of
syllables of 96%, the (RA)STI-values are graded in subjective values for syllable intelligibility
according to the following table:
Table 2. Speech criteria for acoustic conditioning
According to standard ISO 354 and to /6/, RT was recorded with and without samples, under
environmentally-controlled conditions, as well as the different positioning of sensors and samples /23/:
27
700
1050
1200
H = 3150
Speaker
1850
800
Pos. 1 H = 2400
2600 810
MP 2 Speaker
2650
H=1,80 m Pos. 2
2400
3700
MP 3
H=1,50 m
1650
MP 1
H=1,50 m MP 4 1750
H=1,20 m
H=1,80 m
3200
MP 7
1300 H=1,20 m
MP 8 H=1,80 m 1200
H=1,50 m
2100 3300 MP 5
MP 6
1500
1250
Figure 20. Position of sensors, according to the standard 1000
1600
3600
1300
2200
2000
1300
Figure 21. Position of samples inside

Anordnung the acoustic room
Resonatoren
Test conditions:
Number of measurements per measuring point: 10
Empty acoustic room Resonator 1
Temperature: t1 = 19.7 C t2 = 21.2 C
Relative humidity: F1 = 73.2 % r. F. F2 = 62.3 % r. F.
Air pressure: P1 = 101.93 kPa P2 = 100.94 kPa
Mean sound pressure level and reverberation time T20
Frequency T1 Lp1 T2 Lp2
28
[Hz] [s] [dB] [s] [dB]
100 12,103 79 10,266 75
125 13,528 83 10,068 83
160 10,604 88 9,463 89
200 9,719 91 8,954 91
250 8,676 94 8,372 93
315 7,694 82 7,194 91
400 7,159 90 6,739 89
500 6,871 86 6,559 87
630 6,599 86 6,374 85
800 6,325 83 6,316 84
1000 5,957 82 5,740 82
1250 5,244 81 5,124 81
1600 4,326 81 4,418 82
2000 3,706 82 3,569 82
2500 3,176 80 3,109 80
3150 2,909 79 2,793 78
4000 2,525 75 2,445 73
5000 2,071 73 1,983 71
Table 3. Sample dataset for T20
Mean sound pressure level and reverberation time T30

Frequency T1 Lp1 T2 Lp2
[Hz] [s] [dB] [s] [dB]
100 13,055 79 10,799 75
125 13,294 83 10,443 83
160 10,741 88 9,716 89
200 9,688 91 9,101 91
250 8,896 94 8,429 93
315 7,835 82 7,447 91
400 7,129 90 6,956 89
500 6,776 86 6,630 87
630 6,662 86 6,468 85
800 6,361 83 6,263 84
1000 5,976 82 5,781 82
1250 5,250 81 5,141 81
1600 4,333 81 4,346 82
2000 3,697 82 3,614 82
2500 3,209 80 3,104 80
3150 2,921 79 2,779 78
4000 2,523 75 2,431 73
5000 2,090 73 2,001 71
Table 4. Sample dataset for T30
The specific equivalent absorption area was also calculated in order to obtain the true effect for
resonators.
29
Resonator 01 AT/T30
0,8
Equivalent sound absorption surface AT [m]
0,7
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
100 Frequency f [Hz]
Figure 22. Equivalent sound absorption surface against frequency
Here we can appreciate an interesting effect of considering real measurements, as even when this
resonator has been designed for a resonance frequency of 125Hz, as shown, the Helmholtz theory
predicts activity only on that frequency.
When air is forced into a cavity, the pressure inside increases. Once the external pressure forcing the air
into the cavity subsides, the higher-pressure air inside will flow out. However, this surge of air flowing
out will tend to over-compensate, due to the inertia of the air in the neck, and the cavity will be left at a
pressure slightly lower than the outside, causing air to be drawn back in. This process is repeated
according to the magnitude of the pressure changes, albeit decreasing each time.
This effect is similar to a mass attached to a spring. Air trapped in the chamber acts as a spring. Air,
being compressible, has a definite spring constant. Changes in the dimensions of the chamber adjust the
properties of the spring: a larger chamber would make for a weaker spring, and vice-versa.
The air in the port is the mass. Since it is in motion, it possesses some momentum. A longer port would
make for a larger mass, and vice-versa. The diameter of the port is related to the mass of air and the
volume of the chamber. A port that is too small in area for the chamber volume will "choke" the flow,
whilst one that is too large in area for the chamber volume tends to reduce the momentum of the air in
the port.
A real situation shows that the Helmholtz theory works, with a resonance frequency (Hz) controlled by:
(3)
where:
(gamma) is the adiabatic index of air
30
A is the cross-sectional area of the neck
m is the mass in the cavity
P0 is the static pressure in the cavity
V0 is the static volume of the cavity
Nonetheless, it also shows other residual effects that are potentially relevant regarding other
frequencies. In our particular case, such effects are shown for 3150 Hz.
Specific efforts were made to identify these non-linear effects in order to take them into account, as
related to coupling between steel plate eigenvalues and wave excitation harmonics.
Meshes also exhibit very helpful information about transparency that make them a suitable solution,
but only combined with other specific absorption systems:
Figure 23. Ring mesh output. Upper Left RT for narrow mesh. Upper right absorption coefficient
for narrow mesh. Bottom: the same, but with bigger rings in the mesh.
We can conclude that acoustic parameters increase as the size of the rings decreases, in medium (and
low) frequencies, but the tendency is inverted at high frequency.
31
In any case, in order to obtain active characteristics, solutions with variable geometry must involve
synthetic materials as well as steel meshes. Smaller rings also need to be explored in order to verify the
effect, but small holes may not be so useful, as they conceal light and the illumination cannot work as
expected.
As all the tests carried out provide the scientific and technical community with valuable information,
we gathered all the samples output together in an MS-Office database, included as deliverable for the
project.
Due to the limited space available in the report, electronic versions of the files are also provided on the
CIRCA forum site in order to make every laboratory report available, as well as providing the valuable
information compiled in this database.
Figure 24. Typical screen used as interface for the laboratory data tests
3.3.3 Work Package 4. (Numerical analysis and simulations)

In parallel with laboratory testing, and as planned in the technical annex, work focused on establishing a
methodology for the practical use of all these results.
Considering the day-to-day work of a designer, the easiest way to make the choice possible is to
introduce adequate material or product parameters inside his or her software.
In order to evaluate how easy it is and the kind of limitations to be encountered, a comparative software
task was initiated (see Annex), in order not only to identify the main differences but also to learn how to
include additional products, as well as identify limitations arising from its implementation mechanisms.
This comparison between the software tools of the three foremost commercial programs and the
development of customised software for the acoustic preparation of rooms involved the following:
Odeon Room Acoustics Modelling Software, distributed by Brel & Kjaer
Catt-Acoustic, distributed by CAEsoft
32
Raynoise of Numerical Integration Technologies N.V.
It is obvious that most of the information presented refers to the knowledge and tests conducted to
evaluate each one of these software programs.
The room to be analyzed was modelled in AutoCad with 3DFaces.
The common features to all the programs are:

Operation under Windows 32-bit (NT, 2000 or XP).
The acoustic characteristics for each parameter are selected from amongst those in an attached
database.
The simulation is based on geometric approximation (substitution of the wave front by rays).
Echogram calculation.
The relevant acoustic characteristics of the room are calculated at one point (or on a grid of
points), (Levels, Reverberation Time, Clearances, etc.).
Whenever so required regarding the surfaces of the room, we obtain maps of levels, RT, etc.
All these features allow the programs to be used for:
Acoustic design of concert halls (clarity, spaciousness, reverberation, etc.)
Design and positioning of scatterings, selection of absorbent materials.
Selection of the ideal location for the loudspeakers.
Comparison of different installations of rooms.
Determination of the Leq for the machines inside factories.
Evaluation of different options to reduce noise, such as changing the absorbent lining,
the reorganization of the machinery installation, the modification of a rooms geometry,
the reduction of the sound power level, etc.
Regarding the value of the programs, we point out that all of them are similar in fulfilling the task for
which they were designed, which is to predict the acoustic characteristics of an enclosure. However,
and without exceptions, the higher or lower coincidence of the predicted results with the real ones
depends largely on the correct geometric modelling of the room and the right choice of the coefficients
that characterize the materials, that is, ultimately on the experience of the operator handling the system.
Once the CATT operating methodology has been understood, the rest of the designs depend on the
creativity and efficiency of the user".
After careful analysis of three commercial software programs, as well as of an in-house one, we
conclude that:
All the programs provide similar results with similar accuracies if they are used properly.
The commercial programs initially provide a wider range of possibilities, but in some cases
they each require a separate module.
The commercial programs are a "black box". They are short of documentation, the processing
algorithms are described superficially, and even though declared very accurate the results are
often not accompanied by experimentally-contrasted documentation.
All this implies that a commercial program has its drawbacks, not only from an economic point
of view but also from a scientific-technical perspective, which leads one to assume the tailor-
made development of an acoustic simulation computer program for rooms/industrial
installations.
It is therefore recommended that:
1. If you are not in a position or do not wish to maintain an acoustic simulation working
group, it is recommended you acquire the software Room Acoustics Modelling Software,
distributed by Brel & Kjaer, as even though its front-end is not exceptional, it is the state-
of-the- art in acoustic simulation.
2. Otherwise, the most satisfactory solution is customised, opened code and modifiable
software consistent with the new needs/research of the group in charge of the simulation
33
This latter option was selected for this research project, as we need to have absolute control over the
mathematical algorithms responsible for ray tracers and so on, and we cannot guarantee how things are
done by commercial software, in spite of our request for technical information.
As this project was not focused on software construction nor on software or simulation package
maintenance, apart from its use by us, we will provide as is all the software produced inside as source
code (in order to guarantee the migration capability between operating system releases or such like).
Accordingly, this software has been made available on CIRCA in the electronic folder for this project,
as well as, obviously, by request to us. It must be clearly stated that the NASCENT partners provide
these tools as is and no legal responsibility whatsoever will be accepted for them.
Specific efforts were applied to the raytracer to increase the effectiveness of a resonator located close to
corners or walls, as twice the number of rays interact with it, as laboratory tests show. Many other
adjustments were made to improve the plain simulation strategy, and several calibrations were
carried out with a combination of scenarios:
An omnidirectional source with a variable number of samplings: 20K, 80K, 320K, 1M3 and
5M25
Pyramidal beams: separately reflecting the 3 rays that delimit it according to specula reflection
Materials: each characterized by its absorption coefficient
In each case, we will represent, in order, the fraction of energy that is displaced, that is to say, the
energy that the beam transports at the moment at which the three rays that limit the edges do not hit the
same face, with respect to the total assigned to this beam, as opposed to the route of the central beam -
in intervals of -, as well as the absolute fraction (geometric) of the beams that do not hit the same face.
1, Simple geometry. Non-uniform medium absorption

Cubical room of 10 x 10 x 10 m. Average free route of l 6'68 m
i 0'1, 0'2, 0'3, 0'7, 0'8, 0'9 0'5
Figure 25. Cubical room used for calibrating the raytracer
34
5
4,5
(13'20 %)
20k
80k
4 320k
1M3
5M25
3,5
% de energia abandonada
2,5
(7'22 %)
1,5
(3'82 %)
(1'98 %)
0,5
(1'01 %)
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Figure 26. % of energy lost
It is easy to see how increasing the number of rays reduces energy losses (numerical dissipation)
2. Simple geometry. Low uniform absorption

i 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1 0'1
10
9
59'73 %
20K
8 80K
320K
1M3
5M25
7
% de energia abandonada
5
47'06 %
3
34'52 %
23'41 %
1
14'56 %
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Figure 27. Energy losses. Effect of low absorption coefficients
35
3. Simple geometry. Uniform medium absorption
i 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5 0'5

5
12'95 %
4,5
20K
80K
4 320K
1M3
5m25
3,5
% de energias abandonadas
2,5
6'91 %
1,5
3'56 %
1'81 %
0,5
0'91 %
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Figure 28. Energy losses in the case of medium absorption coefficients
4. Medium complexity geometry. Low uniform absorption

Modelling of a real room of 69 faces, with a volume of 6,000 m3, a total surface area of 2,570 m3 and an
average free route of l 9'30 m . i 0'1
Figure 29. Medium complexity geometry used for calibration
36
Figure 30. Energy losses on medium complexity and low absorption
5. Medium complexity geometry. Medium uniform Absorption

Modelling of a real room of 69 faces, with a volume of 6,000 m3, a total surface area of 2,570 m3 and an
average free route of l 9'30 m . i 0'5
Figure 31. Energy losses on medium complexity and medium absorption
6. Complex geometry. Low non-uniform absorption

Modelling of a real room of 250 faces, with a volume of 5,453 m3, a total surface area of 2,424 m3 and
an average free route of l 9 m 0'19
37
Figure 32. Complex geometry building used for calibration
Figure 33. Energy losses. Complex geometry and low absorption
7. Complex geometry. Medium uniform absorption

