1.

Find reverberation time for a hall of dimensions 40’ x 30’ x 20’ having average absorption
coefficient of 0.15.

Given: 𝐿 = 40′ ; 𝑊 = 30′ ; 𝐻 = 20′ ; 𝑎̅ = 0.15

Required: 𝜏
Solution:

0.05𝑉
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
𝑎̅𝑆

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑉 = 40 × 30 × 20 = 24000 𝑓𝑡 3

𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑆 = 2[(40 × 30) + (30 × 20) + (20 × 40)] = 2(1200 + 600 + 800) =
5200 𝑓𝑡 2

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎̅𝑆 = 0.15 × 5200 𝑓𝑡 2 = 780 𝑓𝑡 2 𝑂𝑊𝑈 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛

0.05 × 24000 𝑓𝑡 3
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
780 𝑓𝑡 2

𝜏 = 1.54 𝑠

2. In problem 1, how much area we should treat with an absorbing material of absorption
coefficient, 0.20, to reduce its reverberation time to 1.2 s?

Given: 𝑎̅ = 0.20; 𝜏 = 1.2 𝑠

Required: 𝐴
Solution:

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎̅𝑆 = 0.15 × (5200 − 𝐴) + 0.20𝐴 = 780 + 0.05𝐴

0.05 × 24000 𝑓𝑡 3
𝜏= = 1.2
(780 + 0.05𝐴)

1200
0.05𝐴 = − 780 = 1000 − 780 = 220
1.2

220
𝐴=
0.05
 𝐴 = 4400 𝑓𝑡 2

3. If a University lecture hall (15m x 8m x 3m) is heavily damped with absorption coefficient 0.3.
Calculate its reverberation time if approximation is applied.

Given: 𝐿 = 15𝑚; 𝑊 = 8𝑚; 𝐻 = 3𝑚; 𝑎̅ = 0.3

Required: 𝜏
Solution:

0.162𝑉
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑚−1
𝑎̅𝑆

0.162 × 360 𝑚3
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑚−1
0.3 × 2[(15 × 8) + (8 × 3) + (3 × 15)] 𝑚2

58.32
𝜏= 𝑠
0.3 × 378

𝜏 = 0.51 𝑠

4. If a University lecture hall (15m x 8m x 3m) is heavily damped with absorption coefficient 0.3.
Calculate its reverberation time if approximation is NOT applied

Given: 𝐿 = 15𝑚; 𝑊 = 8𝑚; 𝐻 = 3𝑚; 𝑎̅ = 0.3

Required: 𝜏
Solution:

0.162𝑉
𝜏=
−𝑆𝑙𝑛(1 − 𝑎̅)

0.162 × 360
𝜏=
−378ln(1 − 0.3)

58.32
𝜏=
378 × 0.357

𝜏 = 0.43 𝑠
5. If a Concert hall of 70’ x 40’ x 15’ has plastered surface of absorption oefficient, 0.1, and a
capacity of an audience of 100 adults (each having an absorption of 4.7ft 2 OWU), find
reverberation time of the hall.

Given: 𝐿 = 70′ ; 𝑊 = 40′ ; 𝐻 = 15′ ; 𝑎̅ = 0.1; 𝑛 = 100

Required: 𝜏
Solution:

∑ 𝑎1 𝑆1 = 0.1 × 2[(70 × 40) + (40 × 15) + (15 × 70)] + 4.7 × 100

∑ 𝑎1 𝑆1 = 0.1 × 8900 + 4.7 × 100 = 890 + 470 = 1360 𝑓𝑡 2 𝑂𝑊𝑈

0.05𝑉 0.0.5 × 42000

𝜏= =
∑ 𝑎1 𝑆1 1360

𝜏 ≅ 1.54 𝑠

6. A hall (80’ x 40’ x 20’) has reverberation time of 1.5 second. If the hall is partitioned into two
halves by hanging a curtain (absorption coefficient = 0.4), and consequently, the reverberation
time reduces by 0.25 s, find the curtain length if the breadth is 10’.

