Walt Disney Concert Hall

ACOUSTICAL DEFECTS
& REMEDIES

2-C
Aditya
Ajo
Anushka
Dhivya
Minnesota orchestra hall Hardeep
List of acoustical defects
1. Reverberation
2. Formations of echoes
3. Sound foci
4. Dead spots Insufficient loudness
5. Exterior noises

1. REVERBERATION

• Reverberation is the persistence of sound in the enclosed

space , after the source of sound has stopped.
• Reverberant sound is the reflected sound , as a result of
improper absorption.
• Reverberation may results in confusion with the sound
created next

However some reverberation is essential for improving

quality sound.
The time during which the sound persists is called the
reverberation time of sound in the hall.
As per Prof. W .C. Sabins reverberation time ‘t’ is given by
formula :- t= 0.16V /A
(where V=volume of room in cubic meters A= total absorbing power
of all the surfaces of room/ hall)
REMEDIES
• The reverberation time can be controlled by the suitable choice
of building materials and furnishing materials.
• Since open windows allow the sound energy to flow out of the
hall, there should be a limited number of windows. They may
be opened or closed to obtain optimum reverberation time.

2. FORMATION OF ECHOES

Not all sound that hits matter is absorbed. Some of it is

reflected. That means sound bounces off the solid matter the
way a tennis ball bounces off a wall. Sound reflected back to its
source is an echo.
• An echo is produced when the reflected sound wave reaches
the ear just when the original sound from the same source
has been already heard. Thus there is repetition of sound.
• The sensation of sound persists for 1/10th of a second after
the source has ceased. Thus an echo must reach after 1/10th
second of the direct sound 12
REMEDIES
• Multiple echoes may be heard when a sound is reflected from
a number of reflecting surfaces placed suitably. This defect can
be removed by selecting proper shape of the hall .
• And by providing rough and porous interior surfaces to
disperse the energy of echoes.
• This defect is avoided by selecting proper shape for the
auditorium.
• Use of splayed side walls instead of parallel walls greatly
reduces the problem and enhance the acoustical quality of the
hall. Echoes may be avoided by covering the opposite walls
and high ceiling with absorptive material.

Minnesota Orchestra Hall

3. SOUND FOCI
Some times shape of the hall makes sound waves to concentrate
in some particular areas of hall creating a sound of large quality.
These spots are called sound foci.

This defect can be removed by:-

• Geometrical design shapes of the interior faces.
• Providing highly absorbent materials on critical areas (curved
spaces).

Sound foci

Dead spot
 4. DEAD SPOTS
This defect is the out come of formation of sound foci. Because of
high concentration of reflected sound at sound foci , there is
deficiency of related sound at some other points. These spots are
known as dead spots where sound intensity is so low that it is
insufficient for hearing.

• This defect can be removed by suitably placing diffusers and

reflectors.
• Right proportions of internal spaces.
• Geometrical shape of roof helps in proper distribution of
sound

5. EXTERNAL NOISE

External noises from vehicles , traffic engines , factories , machines

etc. may enter the hall either through the openings or even
through walls and other structural elements having improper
sound insulation. This defect can be removed by proper planning
of the hall with respect to its surroundings and by proper sound
insulation of external walls.

Acoustical design of halls

• The initial sound from the source should be of adequate
intensity so that it can be heard throughout the hall .
• For halls of big sizes suitable sound amplification system
should be installed.
• The sound produced should be evenly distributed so that
there is no dead spots and sound foci.
• The boundary surface should be so designed that there are no
echoes or near echoes.
• Desired reverberation time should be achieved by proper
placement of absorbents on wall. The out side noise should be
eliminated.