Modelling of a real room of 250 faces, with a volume of 5,453 m3, a total surface area of 2,424 m3 and
an average free route of l 9 m . i 0'5
38
Figure 34. Energy losses. Complex geometry medium absorption coefficients
The previous graphs reveal the following for the initial and middle part of the echogram:
The delocalised energy is greater, in all cases, in the first reflections
If absorption is low, the delocalisation of the energy also affects the middle part of the
echogram
Accordingly, the beams become narrower, thereby diminishing the previous problems
For low absorptions, a great amount of beam splitting is required in order not to appreciably
displace energy
More complex geometry provides, whatever the sampling source, worse geometric values and,
therefore, energy levels, without affecting all the other conclusions.
In short, therefore, a large number of source samples are necessary to displace the energy in the initial
and middle part of echogram to acceptably low values, with this number being a growing monotone
function with the complexity of the modelling of the room and shrinking with the average absorption of
the materials in the room. This needs to be taken into account when users build their models.
In order to produce some kind of user manual for the software provided and to overcome the limitation
on 150 pages available for this report, we expanded the software comparative document to include a
technical description of the options available on the software used for implementing simulation
capability for these elements. We also added this additional report to the electronic folder on CIRCA,
and, as usual, it is available from us upon request.
Annex I presents, simply as an example, a report on simulation use in a real environment, as well as the
results of space conditioning, obviously within classical parameters, as our samples are not available on
the market. In any case, we simulate effects for three types of conditioning by using elements
introduced here, so that, after improving software capabilities, it manages these products without
problems.
It has been chosen because it allows not only for tracking technical analysis in a real environment, but
also for learning from the methodology followed.
The classical approach usually follows the methodology shown here, starting with geometry definition,
and once the technical people have understood the problem they choose the appropriate material for
39
clothing, they simulate and calculate absorption coefficients and, from here, they introduce local
arrangements to produce the desired effects.
In spite of this, we think that a real advantage for technical people will be to have a tool making it easy
to select an element and to see what happens with the tonal curve (or RT against frequency).
Additionally, and to provide the final user with far more help, we have produced specific software
capable of making suggestions to the user (or designer) about the material to be selected for finding a
specific tonal curve:
Figure 35. Start panel for our acoustic conditioning software

The tool uses well-known and common graphic formats; instead of defining a proprietary graphic
format or structure. In our particular case, the rooms geometry can be defined by using the almost
standard 3DS format (output from 3dstudio and also from many other recognised design tools).
From here, we provide a graphic selector and a database with materials, including its acoustic
capabilities organized by octave bands. All the data can be assigned graphically, as can be derived from
the wizards main screen:
Figure 36. Main screen for the conditioning software system

As the user makes a choice related to materials for conditioning or coating structural surfaces, the
reverberation time is presented for all the relevant frequencies:
40
Figure 37. Reverberation time is shown during the users work time.
The classical Sabine prediction is presented, as well as the one estimated from raytracing, according to
the previously described methodology and the target tonal curve. In this way, the user can evaluate
whether their decision to use a specific material was the right one or not.
The user can check the effect of several materials:
Figure 38. Snapshot of several materials for testing their acoustic effect
Now, simply by clicking on each material, the user can ask about the evolution of the expected response
against the target tonal curve:
41
Figure 39. Comparative acoustic response of each material
By using our methodology, the user can start conditioning the main surface, as it will provide a good
overall solution. In addition, conditioning specific surfaces (parts of the wall or ceiling) will increase
the quality of the global solution, although the user needs to be responsible for the aesthetic integration
of this solution, and the resistance and durability of all the elements involved can also be considered.
The tools provided here must be considered as a sample utility in order to show a different way of doing
things to the single tool available. In the end, the design capability of the user cannot be easily
replaced, but we think we can help to make this work much easier and more intuitive.
As usual, this piece of software is provided as is and in source code, in the electronic folder housed at
CIRCA and, as usual, upon request from us.
3.3.4 Work Package 7 (Mechanical Tests)

The goal of this work package is to provide methodology for the analysis of new products, as well as
study corrosion properties and durability.
42
This is an important aspect, as this could be a differentiating characteristic for these products, as well as
for their finished appearances. On these particular matters, the capability to perform better than treated
Fiberglas or pasteboard or gypsum elements is clear.
Our activities also covered the design of clips or other relevant elements for the mechanical assembly of
solutions.
We covered mainly panels and trays, as well as meshes for corrosion and durability.
Figure 40. Classic mechanical tests
Classic tension and bending tests were carried out in order to analyze stress concentration and other
local effects and numerical models were made in order to predict deviations.
Figure 41. Plate with circular perforations of 30 mm diameter
43
Figure 42: Plate with rectangular perforations and 80 mm and 10mm sides
Figure 43. Plate with circular multi-perforations with diameters of 40, 20 and 5mm
Several load cases were identified and combined, mainly involving pressure from a 100 Kp man who
was pushing with his hand in the middle of the plate /24/ /25/ /26/ /27/.
Figure 44. Finite Element model. Boundary conditions
44
Figure 45. Von Mises Equivalent Stresses (Pa). Load case 1
Figure 46. Deflections (m). Load case 3
Each family of tests (in a parametric environment) is validated against elastic serviceability conditions
and a decision is made or a boundary is defined.
45
Figure 47. Laws for thickness regarding size and surface of holes
Clips were obviously also designed taking into account service limit state conditions and ultimate state
conditions, as well as a system capable for fixing all rage trays.
Figure 48. Steel clip types for trays. Concept.
46
Thickness High h Width w Leg Width Angle a Angle b
t (mm) (mm) (mm) lw (mm) () ()
Model 1 2 60 15 10 92 90
Model 2 0.8 60 15 10 92 90
Model 3 0.8 100 15 10 64 90
Model 4 0.8 120 15 10 54 90
Model 5 0.8 120 15 10 54 70
Table 5. Dimensions for clips used with trays
Figure 49. Total displacements (m). Load case 1
47
Figure 50. Model deformed shape. Load case 1
Again, a boundary decision is proposed:
Imposed
Stress value
Load case deformation Evaluation
(Mpa)
(m)
1 0.011595 1670 Not valid
2 0.062172 7070 Not valid
Model 1
3 0.034355 4220 Not valid
4 0.034355 4220 Not valid
1 0.011516 745 ok
2 0.061746 3140 Not valid
Model 2
3 0.034119 1870 Not valid
4 0.034119 1880 Not valid
1 0.012281 391 ok
2 0.062451 1680 Not valid
Model 3
3 0.034857 947 ok
4 0.034857 1000 ok
1 0.011757 287 ok
2 0.061905 1200 ok
Model 4
3 0.034324 752 ok
4 0.034324 759 ok
1 0.010814 272 ok
2 0.060857 1200 ok
Model 5
3 0.033381 750 ok
4 0.033381 757 ok
Table 6: Results Summary
In any case, we were paying attention to durability and cleaning capabilities, as well as corrosion.
In particular, cleaning capability is a major drawback with classical pasteboards, gypsum or fibre-based
systems. The process involves the application of chemical solutions in a spray mist form. The chemicals
absorb the impurities on the ceiling and as the chemicals evaporate, the impurities and dirt are drawn
out, but it is an expensive process, with the cost of cleaning being a fraction of the cost of total
replacement. It is also necessary to cover the floor and put sheeting on the furniture to catch this mist, as
a light mist falls.
Some deterioration occurs during this process, as chemicals react with structural systems in a number of
ways.
48
Figure 51. In situ cleaning process
A large amount of effort was spent analyzing the corrosion and degradation of samples in an
accelerated environment, under cyclic tests lasting 24 hours, based on water spray and sodium chloride
salt mist. The main task accomplished was the determination of one or more properties (corrosion, solid
appearance, stain evolution and so on), before and after given periods of exposure in the specified
environmental conditions, with observation of any change in appearance.
This accelerated environment (salt-water spray test (SST) was equivalent to 5 years of exposure in a
severe marine or rural site.
Figure 52. Restricted area with samples being exposed

Regarding some samples, such as trays, they were analyzed with their hot dip galvanizing protection,
even when in a commercial environment they will be additionally coated by a vinyl film providing an
aesthetic appearance to match their setting.
Figure 53. Samples of trays before testing and final product
49
Figure 54. Durability results for certain classes of material
Although we were trying to apply the standard ISO 4611 as closely as possible, it is clear that additional
research defining a comparative environment of indoor conditions as a standard is really needed. This
will avoid using outdoor and very aggressive conditions, like those used here, where they reveal a very
proactive picture for steel components.
3.4 Conclusions
According to the established programme, some market surveys were carried out regarding steel
perception in acoustic soundproofing and conditioning.
By considering the output of surveys and through the application of product design methodologies, we
define some prototype classes (panels, trays, resonators and meshes) with different degrees of
transparency.
After an extensive programme of laboratory analysis, all the data were gathered and used for increasing
knowledge and also for calibrating software simulators. In addition to the introduction of absorption
coefficients, other adjustments are convenient, such as those related to energy dissipation, the number
of rays according to the expected number of reflections and estimated complexity.
Software tools were developed with this information, for demonstration purposes, allowing users and
designers to fit the target tonal curve by conditioning several items.
A methodology to do this was also produced. This methodology allows for simulating before and
after scenarios, and an annex was included, showing it in a real case.
Design guides for using these new types of solutions were developed, not only for designers but also for
fitters, as shown in the following figures:
50
Figure 55. Details from the implementation guide
Certain other aspects of design guides, such as an overview of the set of products, are also presented
here:
Table 7. Overview of recommendations for product sets
51
Analyses of mechanical properties were performed and a FEM (Finite Element Method) approach was
adopted for dimensioning these elements and their installation complements. Specific properties such as
corrosion resistance, cleaning capability and stability were considered, but in this case, it could benefit
additional research by defining uniform environmental conditions and cycles for testing, reflecting
accelerated indoor conditions for all potential materials (steel, plastics, pasteboard, gypsum and so on),
in order to avoid highly aggressive outdoor conditions, like those currently established for corrosion,
because of damage to the stability of certain materials.
Finally, a set of design rules were produced for the uses of new classes of products.
As a summary, the inventory of products developed during this project includes:

Product Design Methodology for acoustic active products based on steel
Knowledge about some type of elements based on steel, grouped into a database for its easy
management and exploitation.
Two different software tools, in order to evaluate the integration of attributes from these
elements. Fist one for direct evaluation of acoustic characteristics of materials in its real
environment and second one for helping designers to produce an targeted tonal curve. Both
software are source code and they are provide as is, because the work inside the project was to
demonstrate its capability and potential uses in combination with these acoustic mixed
elements.
Best practices during installation of components avoiding mistakes breaking any advantage
obtained by using these elements.
Technical guidelines for choosing elements according to their main use.
Some new products, as derived from the previous introduced methodology, and protected by
filing a patent on each one.
Overall, we think some forward steps were taken regarding products for acoustic conditioning, mainly
by combining components (absorbent material with steel as a coating material).
As we produced new product sets, the innovation was clear, even when the new product sets will be in
detriment to the current ones.
From this point of view, we can offer the same class of material (steel) for acoustic conditioning in all
frequency ranges and so offer the same finish aspect and much greater resistance to cleaning products
than in the previous definition.
Some kind of knowledge on reporting activities would be beneficial, such as the dissemination of
knowledge gained with resonators, software tool tricks or even design guides and best practices
forthcoming within the project. The project consortium is currently discussing this point.
3.5 Exploitation and impact of research results

3.5.1 Actual applications
Design methodologies were created for product development with acoustic applications. New concepts
for these products (mobile ceiling system, combined wall elements and so on) were developed. Specific
tools for inverse conditioning were developed and provided as is. Expensive laboratory tests for
these products were arranged.
3.5.2 Technical and economic potential for use of the results

The modelling methods developed for prediction of sound conditioning properties of the elements can
be used in everyday work. Now, the influence of different construction parts and layers (vinyl coating,
automatic cutting shapes and so on) is being analyzed by the industrial partner, in order to decide upon
its commercial launch.
The strong points are durability and cleaning costs (8 times better than other classical solutions), as well
as interesting possibilities for colour aesthetics, which are quite interesting for public spaces, such as
hospitals, conference rooms, airports, shopping centres and so on.
52
The main weaknesses are related to the cost of realigning a designers previous knowledge. Hence the
reason software tools could help in that task.
3.5.3 Patent filing

In accordance with an agreement reached in internal consortium meetings, the coordinator has filed two
patents.
Both of them have been derived directly from the use of the product development methodology
proposed during this project.
The first patent claims a new system for a moving ceiling system with acoustic properties, including
lighting system and automatically controlled movements. The following pictures provide details of the
patented system:
Figure 56. Lateral view of the system
Figure 57. Expanded and contracted views of the ceiling mesh system
Figure 58. Several elements working together