Given: 𝐿 = 80′ ; 𝑊 = 40′ ; 𝐻 = 20′ ; 𝑎̅ = 0.4; ∆𝜏 = 0.25𝑠; 𝑊 × 𝐻 = 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑡ℎ = 10′

Required: 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
Solution:

Without curtain

0.05𝑉 0.05 × 64000 𝑓𝑡 3

𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1 = 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1 = 1.5 𝑠
𝑎𝑆 ∑ 𝑎𝑆

3200 2
∑ 𝑎𝑆 = 𝑓𝑡 = 2133 𝑓𝑡 2 (𝑂𝑊𝑈)
1.5

With curtain of effective area A:

0.05 × 64000 𝑓𝑡 3
1.25 𝑠 = 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
∑ 𝑎̅𝑆 + 0.4𝐴
 3200 𝑓𝑡 2
1.25 𝑠 = 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
2133 𝑓𝑡 2 + 0.4𝐴

1.25 × 2133 𝑓𝑡 2 + 1.25 × 0.4𝐴 = 3200 𝑓𝑡 2

2666 𝑓𝑡 2 + 0.5𝐴 = 3200 𝑓𝑡 2

534
𝐴=
0.5

𝐴 = 1068 𝑓𝑡 2

Area includes both sides of the curtain, thus actual curtain area will be half of this area, i.e., 534 ft2

Now

𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑡ℎ

534 𝑓𝑡 2 = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 10 𝑓𝑡

𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 53.4 𝑓𝑡

7. If a cubical hall of dimension a and average absorption coefficient 𝒂̅ has reverberation time
2s, what will be the reverberation time if its dimension is doubled.

Given: 𝜏 = 2 𝑠; 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎, 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑎̅

Required: 𝜏 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑑
Solution:

0.05𝑉 0.05𝑎3
𝜏= = = 2𝑠
𝑎𝑆 𝑎̅ (6𝑎2 )

𝑁𝑜𝑤, 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 2𝑎

𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑉 = (2𝑎)3 = 8𝑎3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆 = 6(2𝑎)2 = 4 × 6𝑎2

0.05𝑉 0.05(8𝑎3 )
𝑆𝑜, 𝜏 = = = 2 × 2𝑠
𝑎̅𝑆 𝑎̅(4 × 6𝑎2 )

𝜏 = 4𝑠, 𝑖. 𝑒. , 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑑

̅ has reverberation time

8. If a cubical hall of dimension a and average absorption coefficient 𝒂
2s, what will be the reverberation time if its volume is doubled.
 Given: 𝜏 = 2 𝑠; 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎, 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑎̅
Required: 𝜏 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑑
Solution:

0.05𝑉 0.05𝑎3
𝜏= = = 2𝑠
𝑎𝑆 𝑎̅ (6𝑎2 )

1
𝑁𝑜𝑤, 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 2𝑉 = 2𝑎3 = (23 × 𝑎)3

1 1 2
𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠, 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒) = 23 × 𝑎, 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑆 = 6(23 × 𝑎)2 = 23 (6𝑎2 )

0.05𝑉 0.05(2𝑎3 ) 1
𝑆𝑜, 𝜏 = = 2 = 23 × 2𝑠
𝑎̅𝑆
𝑎̅23 (6𝑎2 )

1 1
𝜏 = 23 × 2𝑠, 𝑖. 𝑒. , 23 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠

9. Find the reverberation time for a hall of dimensions 50’ x 25’ x 15’ having average absorption
coefficient of 0.10.

Given: 𝐿 = 50′ ; 𝑊 = 25′ ; 𝐻 = 15′ ; 𝑎̅ = 0.10

Required: 𝜏
Solution:

0.05𝑉
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
𝑎̅𝑆

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑉 = 50 × 25 × 15 = 18750 𝑓𝑡 3

𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑆 = 2[(50 × 25) + (25 × 15) + (15 × 50)] = 2(1250 + 375 + 750) =
4750 𝑓𝑡 2

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎̅𝑆 = 0.10 × 4750 𝑓𝑡 2 = 475 𝑓𝑡 2 𝑂𝑊𝑈 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛

0.05 × 18750 𝑓𝑡 3
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
475 𝑓𝑡 2

𝜏 = 1.97 𝑠

10. For a hall (60’ x 30’ x 15’), find the reverberation time if its absorption coefficient is 0.12. Also
find the area to be treated with a material of absorption coefficient 0.25 to reduce its
reverberation time 1.2s.
Given: 𝐿 = 60′ ; 𝑊 = 30′ ; 𝐻 = 15′ ; 𝑎̅1 = 0.12; 𝑎̅2 = 0.25; 𝜏2 = 1.2 𝑠
Required: 𝐴
Solution:

0.05𝑉
𝜏= 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
𝑎̅𝑆

For reverberation time

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑉 = 60 × 30 × 15 = 27000 𝑓𝑡 3

𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑆 = 2[(60 × 30) + (30 × 15) + (15 × 60)] = 2(1800 + 450 + 900) =
6300 𝑓𝑡 2

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎̅𝑆 = 0.12 × 6300 𝑓𝑡 2 = 756 𝑓𝑡 2 𝑂𝑊𝑈 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛

0.05 × 27000 𝑓𝑡 3
𝜏1 = 𝑠 𝑓𝑡 −1
756 𝑓𝑡 2

𝜏1 = 1.79 𝑠

For area for reduced reverberation time

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎̅𝑆 = 0.12 × (6300 − 𝐴) + 0.25𝐴 = 756 + 0.13𝐴

0.05 × 27000 𝑓𝑡 3
𝜏2 = = 1.2
(756 + 0.13𝐴)

1350
0.13𝐴 = − 756 = 1000 − 780 = 369
1.2

369
𝐴=
0.13

𝐴 = 2838.46 𝑓𝑡 2
11. A church has an internal volume of 90.05 ft3 (2550 m3). When it contains 2000 customary sabins
of absorption (186 metric sabins), what will be its reverberation time in seconds?

GIVEN: Volume, V = 90.05 ft3 = 2550 m3

Total absorption, A = 186 metric sabins

REQUIRED: Reverberation time, R = ?

SOLUTION:
 0.16V
R
A

0.16(2500)
R
186

R  2.19sec onds

12. A ministry contains 1500 customary sabins of absorption (139.5 metric sabins). Its reverberation
time in seconds is 2.26 . What is its internal volume in meters. ?

GIVEN: Total absorption, A = 139.5 metric sabins

Reverberation time, R = 2.26 seconds

REQUIRED: Volume, V = ?
SOLUTION:
0.16V
R
A

RA
V
0.16

(2.26)(139.5)
V
0.16

V=1970.44m3

13. Calculate the Norris-Eyring reverberation time of uniformly diffuse sound in a live room if the
average absorption is 0.8 and the reverberation time is 1.75 s.

GIVEN: Absorption, A = 0.8

Reverberation time, R = 1.75 s

REQUIRED: Norris-Eyring Reverberation time, R(N-E) = ?

SOLUTION:
R
R(N-E) =
 ln(1  A)

1.75
R(N-E) =
 ln(1  0.8)

R(N  E)  1.087s
14. Calculate the Norris-Eyring reverberation time of uniformly diffuse sound in a live room if the
average absorption is 0.65 and the reverberation time is 1.23 s.

GIVEN: Absorption, A = 0.65

Reverberation time, R = 1.23 s

REQUIRED: Norris-Eyring Reverberation time, R(N-E) = ?

SOLUTION:
R
R(N-E) =
 ln(1  A)

1.23
R(N-E) =
 ln(1  0.65)

R(N  E)  1.172s

15. A room has an internal volume of 2034 m3. When it contains 1200 customary sabins of
absorption (111.6 metric sabins), what will be its reverberation time in seconds?

GIVEN: Volume, V = 2034 m3

Total absorption, A = 111.6 metric sabins

REQUIRED: Reverberation time, R = ?