The second one is designed for places where local acoustic energy absorption would benefit normal
activities, such as indoor shopping centres and so on. It is the opposite concept to the local reflectors
used in music halls or rooms. Here it is possible to combine design, decorative effects and absorption
properties:
53
Figure 59. Global view of a local absorption system
3.5.4 Publications
Due to the priority given to patents, no publications have been forthcoming so far.
We have currently submitted one paper:
Ordieres J, Alba F. Local effects of absorption for resonators in low frequencies. Submitted to
Building Acoustics, 2007.
A further two papers are being prepared and they will be submitted before the end of the year.
Technical Reports:
RFS-04043/A01 - Survey for acoustic utilization of steel in some countries within the EU area. UR
and ARCELOR, 2007.
RFS-04043/A02 - Acoustic tests for new steel-based product types. UR, FQZ, ISQ. 2007
RFS-04043/A03 - Comparative for acoustic simulation software. UR 2007.
RFS-04043/A04 - Software validation and case study. UR, Arcelor, FQZ, ISQ. 2007
RFS-04043/A05 - Numerical simulations report. UR, FQZ, ISQ. 2007
3.5.5 Contribution to acoustic comfort standardization
3.5.5.1 INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The acoustical environment of a workspace is typically given little attention during project planning and
design. The assault on ears in the workplace can come from traffic noise outside, mechanical equipment
in adjacent spaces, and copiers, telephones, and voices within the workspace.
Comfort is a qualitative concept that is connected to feelings. It is valid for many fields or aspects of
human endeavour/28/. However, it is not easy to standardize.
Traditionally, acoustic comfort is related to noise reduction. In turn, this is connected to insulation, the
values of which are specified by established standards /29-39/. Acoustic privacy in an interior space
results from the effective treatment of the acoustic environment as an interrelationship of many
components, including ceiling, partitions, furniture, equipment, and floor.
54
Suspended acoustic ceiling systems refer to the acoustic panels or tiles that are suspended by an
exposed or concealed ceiling grid. The tiles themselves can be made of fiberglass, mineral fiber, wood,
or metal. Their surfaces range from smooth and washable to deep-fissured or textural patterns. Acoustic
tiles or panels come in a wide range of patterns, colours, and acoustic valuesprimarily between 0.50
and 0.70 NRC. The quality of the acoustic value directly
relates to the composition, face texture, and manufacture of the tile. Fiberglass tiles absorb almost all of
the sound that strikes them, but are generally not very durable.
Mineral fiber tiles are more durable and, overall, absorb less sound than fibreglass. However, they
prove to be very effective at absorbing sound that strikes them at a 90-degree angle. As the angle of
incidence increases, the sound absorption decreases.
The comfort criteria are not only dictated by the space available, but also by other functional aspects,
depending on the professional categories and uses/40/. Although there are some differences in the
acoustical requirements of offices, classrooms, and conference rooms, several common noise problems
affect these occupancies:
Too much noise from outside the building enters the space
Too much noise from adjacent spaces, and
Lack of sound control in the space itself.
First topic is related strategic planning of space, in order to provide public environment suitable for uses
it will support. Acoustic parameters like SEL are defined over contiguous time periods and calculation
of these parameters in different points of a region of interest is performed when national or international
authorities impose strict limits of the noise level. Permanent monitoring can offer information about the
level noise trend and may help to create acoustic maps. Acoustic maps present an existing situation or a
predicted one, in terms of noise indicators, showing every exceed of relevant limit values, the number
of affected inhabitants over a selected area, or the number of the dwellings exposed to different values
of the noise indicators. Acoustic maps contain:
the display of measured values during short or long term monitoring;
the display of measured values by the permanent monitoring station;
the calculation and the validation of the measurements, using software programs.
Global and strategic acoustic planning tries to warn the existing problems and to optimize the using of
the limited resources by mapping and managing the acoustic environment of an extended area, such as a
town or an airport.
In any case, at this level criteria for acoustic quality are always based on sound level in specific regions.
Pending on nature of uses allowed on these regions, limits are fixed as well as percentages of variation
over time. It is possible to see it at 2002/49/EC Directive of the European Parliament and of CE
Council.
In order to manage carefully second topic, too much noise from adjacent spaces, universal approach
is focused on planning uses for buildings and, to manage them carefully in order to have adjacent
compatible uses regarding its source noise levels.
Figure 60. Typical building section showing inner spaces with common and compatible uses (unit
of use concept).
55
Standards fix the global acoustic reduction index for each separating element and it tries to identify
overall performance of each uses by introducing the sound transmission class and the impact insulation
class.
Pending of uses of these units, standards recommend specific values for these indexes and classes, in
any case based on sound reduction by isolation.
The third topic mentioned before is directly related to comfort during communication into the unit of
use and taking into account specific activities hosted into these units of use.
A good example will be the open office concept, frequently used due to the lower initial investment
for the infrastructure. The Center for the Built Environment (CBE) at U.C., Berkeley, conducted an
analysis of 15 buildings by 4,096 respondents/41/. More than 60 percent of the occupants of cubicles
think that acoustics interfere with their ability to perform their jobs.
Figure 61. The Center for the Built Environment (CBE) at U.C., Berkeley (Courtesy of National
Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) 1090 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 700. Washington, DC
20005. As it is shown on the picture, common problems are related to acoustics (too noisy, sound
privacy, sound masking words, etc.)
Among other aspects, regarding interior acoustics, comfort can be related to adequate speech privacy. A
complete acoustic system will generally provide adequate speech privacy. Speech privacy is achieved
when there is sufficient acoustic shielding to prevent the conversation being heard by anyone except the
participants in the conversation /42/.
There are also references about the relationship between noise and driving concentration, in the case of
cars. These provide potential links to safety/acoustic comfort in this environment.
Generally speaking, all standards refer to reverberation time as the best criterion for identifying
problems with speech hearing. Also is common to limit it according to the use of the room. In Europe is
quite usual to fix to 0,7s reverberation time for classroom, against 0,6s in USA.
Empty restaurants are restricted to 0,9s and big conference rooms are restricted to 0,5s when chairs are
included.
Unfortunately, as reverberation time depends on frequency, in order to make things easier, an average
between its values at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz is commonly adopted.
In our days, modern multifunctional shopping malls have been branded as 'indoor cities' because they
mimic city features by providing retail, restaurant, theatre, amusement and community facilities.
56
Atriums have become popular in malls by creating generous spaces, airy structures and better indoor
environmental qualities, particularly daylight and ventilation.
In large atrium spaces the acoustic factor also makes an important contribution in the matter of overall
physical comfort. However, research into this aspect has been rather limited and no reference
publications link acoustic comfort to noise level.
3.5.5.2 TECHNICAL APPROACH
A survey carried out during this project, makes it clear that acoustic comfort is more widespread than
noise level or echo cancellation. Acoustic comfort depends on the functional uses of space, users
expectations, and is mainly related to their culture and requirements, as well as to the geometry and
decorative aspects of the space.
Further, it was evident that, depending on the use, a noise level that is similar, but at a different
frequency changes users perception from medium to very bad or unacceptable.
These factors are consistent with the idea that comfort is subjective.
The first contribution to establishing acoustic comfort criteria in a fully standarized way, and focused
on user of the space, will be to define a mesurable instrument (analytical sensor) capable of representing
different situations and able to classify different situations from an acoustic point of view.
Instead of accept just reverberation time criterion, as an average of its value at some frequencies,
following our work, such an instrument can be the tonal curve, or acoustic power received on each
frequency at one point in the room. It becomes similar to consider reverberation time on each frequency
and 3D point.
By using this instrument, and depending on the uses of the space, it may be possible to conduct
investigations to define several ranges of acoustic comfort, regarding human reactions to different tonal
curves. Thus, it will be possible to relate human perceptions to numerical values. This is a relevant
point as there are psychological studies showing that same space for same uses is classed very
differently depending of the previously existing expectations created in the users /43/.
Also, taking into account the geometry and decoration of the room, as well as the expected source of
sound, it will be possible to identify different areas of the space where different qualities of comfort will
be observed.
In addition, it will be possible to tailor some elements in order to modify the tonal curve in some places.
In fact, this project provides software tools for doing this. Some results are publicly available at
http://www.constructalia.com/es_ES/news/actualidad_detalle.jsp?idDoc=2467442&idCat=117744 from
one of the NASCENTs partners, like test program and tests results. In fact, many products of this
project are available to anyone who is interested, upon request to the partners, like design rules for some
active acoustics items, detailed information about market studies carried out in some european countries
and software tools.
Even when the methodology for technical improvement of acoustic comfort can be based on the tonal
curve concept and there are technology and tools to improve the level of acoustic comfort, based on
different strategies, a key topic is missing, which is reference tonal curve per unit of uses, as well as
allowed variation in any frequency. Consequently more research needs to be undertaken before
proceeding, and a right approach will be to define classes of comfort regarding reference tonal curve
and size of variations per class.
In particular, some consensus on the shape and values for tonal curves is required. It will depend on
many factors:
a) Uses of space
b) Requirements of users
57
c) Number of classes of comfort, application is interested on.
d) Average values over time, depending of the uses of space
e) Tolerances at different points, in order to keep each class of comfort stable.
As became evident during the development of this project, some of these criteria are quite dependent on
the cultural heritage of the citizens. In any case, after this project, were tools for defining acoustic
comfort were provided, as well as tools for helping o modify specific values on specific places, a great
deal of research needs to be done for closing gaps and to set up specific thresholds and classes.
3.5.6 Dissemination of results

In addition to the scientific articles resulting from the project, project results will be disseminated
through Design Guides. The Design Guides can be delivered to designers, providing practical
information for the design of lightweight steel structures with an adequate acoustic and vibration
performance. Each partner can also use the Design Guide for their own purposes, such as for producing
product guidance, lecture material etc.
All partners are currently involved by using material and knowledge developed during the project in
seminars, customer presentations, solutions for specific problems, etc.
CO1 is actively looking for potential customers interested in developing industrial applications for
patented products introduced here, as well as, they are developing new solutions for these kind of
problems.
4. List of Figures and Tables
4.1 List of Figures