SOLUTION:
0.16V
R
A

0.16(2034)
R
111.6

R  2.92sec onds

16. What is the reverberation time of a room whose surface area is 75 m2, whose volume is 42 m3,
and whose average absorption coefficient is 0.9, 0.2? What would be the effect of doubling all the
dimensions of the room while keeping the average absorption coefficients the same?
Solution:
for α = 0.9:
T60 = (-0.161V)/(S ln(1-α) = (-0.161 x 42m-3)/(75 m2 x ln (1-0.9) ) = 0.042s (42 x10-3s)
For a = 0.2 we get:
T60 = (-0.161V)/(S ln(1-α) = (-0.161 x 42m-3)/(75 m2 x ln (1-0.2) ) = 0.43 s
which would correspond well with the typical T6o of a living room, which is in fact what it is.
If the room dimensions are doubled then the ratio of volume with respect to the surface area also
doubles so the new reverberation times are given by:
 Vdoubled/S doubled= Linear Dimension doubled= 2
so the old reverberation times are increased by a factor of 2:
T60 doubled = T60 X 2
which gives a reverberation time of:
T60 doubled = T60 X 2 = 0.042 x 2 = 0.084 s
when α = 0.9 and:
T60 doubled = T60 X 2 = 0.43 x 2 = 0.86 s

17. Compute the reverberation time T using T = 0.05 (V/a).

Solution:
T = 0.05 (V÷a) = 0.05 X 31,500÷1149 = 1575÷1149 = 1.37s at 500 Hz

Find the reverberation time T if 50 percent of the ceiling surface (along the perimeter of the
room) is treated with acoustical panels at α of 0.85. The central area remains sound-reflecting to
help distribute sound energy from lectern end toward rear of the room.
Compute the total room absorption a using a = Σ S α.
S α a (sabins)
Bare ceiling 1050x0.04= 42
Treated ceiling 1050x0.85= 892
Walls 2850x0.30= 855
Floor 2100x0.10= 210
Total a = 1999 sabins
Compute new reverberation time T.
T = 0.05 (V÷a) = 0.05x31,500÷1999 = 1575÷1999 = 0.79s at 500Hz
The reverberation time is reduced to below 1 s with 50 percent ceiling treatment for unoccupied
conditions. This represents a reduction of (1.37 - 079)/1.37 x 100 = 42 percent, which is a
“clearly noticeable change. Absorption provided by teachers and students will further reduce
reverberation depending on the number of occupants, their distribution throughout the room, and
the clothing worn.

18. A small room 10 ft by 10 ft by 10 ft has all walls and floor finished in ex posed concrete. The
ceiling is completely covered with sound-absorbing spray- on material. Sound absorption
coefficients α are 0.02 for concrete and 0.70 for spray-on material, both at 500 Hz.

Find the noise reduction NR in this room if sound-absorbing panels are added to two adjacent
walls. The sound absorption coefficient a is 0.85 for panels at 500 Hz.
 Solution:
Compute the surface areas S.
S = 5 x 10 x 10=500 ft^2 of concrete
S = 10 X 10 = 100 ft^2 of spray-on material
Compute the total room absorption a with spray-on material on the ceiling.
a1 = Σ S α = (500 X 0.02) + .(100 X 0.70) = 10 + 700 sabin’
Compute the total room absorption a2 with sound-absorbing panels covering two walls and spray-
on material on ceiling.
a2 = (300X 0.02) + (200X 0.85) + (100 X 0.70) = 6 + 170 + 70 = 246 sabin
Compute the noise reduction NR.
NR= 10log (a2÷a1) = 10log (246/80) = 10log (3.075 X 10^0)
= 10(0.4878) = 5dB
This would be a ‘noticeable improvement. With no treatment, the total absorption in the room
would only be 600 X 0.02 = 12 sabins. Therefore, treating the ceiling alone provides
NR = 10 log (80/12)= 10 log 6.67 = 10(0.8241) = 8 dB
which is a “significant” reduction. However, initial conditions of all hard surfaces in unfurnished
rooms rarely occur.