FIGURE 1. GLOBAL DEPICTION OF THE PROJECT CONCEPT ........................................................................................................7
FIGURE 2. ACOUSTIC PANELS IN KINDERGARTEN /2/ ..............................................................................................................9
FIGURE 3. ACOUSTIC PANELS IN FOYER /2/ ..........................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 4. ACOUSTIC ABSORBER IN CINEMA /3/ ....................................................................................................................9
FIGURE 5. ACOUSTIC ABSORBER WITH EXPANDED METAL /4/ ...................................................................................................9
FIGURE 6. MICROSORBER ACOUSTIC CEILING /5/ ............................................................................................................11
FIGURE 7. MAIN FIGURES FOR THE SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE MARKETS.................................................................................13
FIGURE 8. OVERVIEW OF THE POLISH MARKET ....................................................................................................................13
FIGURE 9. OVERVIEW OF THE ROMANIAN MARKET ..............................................................................................................14
FIGURE 10. SAMPLE OF THE QUALITY HOME, USED ON QFD METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................15
FIGURE 11. SAMPLE OF DRAWING DEFINING THE GEOMETRY FOR A RESONATOR ........................................................................16
FIGURE 12. DEFINITION OF TRAY-BASED CEILING SYSTEM ......................................................................................................16
FIGURE 13. PICTURES WITH SAMPLES OF PRODUCTS USED FOR TESTING ...................................................................................17
FIGURE 14. PICTURE SHOWING THE ABSORBING SURFACE INSIDE THE ACOUSTIC ROOM FOR RECORDING THE APPROPRIATE
MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................18
FIGURE 15. ACTIVE INSTRUMENTS USED FOR MEASUREMENTS ...............................................................................................18
FIGURE 16. GENERAL VIEW OF ACOUSTIC ROOM MEASURING ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF MESHES ..................................................19
FIGURE 17. GENERAL VIEW OF ANOTHER ACOUSTIC ROOM, NOW TESTING RESONATORS .............................................................19
FIGURE 18. RECOMMENDATION FOR REVERBERATION TIMES AS A FUNCTION OF THE ROOMS MAIN USE ........................................21
FIGURE 19. SUGGESTED TOLERANCE RANGE FOR RT ............................................................................................................21
FIGURE 20. POSITION OF SENSORS, ACCORDING TO THE STANDARD.........................................................................................23
FIGURE 21. POSITION OF SAMPLES INSIDE THE ACOUSTIC ROOM .............................................................................................23
FIGURE 22. EQUIVALENT SOUND ABSORPTION SURFACE AGAINST FREQUENCY ...........................................................................25
FIGURE 23. RING MESH OUTPUT. UPPER LEFT RT FOR NARROW MESH. UPPER RIGHT ABSORPTION COEFFICIENT FOR NARROW MESH.
BOTTOM: THE SAME, BUT WITH BIGGER RINGS IN THE MESH..........................................................................................26
FIGURE 24. TYPICAL SCREEN USED AS INTERFACE FOR THE LABORATORY DATA TESTS ...................................................................27
FIGURE 25. CUBICAL ROOM USED FOR CALIBRATING THE RAYTRACER .......................................................................................29
FIGURE 26. % OF ENERGY LOST ........................................................................................................................................30
FIGURE 27. ENERGY LOSSES. EFFECT OF LOW ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS .................................................................................30
58
FIGURE 28. ENERGY LOSSES IN THE CASE OF MEDIUM ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS ......................................................................31
FIGURE 29. MEDIUM COMPLEXITY GEOMETRY USED FOR CALIBRATION ....................................................................................31
FIGURE 30. ENERGY LOSSES ON MEDIUM COMPLEXITY AND LOW ABSORPTION ..........................................................................32
FIGURE 31. ENERGY LOSSES ON MEDIUM COMPLEXITY AND MEDIUM ABSORPTION .....................................................................32
FIGURE 32. COMPLEX GEOMETRY BUILDING USED FOR CALIBRATION .......................................................................................33
FIGURE 33. ENERGY LOSSES. COMPLEX GEOMETRY AND LOW ABSORPTION ...............................................................................33
FIGURE 34. ENERGY LOSSES. COMPLEX GEOMETRY MEDIUM ABSORPTION COEFFICIENTS .............................................................34
FIGURE 35. START PANEL FOR OUR ACOUSTIC CONDITIONING SOFTWARE .................................................................................35
FIGURE 36. MAIN SCREEN FOR THE CONDITIONING SOFTWARE SYSTEM....................................................................................35
FIGURE 37. REVERBERATION TIME IS SHOWN DURING THE USERS WORK TIME. .........................................................................36
FIGURE 38. SNAPSHOT OF SEVERAL MATERIALS FOR TESTING THEIR ACOUSTIC EFFECT .................................................................36
FIGURE 39. COMPARATIVE ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF EACH MATERIAL .......................................................................................37
FIGURE 40. CLASSIC MECHANICAL TESTS ............................................................................................................................38
FIGURE 41. PLATE WITH CIRCULAR PERFORATIONS OF 30 MM DIAMETER .................................................................................38
FIGURE 42: PLATE WITH RECTANGULAR PERFORATIONS AND 80 MM AND 10MM SIDES ..............................................................39
FIGURE 43. PLATE WITH CIRCULAR MULTI-PERFORATIONS WITH DIAMETERS OF 40, 20 AND 5MM ................................................39
FIGURE 44. FINITE ELEMENT MODEL. BOUNDARY CONDITIONS ..............................................................................................39
FIGURE 45. VON MISES EQUIVALENT STRESSES (PA). LOAD CASE 1 ........................................................................................40
FIGURE 46. DEFLECTIONS (M). LOAD CASE 3 ......................................................................................................................40
FIGURE 47. LAWS FOR THICKNESS REGARDING SIZE AND SURFACE OF HOLES..............................................................................41
FIGURE 48. STEEL CLIP TYPES FOR TRAYS. CONCEPT. ............................................................................................................41
FIGURE 49. TOTAL DISPLACEMENTS (M). LOAD CASE 1 .........................................................................................................42
FIGURE 50. MODEL DEFORMED SHAPE. LOAD CASE 1...........................................................................................................43
FIGURE 51. IN SITU CLEANING PROCESS .............................................................................................................................44
FIGURE 52. RESTRICTED AREA WITH SAMPLES BEING EXPOSED ...............................................................................................44
FIGURE 53. SAMPLES OF TRAYS BEFORE TESTING AND FINAL PRODUCT .....................................................................................44
FIGURE 54. DURABILITY RESULTS FOR CERTAIN CLASSES OF MATERIAL ......................................................................................45
FIGURE 55. DETAILS FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE......................................................................................................46
FIGURE 56. LATERAL VIEW OF THE SYSTEM .........................................................................................................................48
FIGURE 57. EXPANDED AND CONTRACTED VIEWS OF THE CEILING MESH SYSTEM ........................................................................48
FIGURE 58. SEVERAL ELEMENTS WORKING TOGETHER ..........................................................................................................48
FIGURE 59. GLOBAL VIEW OF A LOCAL ABSORPTION SYSTEM ..................................................................................................49
FIGURE 60. THE CENTER FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (CBE) AT U.C., BERKELEY (COURTESY OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING
SCIENCES (NIBS) 1090 VERMONT AVENUE NW, SUITE 700. WASHINGTON, DC ............................................................50
FIGURE 61. THE CENTER FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (CBE) AT U.C., BERKELEY (COURTESY OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING
SCIENCES (NIBS) 1090 VERMONT AVENUE NW, SUITE 700. WASHINGTON, DC 20005. AS IT IS SHOWN ON THE PICTURE,
COMMON PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO ACOUSTICS (TOO NOISY, SOUND PRIVACY, SOUND MASKING WORDS, ETC.) ...................51
4.2 List of Tables

TABLE 1. COURTESY OF RFCS-PROJECT ACOUSVIBRA. RFS-CR-03025 ...................................................................................14
TABLE 2. SPEECH CRITERIA FOR ACOUSTIC CONDITIONING......................................................................................................22
TABLE 3. SAMPLE DATASET FOR T20 .................................................................................................................................24
TABLE 4. SAMPLE DATASET FOR T30 .................................................................................................................................24
TABLE 5. DIMENSIONS FOR CLIPS USED WITH TRAYS .............................................................................................................42
TABLE 6: RESULTS SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................................................43
TABLE 7. OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRODUCT SETS ...........................................................................................46
59
5. List of References
/1/ Neue Bauteile fr besseres Hren und weniger Lrm, Gesundheits-Ingenieur 124, Heft 2, 2003
/2/ Riegerschallschutz GmbH & Ko. KG, Rntgenstr. 10, 70736 Fellbach
/3/ Sto AG, Ehrenbachstrae 1, 79780 Sthlingen
/4/ Illbruck Bau-Technik GmbH, Burscheider Str. 454, 51381 Leverkusen
/5/ KAEFER: Isoliertechnik, Postfach 210343, 28223 Bremen
/6/ Project NASCENT: Technical Report 01: Standard EN ISO 354 and useful comments.
/7/ ISO 3741:1988: Acoustics. Determination of sound power levels of noise sources Precision
methods for broad-band sources in reverberation rooms.
/8/ DIN EN ISO 266: Ausgabe 08-1997, Normfrequenzen
/9/ DIN EN ISO 354: Ausgabe 12-2003, Messung der Schallabsorption in Hallrumen
/10/ ISO 96-13, Ausgabe 06-1993: Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors
/11/ M. D. Bovea, B. Wang: INTEGRATION OF CUSTOMER, COST AND ENVIRONMENTAL
REQUIREMENTS IN PRODUCT DESIGN: AN APPLICATION OF GREEN QFD
/12/ Zhang, Y., Wang, H.P., Zhang, C.: Green QFD-II: A life cycle approach for environmentally
conscious manufacturing by integrating LCA and LCC into QFD matrices, International Journal
of Product Research, 37 (5), 1075-1091, 1999.
/13/ The TRIZ journal: http://www.triz-journal.com/archives/2007/04/03/
/14/ Hajime Yamashina; Takaaki Ito; Hiroshi Kawada. Innovative product development process by
integrating QFD and TRIZ. International Journal of Production Research, Volume 40, Issue 5
March 2002, pages 1031 1050
/15/ THIELE, R.: A simple measuring procedure for determining the "center time" of room acoustical
impulse responses) 7th Intern. Congress on Acoustics, Budapest 1971
/16/ AHNERT, W. SCHMIDT, W.; Acoustics in cultural buildings. Berlin 1980.
/17/ Kinsler, L.E., Frey, A.R. and Coppens, A.B.: Fundamentals of Acoustics. Wiley (1990). 161
/18/ Ihlenburg, F.: Finite Element Analysis of Acoustic Scattering Springer-Verlag (1998).
/19/ KRER, R.: A simple measuring procedure for determining the "center time" of room acoustical
impulse responses. 7th Intern. Congress on Acoustics, Budapest 1971.
/20/ DIETSCH, L., KRAAK, W.: An objective criterion for capturing echo disturbances with music
and speech performances. Acustica 60 (1986)
/21/ Abdel Alim O.: Dependence of time and register definition of room acoustical parameters with
music performances) Dissertation, TU Dresden 1973.
/22/ Beranek L.L.: Concert and Opera Halls -How they Sound- Acoustical Society of America 1996.
/23/ FQZ. Internal project reports. Period July- December 2005
/24/ Zienkiewicz, O.C. and Taylor, R.L: The Finite Element Method. Butterworth-Heinemann, 5th
edition (2000).
/25/ Johnson. C.: Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations by the Finite Element Method.
Cambridge University Press (1987).
/26/ Hoffman, J.D.: Numerical methods for engineers and scientists. McGraw-Hill, (1992).
/27/ Clough R.W. and Penzien, J.: Dynamics of Structures. McGraw Hill (1993).
/28/ Delpech, P., Baker, C.J., Blackmore, P.A., Koss, H., Sanz-Andrs, A., Stathopoulos, T. &
Willemsen, E., Pedestrian wind comfort assessment criteria: A comparative study, Proceedings
61
(on CD) of the 4th European & African Conference on Wind Engineering (EACWE-4), 11-15
July (2005), Prague.
/29/ DIN EN ISO 140:2005 Acoustics - Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements
/30/ DIN EN ISO 717:2004 Acoustics - Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements
/31/ DIN EN ISO 3382:2000 Acoustics - measurement of the reverberation time of rooms with
reference to other acoustical parameters
/32/ DIN EN ISO 11821:1997 Acoustics - Measurement of the in situ sound attenuation of a
removable screen
/33/ DIN EN 12354:2004 Building acoustics - Estimation of acoustic performance of buildings
from the performance of elements.
/34/ DIN EN ISO 14257:2002 Acoustics - Measurement and parametric description of spatial sound
distribution curves in workrooms for evaluation of their acoustical performance.
/35/ DIN EN ISO 15186:2002 Acoustics - Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements using sound intensity
/36/ DIN EN ISO 10052:2005 Acoustics. Field measurements of airborne and impact sound insulation
and of service equipment sound.
/37/ DIN EN ISO 10848:2003 Acoustics. Laboratory measurement of the flanking transmission of
airborne and impact sound between adjoining rooms.
/38/ DIN EN ISO 11654:1997 Acoustics - Sound absorbers for use in buildings -- Rating of sound
absorption.
/39/ DIN EN ISO 17624:2005 Acoustics - Guidelines for noise control in offices and workrooms by
means of acoustical screens.
/40/ DIN EN 21683:1994 Acoustics - Preferred reference quantities for acoustic levels
/41/ Jensen, K., and E. Arens. Acoustic Quality in Office Workstations, as Assessed by Occupant
Surveys. Proceedings, Indoor Air 2005, Sept. 4-9, Beijing, China.
/42/ Salter, C., K. Powell, D. Begault, and R. Alvarado,. Case Studies of a Method for Predicting
Speech Privacy in the Contemporary Workplace. CBE Summary Report, January 2003.
/43/ Sastre S. Estudios sobre expectativas de grupos de individuos. Cuadernos de psicologa.
Universidad de la Rioja. 2007.
62
6. Appendices
63
ANNEX I: Software validation and case study
65
INTRODUCTION
In this report we will use the in situ results obtained by measurement in a practical case study of the
conditioning of a premises to contrast the theoretical results obtained from the same premises with the
simulation software improved during this RFS project and now under study.
The main goal of this annex is to produce a methodological approach to a real situation and, just in
that environment, to show how we can find some benefits from the use of Acoustic Numerical
Simulation (ANS) techniques.
Moreover, by doing so, we will show the applied uses of a piece of software in such a way that the
reader can benefit from:
a) The software user manual, learning not only a technical comparison of tools but, in this
particular case, about all the options available and all the technical details regarding its
implementation.
b) The use of this software in a real situation and how to use all the concepts managed in theory.
c) Source code, just for checking, if necessary, all about implementation tricks.
A simulation will also be presented of the acoustic conditioning effects of using products developed
during this RFS project.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOFTWARE

Acoustic simulation software is developed using Geometric Theory. This theory uses the laws of
optical geometry, treating the sound waves generated by the source as sound rays. The tracking of the
rays is determined using two methods or a combination of both, namely, the central beam method and
the three-ray method.
The central beam method uses a pyramidal beam that overlies a central ray. If a small number of
samples are used and/or the number of reflections is high, an important number of false detections can
be obtained, thus making the result somewhat unreliable.
The three-ray method uses a pyramidal beam limited by three rays at their edges. It is the most
accurate; an accurate calculation of the reverberating tail can be made in moderately absorbent rooms
with enough source sampling.
Acoustic simulation through the use of software has three well-defined processes: ENTRY,
PROCESSING and REPRESENTATION of DATA.
The following sections summarise each one.
DATA ENTRY
The software permits the electronic inputting of the geometrical characteristics of the premises being
studied, undertaking a cleansing and correction process in the case of error.
67
Once the geometry has been introduced, the next step is to assign materials to each of the surfaces
and elements that make up the premises, e.g. floors, ceiling, walls and such features as stairs, seating,
stages etc.
The software allows for the acoustic absorption characteristics of existing materials to be modified
in the database and the edition of new materials and their storage in the database, in order to make the
study as similar as possible to the real situation.
Once the geometrical and structural characteristics have been defined, the next step is to introduce
the information on the sound source, its coordinates, sound level and to indicate any environmental
conditions that there may be on the study site.
DATA PROCESSING
To start data processing, it is necessary to define the coordinates of the receiver, method of
calculation, the number of samples that we want to represent and the order of transmission and
reflection necessary for the characteristics of the premises, ensuring that the results obtained are the
most accurate possible.
On introducing these parameters the program begins processing, and shows the detection of the
beams in the position of the receiver, indicating geometrically how the reflections are produced in the
room.
By analysing the rays and their reflections, the program gives the acoustic parameters characteristic
of the premises.
DATA REPRESENTATION
The software permits us to visualise an echogram of the premises in the position of the receiver,
calculate the acoustic parameters of the samples in the form of an isophonic map, through a scale of
colours which refers to a gradual scale of values.
The acoustic parameters that are calculated are the following:
Level of sound pressure (SPL)
Reverberation Time (TR): TR average, TR of Sabine, TR of Kuttruff and TR of Norris-
Eyring:
Acoustic Quality (BR)
Acoustic radiance (Br)
Voice clarity (C50): Speech average
Voice clarity (C80): Music average
Definition (D)
Early Decay Time (EDT)
Sonority (G)
In the final annex, each one of these parameters will be explained in detail and their reference values
according to the type of premises.
68
CASE STUDY: STUDY OF PUBLIC PREMISES
DESCRIPTION OF THE INITIAL CONDITION OF THE PREMISES
For this case study, we have used an area of premises used as a fast-food restaurant in which there
has not been any type of acoustic conditioning.
This public area has a surface of 50 m2 and a height of 3 m.
The geometrical layout of the area can be seen in Figure no. 1.
ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS OF THE STUDY

In order to assess and analyse the acoustic conditions of these premises, we will study the following
values:
TR mid (Reverberation Time Average)
Quality
Radiance
Absence of echoes and focusing of sound
These four factors indicate the acoustic conditions of the premises. Depending on the results, it will
be necessary to undertake acoustic conditioning to improve the situation according to the use given to
premises.
IN SITU TESTING
The following figure provides a basic plan of the premises and the position of the sound source and
the sound meter for the measurements of reverberation time on the premises.
Figure no. 1: Basic plan of the premises being studied. The green square indicates the position of the source and the red
circles indicate the position of the sound meter taking the measurements.
69
The calculation of reverberation time on the premises has been carried out using the guidelines
specified in standard EN ISO 3382:1997.
Table no. 1 shows the values obtained in each of the positions and the average value of the three
measurements taken.
F (Hz) T1 T2 T3 TR average
50 N/A N/A N/A N/A

63 N/A N/A N/A N/A
80 N/A N/A N/A N/A
100 1.42 0.59 N/A 1.01
125 N/A 0.89 1.17 1.03
160 0.89 0.90 0.72 0.84
200 N/A 1.10 1.39 1.25
250 1.22 1.31 1.06 1.20
315 0.98 0.87 1.06 0.97
400 1.24 0.99 1.08 1.10
500 1.14 1.09 1.06 1.10
630 1.17 1.07 1.24 1.16
800 1.06 1.11 1.39 1.19
1000 1.20 1.04 1.22 1.15
1250 1.09 1.08 1.18 1.12
1600 1.17 1.16 1.10 1.14
2000 1.15 1.16 1.27 1.19
2500 1.07 1.06 1.17 1.10
3150 0.94 0.90 1.05 0.96
4000 0.84 0.81 0.93 0.86
5000 0.92 0.79 10.43 4.05
Table no. 1. Result of the values obtained for the three measurements taken with their average
TR average
Substituting the average values of TR for the frequencies of 500 and 100 Hz, we find:
1,10 1,15
TR mid = = 1,125 sec.
2
Average TR curve
Figure no. 2 plots a line graph of reverberation times.
70
Figure no. 2. Line graph of average reverberation time obtained for each frequency
ACOUSTIC SIMULATION
Once the results for the real measurements have been obtained, we undertake the acoustic simulation
of the premises under study in order to compare the values obtained.
The area of the premises sampled is of simple geometry with low absorption due to the lack of
absorbing treatment in any of its parameters; hence we use the three-ray method for the simulation.
We have selected the three-ray method because we are dealing with a small area and there is little
absorption in its materials. We also combine this method with a selection of samples and adequate
reflections to minimize the possible error.
We will now present a variety of examples of the results in various parameters for the premises.
Global parameters of the area under study

GEOMETRIC DISTRIBUTION
The following image shows the geometric distribution of the premises under study.
Figure no. 3: Geometric distribution of the area under study
MATERIAL ASSIGNMENT
We have assigned materials to each of the surfaces that make up the premises following the process
shown in the following figure:
71
Figure no. 4: Material Assignment
POSITION AND SOUND LEVEL OF THE EMITTING SOURCE

We have selected the same measurement parameters as those used in the real measurements
referring to position and sound level, so that the comparison can be as real as possible.
Figure no. 5: Position of the sound source
RAY TRACING AND THE POSITION OF THE RECEIVER IN THE PREMISES

The following figure shows the calculation parameters for ray tracing, and therefore the position of
the sound source.
72
Figure no. 6: Ray Calculation
The position and calculation parameters of the source will be the same as those used in the in situ
measurements, to be able to compare the results.
We have selected these calculation parameters because, given the characteristics of the room, the
results obtained with this number of samples and of reflections, as the intermediate overlapping zone,
give results that are representative of the room.
RAY CALCULATION.
Once the calculation parameters have been specified, the program calculates the number of
reflections in the position of the receiver. These are shown in the following summary table in Figure
no.7.
Figure no. 7: Summary table of effective rays

The column on the left shows the time the beam of rays arrives at the receiver, and the rows show
the sound level of the beam in frequency octaves.
73
Figure no. 8 shows the graphic representation of one of the reflections obtained
Figure no. 8: Trajectory of one of the reflections

Moving the arrow to the right shows the evolution of the reflections and their paths in the room
ECHOGRAMS AND ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS. DIFFUSE ESTIMATION

Completing the calculation process, the software displays a window showing the summarised values
of all the calculated parameters for the room for the data initially entered.
Figure no. 9 shows the values of the acoustic parameters calculated by the software.
Figure no. 9. Echogram and values of acoustic parameters

These are the results obtained by the software for the frequency of 100 Hz. The blue line represents
the fall in energy over time. To the right you can see the most common acoustic parameters obtained.
Figure no. 9 shows that the first rays have high sound levels; as successive reflections are produced
on the walls of the room, these decrease due to the loss of energy through collision, resulting finally in a
reverberation tail of values significantly lower than initially shown.
Another series of results that it is important to bear in mind when analysing the condition of the
premises is shown in Figure no. 10.
74
Figure no. 10: Resulting acoustic parameters
In Appendix I, we explain the significance of each of these parameters.
Apart from these acoustic parameters, we also obtain the most common reverberation times like TR
Eyring, TR Sabine and TR Kutruff and their graphic representations. The graph in Figure no. 11 shows
this information.
Figure no. 11. Data of the different reverberation times

The software permits us to analyse each of the surfaces that make up the premises independently,
through the use of tracing over squares or meshes in the selected layers.
The following sections show the calculations and results for the most representative acoustic
parameters obtained with the software simulation for various surfaces on the premises.
Parameters obtained for two laterals of the room

MESHING. LATERALS 1 AND 2
The program calculates the values of the echogram for each of the cells into which the squaring is
divided. The following figure shows the division of each lateral into cells.
75
Figure no. 12. Meshing of laterals 1 and 2
ECHOGRAMS. LATERALS 1 AND 2

The following figures show the graphic representation of the echograms and the values of the most
representative acoustic parameters for the selected cell in the squaring of both laterals.
Lateral 1:
Figure no. 13. Echogram and values of acoustic parameters of lateral 1
Lateral 2:
Figure no. 14. Echogram and values of acoustic parameters lateral 2
76
Figure no. 15. Results of laterals 1 and 2 respectively
Comparing the results obtained for both laterals, we can detect small differences in the values of
Music Average, Speech Average, Definition and Gmid.
The following sections show the isophonic maps of the different acoustic parameters calculated by
the acoustic simulation software for each octave frequency band.
The values of each are reflected in the colour columns on the left, which indicate the relationship
between colour and value in the acoustic map.
ISOPHONIC MAPS OF SOUND LEVELS. LATERALS 1 AND 2
Figures nos. 16 and 17. Lateral 1. Distribution of sound levels for 125 and 250 Hz
77
Figures nos.18 and 19. Lateral 1. Distribution of sound levels for 500 and 1000 Hz
78
MUSICAL CLARITY. C80. LATERALS 1 AND 2
Figures nos. 28 and 29. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
79
80
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT). LATERALS 1 AND 2
Figures nos.40 and 41. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of EDT for 125 and 250 Hz
81
Figures nos. 42 and 43: Lateral 1. Distribution of values of EDT for 500 and 1000 Hz
Figures nos. 44 and 45. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of EDT for 2000 and 4000 Hz
82
Figures nos.50 and 51. Lateral 2. Distribution of values of EDT for 2000 and 4000 Hz
TR20. LATERALS 1 AND 2.
Figures nos. 52 and 53. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of TR20 for 125 and 250 Hz
83
TR20 125 Hz TR20 250 Hz
1,35 1,53
1,35 1,53
1,35 1,53
1,35 1,53
1,35 1,53
84
TR20 500 Hz TR20 1000 Hz
1,54 1,44
1,54 1,44
1,54 1,44
1,54 1,44
1,54 1,44
TR20 2000 Hz TR20 4000 Hz
1,54 1,28
1,54 1,28
1,54 1,27
1,54 1,27
1,54 1,27
85
86
Parameters obtained for the ceiling of the study area

To obtain the acoustic characteristics for the ceiling of the area under study, we repeat the process
described previously.
MESHING OF THE CEILING
Figure no. 76: Meshing of the ceiling
87
ECHOGRAMS
Figure no. 77. Echogram and values of the acoustic parameters of the ceiling
Figure no. 78. Results for the ceiling
ISOPHONIC MAPS OF THE SOUND LEVEL. CEILING
Figures nos. 79 and 80. Ceiling. Distribution of sound level for 125 and 250 Hz
88
MUSICAL CLARITY. C80
Figures nos. 85 and 86. Ceiling. Distribution of values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
89
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT)
Figures nos. 91 and 92. Ceiling. Distribution of values of EDT for 125 and 250 Hz
90
TR20.
Figures nos. 97 and 98. Ceiling. Distribution of values of TR20 for 125 and 250 Hz
91
Figures nos.99 and 100. Ceiling. Distribution of values of TR20 for 500 and 1000 Hz
TR30.
92
Parameters obtained for the floor of the room

The following section includes the echograms and the acoustic parameters for the floor of the room.
ECHOGRAMS
Figure no. 109. Echogram and values of the acoustic parameters of the floor
93
Figure no. 110. Results for the floor. 3
COMPARISON OF RESULTS FOR THE PRESENT STATE

Table no. 3 below compares the results obtained in the in situ tests and through the simulation of the
parameters being studied.
Case TR mid Clarity Radiance
Final state 1.125 0.99 0.91

Simulated Final State 1.46 0.97 0.94
Table no. 3: Comparison of results
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS: STUDY OF PROTOTYPES

By analysing the results obtained from both the in situ measurements and the acoustic simulation we
can see that the values obtained are high for the use of the premises being studied.
For this reason, we are going to undertake various simulations using some of the prototypes of the
NASCENT project to evaluate their acoustic and absorbent uses, verifying their effectiveness.
The prototypes used have been previously studied in specialised laboratories, having obtained the
coefficients of absorption for the octave frequency bands, which will be considered in the calculations
of acoustic simulation.
The position and characteristics of the source, as well as the receiver, are the same as those for the
previous analysis. The calculation parameters are also the same as those in the previous cases.
The study has involved the restaurant as a whole and one of the laterals.
SIMULATION A
We undertook a study of the room fitting the laterals with multi-perforated steel panels with holes
with diameters of 20, 40 and 5mm.
94
RAY CALCULATIONS
The arrival time to the receiver and the beams of octaves received are reflected in the following
summary table:
Figure no. 111. Summary table of the effective beams

The previous table shows the number of reflections detected at the position of the receiver.