19. Find the noise reduction NR if all four wall surfaces are treated with fabric- covered panels and
the floor is carpeted. The sound absorption coefficient α of the carpet is 0.50 at 500 Hz.

Solution:
Compute the total room absorption a3 with sound-absorbing panels on all walls, spray-on
material on ceiling, and carpet on floor.
a3 = Σ S α = (400X0.85) + (100 X0.70) + (100X0.50)
= 340 + 70 + 50 = 460 sabins
2. Compute the noise reduction NR for these improvements compared to room conditions of
spray-on ceiling treatment alone.
NR = 10log (a3/a1) = 10log(460/80) = 10 log (5.75 x 10^0)
= 10(0.7597) = 8 dB
Surfaces Treated ( addition to ceiling) Room NR (at 500 Hz)
Two walls 5 dB
 Four walls and floor 8 dB
The results from both parts of the problem are summarized below.
Note: The NRs given in the above table would not be as great at low frequencies be cause sound
absorption coefficients usually are smaller at low frequencies than at mid- or high frequencies.

20. A classroom 60 ft long by 35 ft wide by 15 ft high has sound absorption coefficients α of 0.30 for
walls, 0.04 for ceiling, and 0.10 for floor. All α are at 500 Hz.

Find the reverberation time T at 500 Hz in this space with no occupants and no sound-absorbing
treatment.
Compute the room volume V.
V=60X35X15=31,500ft
Compute the surface areas S.
Ceiling S =60X35=2100ft
Walls S = 2 X 35 X 15 = 1050 ft
S = 2X60X 15= 1800ft
Floor S = 60 X 35 = 2100 ft
Compute the total room absorption a using a = Σ S α .
S α a (sabins)
Ceiling 2100 X 0.04 = 84
Walls 2850 X 0.30 = 855
Floor 2100 X 0.10= 210
Total a = 1149 sabins
Note: Include air absorption in total for large rooms at frequencies greater than 1000 Hz.
Compute the reverberation time T using T = 0.05 (V/a)
T = 0.05 (V÷a) = 0.05 X 31,500÷1149 = 1575÷1149 = 1.37s at 500 Hz

21. Here are the dimensions of a room to use in an example calculation:

[c=ceiling, fl=floor, rs=rightside, ls=leftside, ft=front, bk=back]

 Begin by calculating the volume of the room in cubic feet:
V = (70×45×20) = 63000 ft3

Next, identify the room's surfaces that will contribute to the total absorption:
Atot = Scac + Sflafl + Srsars + Slsals + Sftaft + Sbkabk

Now calculate each surface area in square feet:

Sc = Sfl = (70x45) = 3150
Srs = Sls = (70x20) = 1400
Sft = Sbk = (45x20) = 900

So our expression for total absorption becomes:

Atot = (3150)ac + (3150)afl + (1400)ars + (1400)als + (900)aft + (900)abk

or, more simply:

Atot = (3150)( ac + afl) + (1400)( ars + als) + (900)( aft + abk)

Now we need absorption coefficients for each surface. Lets choose plaster on lath for the front
and side walls, a suspended "acoustic" tile ceiling, heavy drapery covering the back wall, and a
carpet on a pad on the floor. Here are the coefficients for those materials for different frequencies.
The frequency labels are the center frequencies of octave bands:
125 250 500 1 2 4
Material
Hz Hz Hz kHz kHz kHz
plaster on lath 0.14 0.10 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.03
heavy drapes 0.14 0.35 0.55 0.72 0.70 0.65
carpet on pad 0.08 0.24 0.57 0.69 0.71 0.73
susp acoust tile 0.76 0.93 0.83 0.99 0.99 0.99

First, we'll plug in the coefficients for low pitched sounds -- the 125 Hz octave band:
Atot = (3150)( .76 + .08) + (1400)( .14 + .14) + (900)( .14 + .14)
= (2646) + (392) + (252) = 3290 ft2

and the reverberation time, using the constant 0.049 with our foot units, will be:
TR, 125 Hz= (0.049)(63000)/(3290) = 0.94 sec