The following figures show the values of the acoustic parameters and a representation of the rooms
overall echogram.
Figure no. 112: Representation of the echogram obtained
95
Figure no. 113. Resulting acoustic parameters
The different reverberation times obtained are shown in the following figure:
Figure no. 114. Information on the different reverberation times
Echogram. Lateral 1
The following figures provide a graphic representation of the echograms and the most representative
acoustic parameters of the lateral being analysed, in which the multi-perforated steel panel was installed
as acoustic treatment.
96
Figure no. 115. Echogram of lateral 1
Figure no. 116: Results of lateral 1
Acoustic maps of sound level. Lateral 1
97
Musical Clarity. C80. Lateral 1
Figures nos.128 and 129. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
98
Figures nos. 130 and 131. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 500 and 1000 Hz
Early Decay Time (EDT). Lateral 1
Figures nos. 134 and 135. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of EDT for 125 and 250 Hz
99
Figures nos. 138 and 139: Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of EDT for 2000 and 4000 Hz
TR20. Lateral 1
Figures nos. 140 and 141. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of TR20 for 125 and 250 Hz
100
TR30. Lateral 1
101
SIMULATION B
We undertook a study by fixing resonators to the walls, with an opening of 160 mm thickness, and
with a section and alpharock of 225 mm thickness at the back of the resonator.
Echograms and acoustic parameters. Diffuse Estimation

overall echogram.
Figure no. 152. Representation of the echogram obtained
102
The different reverberation times obtained are shown in the following figure:
Figure no. 154. Information on different reverberation times
Echogram of a lateral in the room

acoustic parameters of the lateral being analysed, upon which the resonators have been fixed.
103
Figure no. 155. Echogram of the lateral
Figure no. 156. Results for the lateral
Isophonic maps of sound level. Lateral 1
Figures nos. 157 and 158. Lateral 1. Distribution of the sound level for 125 and 250 Hz
104
Figures nos. 159 and 160: Lateral 1. Distribution of the sound level for 500 and 1000 Hz
Figures nos. 161 and 162: Lateral 1. Distribution of the sound level for 2000 and 4000 Hz
105
Figures nos. 165 and 166. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 500 an 1000 Hz
Figures nos.169 and 170. Lateral 1. Distribution of the values of EDT for 125 and 250 Hz
106
TR20. Lateral 1
107
TR30. Lateral 1
108
SIMULATION C
We conducted a study fixing steel trays (U-tubes) with an air chamber of 200mm to the ceiling.
Ray calculations
The arrival time at the receiver and the beams of octaves received can be seen in the following
summary table:
109
Figure no. 187. Summary table of effective rays
The previous table shows the number of reflections detected in the position of the receiver.
Echograms and acoustic parameters. Diffuse Estimation

overall echogram.
Figure no. 188. Representation of the echogram obtained
110
The different reverberation times are shown in the following figure:
Figure no. 190. Information on the different reverberation times
Echogram. Lateral 1
acoustic parameters of the lateral being analysed, upon which the steel trays have been fixed.
111
Figure no. 115. Echogram of lateral 1
Figure no. 116. Results of lateral 1
Isophonic maps of sound levels. Lateral 1

Nivel 250 Hz
Nivel 125 Hz
89,10 88,40
89,10 88,40
89,00 88,40
89,00 88,30
88,90 88,30
112
Nivel 1000 Hz
Nivel 500 Hz
88,70
88,60
88,50 88,70
88,50 88,60
88,40 88,60
88,40 88,60
Nivel 4000 Hz
Nivel 2000 Hz
88,20
89,00
88,20
88,90
88,10
88,90
88,10
88,90
88,00
88,80

Claridad 125 Hz Claridad 250 Hz
18,00
18,30
17,30
17,70
16,60
17,00
15,90
16,40
15,20
15,70
Figures nos.123 and 124: Lateral 1. Distribution of values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
113
18,00 18,10
17,30 17,40
16,60 16,80
15,90 16,10
15,30 15,50
Figures nos.125 and 126. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of musical clarity for 500 and 1000 Hz
Claridad 4000 Hz
Claridad 2000 Hz
19,00
18,00
18,40
17,30
17,70
16,70
17,10 16,10
16,40 15,40
Figures nos. 127and 128. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of musical clarity for 2000 and 4000 Hz

EDT 250 Hz
EDT 125 Hz
0,87
1,08
0,87
1,07
0,87
1,06
0,86
1,06
0,86
1,05
114
EDT 1000 Hz
EDT 500 Hz
0,90 0,94
0,89 0,94
0,89 0,94
0,88 0,93
0,88 0,93
EDT 2000 Hz EDT 4000 Hz
1,01 0,77
1,00 0,77
1,00
0,77
1,00
0,77
0,99
0,77
Figures nos.133 and 134: Lateral 1. Distribution of values of EDT for 2000 and 4000 Hz
TR20. Lateral 1
TR20 125 Hz
TR20 250 Hz
1,25 1,05
1,25 1,05
1,25 1,04
1,25 1,04
1,25 1,04
115
TR20 500 Hz TR20 1000 Hz
1,07 1,12
1,07 1,12
1,07 1,12
1,07
1,12
1,07
1,12
Figures nos.137 and 138. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of TR20 for 500 and 1000 Hz
TR20 2000 Hz
TR20 4000 Hz
1,18 0,92
1,18 0,92
1,17 0,92
1,17 0,92
1,17 0,92
TR30. Lateral 1
TR30 125 Hz
TR30 250 Hz
1,25
1,05
1,25
1,05
1,25
1,05
1,25
1,05
1,25
1,05
116
TR30 500 Hz
TR30 1000 Hz
1,08
1,12
1,08
1,12
1,08
1,12
1,08
1,12
1,08
1,12
Figures nos.143 and 144. Lateral 1. Distribution of values of TR30 for 500 and 1000 Hz
TR30 2000 Hz TR30 4000 Hz
1,18 0,92
1,18 0,92
1,18 0,92
1,18 0,92
1,18 0,92
CONDITIONING OF THE PREMISES. PRESENT STATE

Due to the result of the initial measurements taken in situ on the premises, which were inadequate
for providing a correct level of acoustic comfort, a series of alterations were made to improve the
acoustics.
At present, the premises has more absorbent elements that it had at the beginning. The walls were
covered with a type of matting and pieces of material of different shapes and colours were hung in the
glass area of the faade.
Apart from this, curtains were hung, as they also act as sound dampeners.
A new decorative wooden ceiling was also fitted, with the cabling for lighting, sound and television
being run above it.
In addition, plants were added to the outside of the faade and the distribution of the music and
television equipment was improved.
All these changes and the improved distribution helped to improve the acoustic comfort of the
premises.
Following these improvements, we took a fresh series of measurements to calculate the new values
of reverberation time in the new conditions.
The following images show the present state of the premises.
117
Figures nos. 147, 148, 149, 150, 151 and 152. Conditioning of the premises
In situ testing after conditioning

The following figure shows a basic plan of the new distribution of the premises and the position of
the sound source and the sound meter for the measurement of the reverberation time, with these being
the same positions as in previous cases.
118
Tables + chairs
Entrance
Figure no. 153. Basic plan of the premises after conditioning. The green square indicates the position of the source and
the red circles are the positions of the sound meter for taking measurements
The following tables show the values obtained in each position with the average value of the three
measurements:
F (Hz) T1 T2 T3 TR Average
50 N/A N/A N/A N/A
63 N/A N/A N/A N/A
80 N/A 2.11 N/A 2.11
100 1.12 N/A 1.68 1.40
125 0.66 0.91 0.86 0.81
160 0.79 0.75 0.77 0.77
200 0.81 0.96 0.97 0.91
250 0.79 0.83 0.75 0.79
315 0.92 0.80 1.09 0.94
400 0.97 0.78 0.92 0.89
500 0.97 0.95 0.93 0.95
630 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.97
800 1.05 0.95 0.94 0.98
1000 0.98 0.96 0.91 0.95
1250 0.96 0.89 0.80 0.88
1600 0.93 0.92 0.76 0.87
2000 0.90 0.91 0.80 0.87
2500 0.79 0.84 0.76 0.80
3150 0.76 0.79 0.70 0.75
4000 0.66 0.68 0.66 0.67
5000 0.76 0.70 0.65 0.70
Table no. 2. Results of the values obtained in the three measurements taken and their average
119
TR AVERAGE
If we substitute the average values for the frequencies we get:
0,95 0,95
TR mid = = 0,95 s.
2
AVERAGE TR CURVE
Figure no. 154. Line graph of the average reverberation times obtained for each frequency
Acoustic simulation after conditioning

We have used the same geometric distribution, position and levels of the sound source, position of
the receiver and method of calculation as in the previous cases.
The only difference is that the materials assigned to each lateral of the premises have varied with
respect to the initial situation.
RAY CALCULATION.
The following figures provide a table of the number of reflections detected at the position of the
receiver and an example of one in particular.
120
Figure no. 155. Summary of effective rays
Figure no. 156. Trajectory of one of the reflections obtained

Here we can see the values of the acoustic parameters calculated by the software.
121
Figure no. 157. Echogram and values of the acoustic parameters
Figure no. 159. Information on different reverberation times
122
PARAMETERS OBTAINED ON BOTH LATERALS IN THE ROOM
ECHOGRAMS. LATERALS 1 AND 2
The following figures provide a graphic representation of the echograms and the values of the most
representative acoustic parameters for the selected cell from the squaring of both laterals.
Lateral 1:
Figure no. 160. Echogram and the values of the acoustic parameters for lateral 1
Lateral 2:
Figure no. 161. Echogram and the values of the acoustic parameters for lateral 2
123
Figure no. 162. Results for lateral 1 and 2, respectively
ISOPHONIC MAPS OF SOUND LEVEL. LATERALS 1 AND 2
Nivel 250 Hz
Nivel 125 Hz
88,50
88,80
88,00
88,30
87,40
87,80
86,90
87,30
86,40
86,80
Figures nos. 163 and 164. Lateral 1. Distribution of the sound levels for 125 and 250 Hz
Nivel 1000 Hz
Nivel 500 Hz
88,50
88,60
88,00
88,00
87,50
87,50
86,90
87,00
86,40
86,40
124
Figures nos.165 and 166. Lateral 1. Distribution of the sound levels for 500 and 1000 Hz
Nivel 2000 Hz Nivel 4000 Hz
89,20 85,40
88,70 84,30
88,20 83,30
87,80 82,20
87,30 81,10
Nivel 250 Hz
Nivel 125 Hz
88,80
89,00
88,60
88,90
88,40
88,70
88,20
88,50
88,00
88,30
Nivel 1000 Hz
Nivel 500 Hz
88,80
88,90
88,60
88,70
88,40
88,50
88,20
88,30
88,10
88,10
125
Nivel 4000 Hz
Nivel 2000 Hz
85,60
89,40
89,30 85,20
89,10 84,70
88,90 84,30
88,80 83,80
MUSICAL CLARITY. C80. LATERALS 1 AND 2
Claridad 250 Hz
Claridad 125 Hz
19,60
19,80
18,70
18,80
17,80
17,70
16,90
16,70
16,10
15,60
19,50 19,50
18,60 18,60
17,70 17,70
16,90 16,90
16,00 16,00
126
19,00 29,60
18,10 27,80
17,10 26,00
16,20 24,20
15,30 22,40
Claridad 250 Hz
Claridad 125 Hz
18,70
18,40
18,20
17,90
17,80
17,40
17,30
16,90
16,80
16,40
Figures nos. 181 and 182: Lateral 2. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
Claridad 1000 Hz
Claridad 500 Hz
18,60
18,60
18,20
18,20
17,70
17,70
17,30
17,20
16,80
16,80
127
Claridad 4000 Hz
Claridad 2000 Hz
28,90
18,00
28,50
17,50
28,10
17,00
27,70
16,60
27,30
16,10
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT). LATERALS 1 Y 2.
EDT 250 Hz
EDT 125 Hz
0,94
1,01
0,91
0,98
0,88
0,94
0,84
0,91
0,81
0,88
EDT 1000 Hz
EDT 500 Hz
0,93
0,95
0,90
0,92
0,87
0,88
0,83
0,85
0,80
0,82
128
EDT 4000 Hz
EDT 2000 Hz
0,38
1,11
0,36
1,08
0,35
1,05
0,33
1,01
0,32
0,98
EDT 250 Hz
EDT 125 Hz
0,83
0,91
0,82
0,90
0,81
0,90
0,81
0,89
0,80
0,88
0,84 0,82
0,83 0,81
0,83 0,81
0,82 0,81
0,82 0,80
129
1,00 0,35
1,00 0,34
0,99 0,34
0,99 0,34
0,98 0,33
TR20 250 Hz
TR20 125 Hz
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
0,99
1,07
0,99
1,07
TR20 1000 Hz
TR20 500 Hz
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
130
TR20 4000 Hz
TR20 2000 Hz
0,40
1,17
1,17 0,40
1,17 0,39
1,17 0,38
1,17 0,38
TR20 250 Hz
TR20 125 Hz
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,07
1,00
1,07
Figures nos. 205 and 206: Lateral 2. Distribution of the values of TR20 for 125 and 250 Hz
TR20 1000 Hz
TR20 500 Hz
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
131
TR20 4000 Hz
TR20 2000 Hz
0,39
1,17
0,39
1,17
0,38
1,17
0,38
1,17
0,38
1,17
Figures nos.209 and 210. Lateral 2. Distribution of the values of TR20 for 2000 and 4000 Hz
TR30 125 Hz
TR30 250 Hz
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
TR30 500 Hz
TR30 1000 Hz
1,02
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,01
1,00
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
132
TR30 2000 Hz
TR30 4000 Hz
1,17
0,41
1,17
0,40
1,17
0,40
1,17
0,39
1,17
0,39
TR30 250 Hz
TR30 125 Hz
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
TR30 1000 Hz
TR30 500 Hz
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
133
TR30 4000 Hz
TR30 2000 Hz
0,40
1,17
0,40
1,17
0,39
1,17
0,39
1,17
0,39
1,17
134
PARAMETERS OBTAINED FOR THE CEILING OF THE ROOM
ECHOGRAMS. CEILING
Figure no. 223: Echogram of the selected cell from the squaring of the ceiling.
Figure no. 224. Results for the ceiling
135
ISOPHONIC MAPS OF SOUND LEVEL. CEILING
Nivel 250 Hz
Nivel 125 Hz
88,50
88,80
88,00
88,30
87,40
87,80
86,90
87,30
86,40
86,80
Figures nos.225 and 226: Ceiling. Distribution of the sound levels for 125 and 250 Hz
Nivel 1000 Hz
Nivel 500 Hz
88,50
88,60
88,00
88,00
87,50
87,50
86,90
87,00
86,40
86,40
Figures nos. 227 and 228: Ceiling. Distribution of the sound levels for 500 and 1000 Hz
Nivel 2000 Hz Nivel 4000 Hz
89,20 85,40
88,70 84,30
88,20 83,30
87,80 82,20
87,30 81,10
Figures nos. 229 and 230. Ceiling. Distribution of the sound levels for 2000 and 4000 Hz
136
MUSICAL CLARITY. C80. CEILING
Claridad 250 Hz
Claridad 125 Hz
19,60
19,80
18,70
18,80
17,80
17,70
16,90
16,70
16,10
15,60
Figures nos. 231 and 232. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 125 and 250 Hz
Claridad 1000 Hz
Claridad 500 Hz
19,50
19,50
18,60
18,60
17,70
17,70
16,90
16,90
16,00
16,00
Figures nos. 233 and 234: Ceiling. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 500 and 1000 Hz
19,00 29,60
18,10 27,80
17,10 26,00
16,20 24,20
15,30 22,40
Figures nos. 235 and 236. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of musical clarity for 2000 and 4000 Hz
137
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT). CEILING
EDT 250 Hz
EDT 125 Hz
0,94
1,01
0,91
0,98
0,88
0,94
0,84
0,91
0,81
0,88
Figures nos. 237 and 238. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of EDT for 125 y 250 Hz
EDT 1000 Hz
EDT 500 Hz
0,93
0,95
0,90
0,92
0,87
0,88
0,83
0,85
0,80
0,82
Figures nos. 239 and 240. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of EDT for 500 and 1000 Hz
1,11 0,38
1,08 0,36
1,05 0,35
1,01 0,33
0,98 0,32
Figures nos. 241 and 242. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of EDT for 2000 and 4000 Hz
138
TR20. CEILING
TR20 250 Hz
TR20 125 Hz
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
0,99
1,07
0,99
1,07
Figures nos. 243 and 244. Ceiling. Distribution of the values of TR20 for 125 and 250 Hz
TR20 1000 Hz
TR20 500 Hz
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
1,01
TR20 2000 Hz TR20 4000 Hz
1,17 0,40
1,17 0,40
1,17 0,39
1,17 0,38
1,17 0,38
139
TR30. CEILING
TR30 125 Hz
TR30 250 Hz
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
1,08
1,00
TR30 500 Hz
TR30 1000 Hz
1,02
1,00
1,02
1,00
1,01
1,00
1,01
0,99
1,01
0,99
TR30 2000 Hz TR30 4000 Hz
1,17 0,41
1,17 0,40
1,17 0,40
1,17 0,39
1,17 0,39
140
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
VALUES OBTAINED
Comparison of in situ values