Now we'll plug in the coefficients for the same materials but for high pitched sounds -- the 2 kHz
octave band:
Atot = (3150)( .99 + .71) + (1400)( .04 + .04) + (900)( .04 + .70)
= (5355) + (112) + (666) = 6133 ft2

Giving us a very different reverberation time at these frequencies:

TR, 2 kHz= (0.049)(63000)/(6133) = 0.50 sec

22. Refer to the given in problem number 4 and use the Fitzroy Equation.

TR = cV((Sx2/Ax) + (Sy2/Ay) + (Sz2/Az))/(Sx + Sy + Sz)2

For our example, this becomes:

 = cV[((Sft + Sbk)2/(Aft + Abk)) + ((Sls + Srs)2/(Als+ Ars)) + ((Sc + Sfl)2/(Ac + Afl))]/(Sft + Sbk + Sls+
Srs+ Sc+ Sfl)2

Using the same surface materials as with the Sabine equation above, for the 125 Hz octave band
we get:
= (.049)(63000)((900+900)2/(126+126)) + (1400+1400)2/(196+196) +
(3150+3150)2/(2394+252))/(900+900+1400+1400+3150+3150)2
= (.049)(63000)((12857 + 20000 + 15000)/(118810000)
TR= 1.24 sec

23. A gymnasium has an internal volume of 90.05 ft3. When it contains 2000 customary sabins of
absorption what will be its reverberation time in seconds?
Given: Volume (V) = 90.05 ft3
Total absorption (A) = 2000 sabins
Find: Reverberation time (RT60)
Solution:
Using the formula for English system
0.049V
RT60 =
A
0.049(90.05)
RT60 =
2000 x 10−3
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜

24. A concert hall contains 3000 customary sabins of absorption (279 metric sabins). Its reverberation
time in seconds is 2.23. What is its internal volume in meters?
Given: Reverberation time (RT60) = 2.23 seconds
Total absorption (A) = 279 metric sabins
Find: Volume (V)
Solution:
Using the formula for Metric system
0.161V
RT60 =
A
RT60 × A
V=
0.161
2.23 × 279
V=
0.161
𝐕 = 𝟑𝟖𝟔𝟒. 𝟒𝟎𝟗𝟗 𝐦𝟑

25. Calculate the Norris-Eyring reverberation time of uniformly diffuse sound in a live room if the
average absorption is 0.8 and the Sabine reverberation time is 1.23 sec.
Given: Average absorption (A) = 0.69
Sabine Reverberation time (RT60(SABINE)) = 1.23 sec
Find: Norris-Eyring reverberation time (RT60(NORRIS-EYRING))
Solution:
Using the relationship between Sabine and Norris-Eyring Equation
 RT60(SABINE)
RT60(NORRIS−EYRING) =
−ln(1 − A)
1.23 sec
RT60(NORRIS−EYRING) =
−ln(1 − 0.69)
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎(𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐒−𝐄𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆) = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜

26. A classroom 60 ft long by 35 ft wide by 15 ft high has sound absorption coefficients (A) of 0.30
for walls, 0.04 for ceiling, and 0.10 for floor. All A are at 500 Hz. Find the reverberation time
(RT60) at 500 Hz in this space with no occupants and no sound-absorbing treatment.
Given: Length (l) = 60 ft
Width (w) = 35 ft
Height (h) = 15 ft
Sound absorption coefficients (A):
Wall = 0.30
Ceiling = 0.04
Floor = 0.10
500 Hz
Find: Reverberation time (RT60)
Solution:
Compute the room volume (V)
V= l X w X h
V = 60 X 35 X 15
V =31,500 ft3
Compute the surface areas (S)
SCEILING = l X w
SCEILING = 60 X 35
SCEILING = 2100 ft2

SWALL = 2(h X w) SWALL = 2(h X l)