The following table shows the average values of the reverberation times obtained on the premise
before and after its conditioning.
TR average TR average s
F (Hz) (before (after conditioning)
conditioning)
50 N/A N/A
63 N/A N/A
80 N/A N/A
100 1.01 1.40
125 1.03 0.81
160 0.84 0.77
200 1.25 0.91
250 1.20 0.79
315 0.97 0.94
400 1.10 0.89
500 1.10 0.95
630 1.16 0.97
800 1.19 0.98
1000 1.15 0.95
1250 1.12 0.88
1600 1.14 0.87
2000 1.19 0.87
2500 1.10 0.80
3150 0.96 0.75
4000 0.86 0.67
5000 4.05 0.70
Table no. 3. Results of the values obtained before and after conditioning
On observing the values for the frequencies of 500 and 1000 Hz, we can see that there has been
reduction of approximately 0.20s in the average reverberation time.
a
Comparison of the values of acoustic simulation
The following tables show the most representative values obtained for the different parameter
calculated by the software, before and after the conditioning of the premises.
Values obtained s
Parameter
Before conditioning After conditioning
141
EDT (s) 1.25 0.80
TR20 (s) 1.44 0.99
TR30 (s) 1.44 0.99
Level (dB) 89.79 88.44
C80 (dB) 15.48 16.58
Definition 0.29 0.36
EDT mid (s) 1.30 0.81
TR20 mid (s) 1.49 1.00
TR30 mid (s) 1.49 1.00
Music Average (dB) 15.40 16.35
Speech Average (dB) 8.29 10.19
G mid (dB) 25.87 24.46
Quality (BR) 0.97 1.04
Radiance (Br) 0.94 0.78
Table no. 4. Results of the values obtained in the simulation before and after the conditioning of the premises
Frequencies (Hz)
Parameter
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
Before
0.09 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08
Abs. Media conditioning
2
(m ) After
0.11 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.35
conditioning
Before
1.29 1.47 1.48 1.38 1.48 1.23
conditioning
Eyring (s)
After
1.02 0.94 0.95 0.94 1.11 0.35
conditioning
Before
1.35 1.53 1.54 1.44 1.54 1.27
conditioning
Sabine (s)
After
1.08 1.00 1.02 1.00 1.17 0.41
conditioning
Before
1.32 1.49 1.50 1.41 1.51 1.25
conditioning
Kutruff (s)
After
1.05 0.97 0.98 0.96 1.14 0.38
conditioning
Table no. 5. Results of the different reverberation times obtained in the simulation before and after the conditioning of
the premises
Comparison of the values of possible solutions

The following table shows the most representative values of the different parameters calculated by
the software, using some of the prototypes based on the initial situation of the premises before the
conditioning of the premises.
Values obtained
Parameter
Simulation A Simulation B Simulation C
EDT (s) 0.96 0.95 0.93

TR20 (s) 1.15 1.10 1.11
TR30 (s) 1.15 1.10 1.12
Level (dB) 88.97 88.44 88.89
C80 (dB) 16.24 20.64 15.46
142
Definition 0.33 0.29 0.33
EDT mid (s) 0.86 0.87 0.90
TR20 mid (s) 1.05 1.02 1.09
TR30 mid (s) 1.06 1.02 1.10
Music Average (dB) 16.68 21.30 15.37
Speech Average (dB) 8.91 10.17 8.73
G mid (dB) 24.62 24.09 24.80
Quality (BR) 1.09 1.37 1.05
Radiance (Br) 0.99 0.98 0.96
Table no. 6. Results of the values obtained with the prototypes
Frequencies (Hz)
Parameter
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
Simulation A 0.09 0.13 0.13 0.11 0.12 0.10

Averaged
Abs. Simulation B 0.07 0.12 0.13 0.11 0.14 0.10
2
(m )
Simulation C 0.10 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.12
Simulation A 1.26 0.92 0.90 1.09 0.93 1.05
Eyring (s) Simulation C 1.4 1.00 0.87 1.04 0.82 1.07
Simulation B 1.19 0.99 1.02 1.06 1.12 0.87
Simulation A 1.32 0.98 0.97 1.15 0.99 1.10
Sabine (s) Simulation B 1.71 1.07 0.94 1.10 0.88 1.11
Simulation C 1.25 1.05 1.08 1.12 1.18 0.92
Simulation A 1.29 0.95 0.93 1.12 0.96 1.07
Kutruff (s) Simulation B 1.67 1.03 0.90 1.07 0.85 1.09
Simulation C 1.22 1.02 1.04 1.09 1.15 0.90
Table no. 7. Results of the values of the different reverberation times obtained with the prototypes
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE

Table no. 8 compares the results obtained from the in situ tests and the simulation of the parameters
being studied.
Case TR mid Quality Radiance
Final State 0.95 0.84 0.81

Simulation of Final State 1 0.94 0.78
Table no. 8. Comparison of results
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE WITH THE

PROTOTYPES
Table no. 9 compares the results obtained from the in situ tests and in the simulation of the
parameters being studied.
Case TR mid Quality Radiance
143
Final State 0.95 0.84 0.81
Simulation A 1.05 1.09 0.99
Simulation B 1.02 1.37 0.98
Simulation C 1.09 1.05 0.96
CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions are reached from this study and the analysis of the data obtained from
the case study in this report:
RESULTS OF THE INITIAL STATE OF THE PREMISES

Table no. 11 compares the results obtained in the testing and the simulation of the parameters of the
study.
Case TR mid Quality (BR) Radiance (Br)
Initial State 1.125 0.99 0.91

Initial State Simulation 1.46 0.97 0.94

As can be seen in the table the values obtained in situ for Quality and Radiance are very close to
those obtained in the simulation. However, the average reverberation time obtained in the study and that
obtained in the simulation show a considerable difference of approximately 0.2 seconds. This difference
is due to the difficulty in finding the acoustic characteristics of the materials, furniture and fittings
present on the premises.
The gathering of the acoustic characteristics of the material, furniture and fittings on the premises or
space being studied will be one of the main difficulties for any technician using acoustic simulation
software.
RESULTS OF THE FINAL STATE OF THE PREMISES

Table no. 12 compares the results obtained in the in situ testing and the simulation of the parameters
being studied.
Final State 0.95 0.84 0.81

Final State simulation 1 0.94 0.78

The table shows that on this occasion practically all the values obtained in situ and in the simulation
are very similar. This is due to the conditioning of the premises, which allowed us to specify to a higher
degree the acoustic characteristics of the materials, furniture and fitting used on the premises.
RESULTS OF THE INITIAL AND FINAL STATES

The initial and final results obtained in situ and in the simulation show an improvement with respect
to average reverberation time. However, the premises have experienced a small reduction in Quality
and Radiance which does not affect the acoustics of the premises. This could be due to the distribution
144
of the new materials, furniture and fittings that the premises have been fitted with to reduce the
reverberation time.
USE OF PROTOTYPES
Table no. 8 compares the results obtained in the in situ tests for the initial and final states of the
premises and the simulation, using the prototypes, for the parameters being studied.
Initial State 1.125 0.99 0.91

Final State 0.95 0.84 0.81
Simulation A 1.05 1.09 0.99
Simulation B 1.02 1.37 0.98
Simulation C 1.09 1.05 0.96
Table no. 8: Comparison of the results

We can see that the use of NASCENT project prototypes would have slightly reduced the average
reverberation time and increased the parameters of Quality and Radiance on the premises, whereby the
premises would be in a better condition than it is at present.
Furthermore, the use that we have given the prototypes has been partial, as we tested them in
specific parts of the premises and always individually, as is explained in each simulation. We did not
simulate a combination of prototypes in different parts of the premises.
SIMULATION SOFTWARE
The use of software in this case study has proven to be very interesting for its use in future acoustic
conditioning projects due to its high degree of precision. In this case, we have not been able to compare
all the parameters that it is capable of calculating, due to the singular characteristics of the premises
being studied.
Its biggest advantage is the gathering of know-how for its future development, and not being
commercial software allows us to make continual modifications and improvements in all the phases of
an acoustic conditioning project.
We shall now comment on various parameters calculated in the simulations undertaken during the
case study.
Values obtained
Parameter
Initial State Final State Simulation A Simulation B Simulation C
EDT (s) 1.25 0.82 0.96 0.95 0.93
TR20 (s) 1.30 0.83 1.15 1.10 1.11
TR30 (s) 1.30 0.83 1.15 1.10 1.12
145
Level (dB) 89.79 88.44 88.97 88.44 88.89
C80 (dB) 15.40 16.35 16.24 20.64 15.46
Definition 0.29 0.36 0.33 0.29 0.33
EDT mid (s) 1.25 0.81 0.86 0.87 0.90
TR20 mid (s) 1.30 0.81 1.05 1.02 1.09
TR30 mid (s) 1.30 0.81 1.06 1.02 1.10
Music Average (dB) 15.40 16.35 16.68 21.30 15.37
Speech Average (dB) 8.29 10.19 8.91 10.17 8.73
G mid (dB) 25.87 24.46 24.62 24.09 24.80
Quality (BR) 1.30 0.81 1.09 1.27 1.05
Radiance (Br) 0.97 1.04 0.99 0.98 0.96
Table no. 9: Comparison of the acoustic simulations
From the values in Table no. 9, we can conclude that:

The use of some of the prototypes studied can reduce the overall sound level in the room.
We increase the values of musical and vocal Quality, which would greatly improve
conversation and reduce the perception of sound from other areas of the premises.
With reference to the sonority of the premises, G, this decreases slightly. However this
would not notably affect the acoustic conditions of the premises, as it is a factor that is
usually used in rooms designed for listening to music, which is not the case here.
Both Quality and Radiance increase. In both cases this indicates an improvement in the
subjective and objective sensation of sound, reducing echoes and focussing on the premises.
Reverberation times are significantly reduced, which would diminish echoes and reflections,
favouring oral communication between the users of the premises.
Use of the prototype in simulation B would reduce the difference between TR mid and EDT,
which would improve sound diffusion.
Based on all the comments in the previous paragraphs and comparing the values listed in the tables,
we can conclude use of the prototypes would improve the overall characteristics of the room, whereby
musical and vocal perception would improve, without one interfering with the other. We would
therefore be able to distribute the sound in a more adequate way and achieve a higher degree of acoustic
comfort.
APPENDIX I: ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS

The acoustic parameters that can be used in architectural acoustics to evaluate premises are the
following:
146
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL)
This parameter is commonly used to measure the magnitude of a sound field at a given point.
It relates the average value of sound pressure (the deviations above and below atmospheric pressure
due to sound waves) to the minimum audible average.
It is calculated using the following formula:
2
P
NPS 10 log rms (dB) where P0 2 10 5 Pascales
P0
REVERBERATION TIME (TR)

TR MID
It is defined as the time taken from the moment the sound source stops emitting to the moment the
acoustic energy in a room falls by 60 dB.
The most representative value is TR mid, which is represented by the equation:
RT (500 Hz) RT (1000 Hz)

RTmid (in s)
2
Every space has an optimum TR, according to the use it is given. This value is the TR mid, and it is
obtained by calculating the arithmetic average of the reverberation times for the frequencies of 500 and
1000 Hz, when the room is in use.
Different methods of calculation:
The most used and best known formula is Sabine:
0,162V
TR
i Si
Where:
V is volume
is the absorption coefficient
S is the surface of each material.
TR NORRIS-EYRING
Norris-Eyring's formula:
0,161V
TR (in s)
ln(1 ) S tot 4mV
Where:
V is volume
is the average absorption coefficient of the space

Stot is the total surface of the space
m is the attenuation constant of air.
147
TR KUTRUFF
Kutruffs formula:
0,161V
TR (in s)
aS tot 4mV
where:
V is volume
is the average absorption coefficient of the space

Stot is the total surface of the space
m is the attenuation constant of air.
The reverberation time is closely related to the ability to understand words. Its study allows us to
determine acceptable acoustic conditions according to the variations that it experiences.
ACOUSTIC QUALITY (BR)

This is the relationship between the reverberation time of low frequencies (125 and 250 Hz) and
medium frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz).
TR (125) TR (250)
BR
TR (500) TR (1000)
It represents the richness of low frequencies (deep sounds) in a room, which is indicative of the
sensation of warmth and smoothness of the music listened to in it.
ACOUSTIC RADIANCE (BR)

This is the relationship between the reverberation time of high frequencies (2 and 4 KHz) and
medium frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz).
TR(2000) TR(4000)
Br
TR(500) TR(1000)
It measures the richness of high frequencies (shrill sounds) in the room, which leads to a clear and
sharp sound.
ENERGETIC RELATIONSHIPS ELR

CT
Is defined as 10 times the logarithm of the relationship between the energy that reaches the listener
in t seconds from the arrival of direct sound (including direct sound) and the energy that arrives
subsequently:
148
1
p
2
(t )dt
C t 10 log 0 (in dB)
p
2
(t )dt
0
Where p(t) is the instant sound pressure.
VOICE CLARITY (C50)

This is the value of Ct when t = 50 ms:
0 , 05
p
2
(t )dt
C 50 10 log 0

(in dB)
p
2
(t )dt
0 , 05
Normally we use the adjusted average value called the Speech average:
C50 0,15 C50 (500Hz) 0,25 C50 (1kHz) 0,35 C50 (2kHz) 0,25 C50 (4kHz) (in dB)
MUSICAL CLARITY (C80)

This is the value of Ct when t = 80 ms:
0 , 08
p
2
(t )dt
C80 10 log 0

(in dB)
p
2
(t )dt
0 , 08
We normally use the average value called the Music average:
C80 (500 Hz) C80 (1kHz) C80 (2kHz)

C80 (in dB)
3
DEFINITION (D)
This is the relationship between the energy that reaches the listener in the first 50 ms after the arrival
of direct sound (including the direct sound and the first reflections) and the total energy received by that
person:
0 , 05
p
2
(t )dt
D
0
p
2
(t )dt
0
The relationship between this parameter and voice clarity C50 in any frequency band is:
1
D C50

1 10 10
149
EARLY DECAY TIME (EDT)
It is calculated by multiplying by six the time taken for the sound pressure to fall 10 dB from when
the sound source stops emitting.
It is a parameter that is closely related to TR, with the difference being that EDT measures the
perceived reverberation (subjective) and TR the real reverberation (objective). For this reason, it is
more reliable to be guided by the EDT for determining the liveliness of a room.
In the same way as there are recommended reverberation times, there are also recommended EDT
values. To assure the correct diffusion of sound, we recommend that the arithmetic average of EDT for
the frequencies of 500 Hz and 1 KHz with the room empty, called EDTmid, should be as similar as
possible to the values recommended for TRmid.
SONORITY (G)
It is defined as the difference between the total level of the sound pressure Lp produced by an
omnidirectional source at a determined point in the room and the level of sound pressure produced by
the same source in the open air at a distance of 10 m (reference level):
0 , 05
p
2
(t )dt
G 10 log 0
(in dB)
p
2
A (t )dt
0
We normally use the average value:
G(500 Hz) G(1kHz)

Gmid (in dB)
2
It is used in spaces dedicated to listening to music and is useful for evaluating the acoustic quality of
a room.
SONORITY (S)
Sonority S at a given point in a room is defined as the difference between the average of the sound
pressure that exists in the room produced by an actor on the stage and the reference level of 39 dB. This
value corresponds to the average level (averaged for the space) that the person produces in the open air
at a distance of 10 m.
In practice, as the average levels are calculated by averaging the levels of the octave bands at 500
Hz, 1KHz and 2KHz, sonority is usually expressed as Smid and measured when the room is full.

p
2
(t )dt
S mid 10 log
0
(in dB)
p
2
A (t )dt
0
It is used to evaluate rooms destined for use involving the spoken word.
150
LOSS OF ARTICULATION OF CONSONANTS
(%ALCons)
200 r 2 TR
2
% ALCons si r 3,16 Dc
V Q
% ALCons 9 TR si r 3,16 Dc
Where:
r is the distance from the sound source (in meters)
V is the volume of the room(m3)
Q is the directivity of the source. In the case of a human voice, for a frontal position, Q=2
TR is the reverberation time (in seconds)
Dc is the critical distance that limits which equation should be used. It is calculated using:
Dc 0.14 Q R
Where R is the characteristic constant of the room, defined as:
S Ln(1 )
R
(1 )
In practice, we usually choose a representative value to be the octave band centred on 2 KHz,
because it is the most influential in the intelligibility of the spoken word.
It is used to evaluate the intelligibility of the spoken word.
SPEECH TRANSMISSION INDEX (STI)

A group of modulated signals with an index of modulation known as min are transmitted through
any space. We define 7 seven carrier frequencies that correspond to the central frequencies of the
normalised octave bands between 125 Hz and 8 KHz, and each of these signals is modulated with the
following Fm frequencies: 0.63, 0.8, 1.0, 1.25, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.15, 4, 5, 6.3, 8, 10 and 12.5 Hz. It can be
seen that in this case we work with a group of 98 signals.
The reduction that each index of modulation experiences for each signal used is measured. This
reduction of the index is due to reverberation and background noise and causes a loss of intelligibility.
The expression used to measure the reduction in the index of modulation, associated to each pair of
Fm and F0 frequencies, is:
1 1
m( Fm , F0 ) S / N F0
2
2 Fm f ( F0 ) 1 10 10
1
13,8
Where:
f(F0) is the representative function of reverberation in the room. We can assign the values of
TR or EDT.
S/N(F0) is the relationship between signal-noise corresponding to the band centred on F0.
151
Seeing as there are 14 Fm frequencies and 7 F0, there will be 98 values of m(Fm,F0), which are
truncated to fall within the range of values (-15,15) dB, so the STI does not exceed the margins of (0,1).
3. The relationship between apparent average signal-noise corresponding to each octave band
(frequencies F0) is calculated. To do so, we first obtain the apparent relationship between signal-noise
associated to each index m(Fm,F0):
m( Fm , F0 )
( S / N ) ap ( F0 , Fm ) 10 log
1 m( Fm , F0 )
And finally:
(S / N ) ap ( Fm , F0 )
( S / N ) ap ( F0 )
Fm
14
4. We can deduce the average apparent global signal-noise relationship, bearing in mind the different
effects of each frequency band on intelligibility.
(S / N ) ap 0,01 (S / N ) ap (125Hz) 0,042 (S / N ) ap (250Hz) 0,129

(S / N ) ap (500Hz) 0,2 (S / N ) ap (1kHz) 0,312(S / N ) ap (2kHz) 0,25(S / N ) ap (4kHz)
0,057 (S / N ) ap (8kHz)
5. We calculate the STI through:
( S / N ) ap 15
STI
30
This permits us to quantify the degree of intelligibility of the spoken word between the values 0
(zero intelligibility) and 1 (optimum intelligibility).
RAPID SPEECH TRANSMISSION INDEX (RASTI)

This is a simplification of the parameter STI in order to reduce calculation time.
It is calculated by reducing the number of modulating and carrier frequencies.
F0(Hz) Fm(Hz)
500 1 2 4 8
2000 0.7 1.4 2.8 5.6 11.2
Table no. 1. Modulating and carrier frequencies of RASTI
Consequently, the number of m(Fm,F0) indexes falls from 98 to 9. The final expression of RASTI
coincides with that of the STI, changing the value of the average apparent global signal-noise
relationship.
(S / N ) ap ( Fm , F0 )
( S / N ) ap
F0 , Fm
152
European Commission
EUR 23620 N
ew applications of steel in the interior coating of buildings, taking account
of design and acoustic criteria
J. Ordieres, M. J. Sanchez, C. Arce, B. Schmolke, A. Chaves
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities
2009 148 pp. 21 29.7 cm
Research Fund for Coal and Steel series
ISBN 978-92-79-10572-2
ISSN 1018-5593
Price (excluding VAT) in Luxembourg: EUR 20

Kina23620enc 002

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Kina23620enc 002

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

European Commission

Research Fund for Coal and Steel

Directorate-General for Research

2009 EUR 23620 EN

Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers

Freephone number (*):

Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.

Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2009

European Communities, 2009

Printed on white chlorine-free paper

3. Scientific and technical description of the results

3.1 Objectives of the project

3.2 Comparison of initially planned activities and work

The projects underlying concept can be depicted as follows:

HELPING TO DESING BY USING

SURVEYS PRODUCT DESIGN

Figure 1. Global depiction of the project concept

3.3 Description of activities and discussion

3.3.1 Work Package 1. (Market survey)

Opinion about steel as a dry construction 7.10

Rating for the use of variable geometry 7.03

Importance of soundproofing in construction 8.92

Frequency of design for acoustic absorption

Consultation with soundproofing specialists 5.19

Interest in making improvements to

Verification / certification with standard tests 4.39

Importance attached to aesthetics in 7.00

Rating for the possibility of uniformity for 7.51

Importance of the cost of soundproofing in 4.90

Interest in using variably geometry systems 6.50

Figure 7. Main figures for the Spanish and Portuguese markets

Aesthetic rating for steel as a vsibte constructon element 7,2

Figure 8. Overview of the Polish market

Table 1. Courtesy of RFCS-project Acousvibra. RFS-CR-03025

Figure 10. Sample of the Quality Home, used on QFD methodology

Figure 12. Definition of tray-based ceiling system

3.3.2 Work Packages 2, 3, 5 and 6. (Laboratory tests)

Figure 13. Pictures with samples of products used for testing

Figure 15. Active instruments used for measurements

The "overall parameters are, amongst others:

Figure 19. Suggested tolerance range for RT

F modulation frequency in Hz,

Table 2. Speech criteria for acoustic conditioning

Figure 21. Position of samples inside

Mean sound pressure level and reverberation time T30

100 Frequency f [Hz]

Figure 22. Equivalent sound absorption surface against frequency

3.3.3 Work Package 4. (Numerical analysis and simulations)

The common features to all the programs are:

1, Simple geometry. Non-uniform medium absorption

i 0'1, 0'2, 0'3, 0'7, 0'8, 0'9 0'5

Figure 25. Cubical room used for calibrating the raytracer

Figure 26. % of energy lost

2. Simple geometry. Low uniform absorption

i 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1, 0'1 0'1

Figure 27. Energy losses. Effect of low absorption coefficients

i 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5, 0'5 0'5

Figure 28. Energy losses in the case of medium absorption coefficients

4. Medium complexity geometry. Low uniform absorption

Figure 29. Medium complexity geometry used for calibration

5. Medium complexity geometry. Medium uniform Absorption

Figure 31. Energy losses on medium complexity and medium absorption

6. Complex geometry. Low non-uniform absorption