SWALL = 2 X 15 X 35 SWALL = 2 X 15 X 60
SWALL = 1050 ft2 SWALL = 1800 ft2

SFLOOR = l X w
SFLOOR = 60 X 35
SFLOOR = 2100 ft2

Compute the total room absorption a using A= Σ S A

S A A (sabins)
Ceiling 2100 X 0.04 = 84

Walls 2850 X 0.30 = 855

Floor 2100 X 0.10= 210

 Total A = 1149 sabins

Using the formula for English system

0.049V
RT60 =
A
0.049(31500)
RT60 =
1149
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟒𝟑𝟑 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐇𝐳

27. A studio 100 m long by 75 m wide by 5 m high has sound absorption coefficients (A) of 0.23 for
walls, 0.08 for ceiling, and 0.15 for floor. Find the reverberation time (RT60) in this space with no
occupants and no sound-absorbing treatment.
Given: Length (l) = 100 m
Width (w) = 75 m
Height (h) = 5 m
Sound absorption coefficients (A):
Wall = 0.23
Ceiling = 0.08
Floor = 0.15
Find: Reverberation time (RT60)
Solution:
Compute the room volume (V)
V= l X w X h
V = 100 X 75 X 5
V =37,500 m3
Compute the surface areas (S)
SCEILING = l X w
SCEILING = 100 X 75
SCEILING = 7500 m2

SWALL = 2(h X w) SWALL = 2(h X l)

SWALL = 2 X 5 X 75 SWALL = 2 X 5 X 100
SWALL = 750 m2 SWALL = 1000 m2

SFLOOR = l X w
SFLOOR = 100 X 75
SFLOOR = 7500 ft2

Compute the total room absorption a using A= Σ S A

S A A (sabins)
Ceiling 7500 X 0.08 = 600
 Walls 1750 X 0.23 = 402.5

Floor 7500 X 0.15= 1125

Total A = 2127.5 sabins

Using the formula for Metric system

0.161V
RT60 =
A
0.161(37500)
RT60 =
2127.5
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎 = 𝟐. 𝟖𝟑𝟕𝟖 𝐬𝐞𝐜
28. Same given with problem number 4. Find the reverberation time (RT60) if 50 percent of the
ceiling surface (along the perimeter of the room) is treated with acoustical panels at A of 0.85.
The central area remains sound-reflecting to help distribute sound energy from lectern end toward
rear of the room.
Given: Length (l) = 60 ft
Width (w) = 35 ft
Height (h) = 15 ft
Sound absorption coefficients (A):
Wall = 0.30
Ceiling = 0.04
Floor = 0.10
500 Hz
Find: Reverberation time (RT60)
Solution:
Compute the total room absorption a using A = Σ S A
S A SA (sabins)
Bare ceiling 1050 0.04 42

Treated ceiling 1050 0.85 892

Walls 2850 0.30 855

Floor 2100 0.10 210

Total A = 1999 sabins

Using the formula for English system

0.049V
RT60 =
A
0.049(31500)
RT60 =
1999
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟐𝟏 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐇𝐳
29. Calculate the Sabine reverberation time of uniformly diffuse sound in a studio-type room if the
average absorption is 0.69 and the Norris-Eyring reverberation time is 2.23 sec.
Given: Average absorption (A) = 0.69
Sabine Reverberation time (RT60(SABINE)) = 2.23 sec
Find: Norris-Eyring reverberation time (RT60(NORRIS-EYRING))
Solution:
Using the relationship between Sabine and Norris-Eyring Equation
RT60(SABINE)
RT60(NORRIS−EYRING) =
−ln(1 − A)
RT60(SABINE) = RT60(NORRIS−EYRING) × −ln(1 − A)
RT60(SABINE) = 2.23 sec × −ln(1 − 0.69)
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎(𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐄) = 𝟐. 𝟔𝟏𝟏𝟕 𝐬𝐞𝐜

30. A cinema has an internal volume of 2300 m3. Its reverberation time in seconds is 1.8. What is its
total absorption in metric?
Given: Reverberation time (RT60) = 1.8 seconds
Volume (V) = 2300 m3
Find: Total absorption (A)
Solution:
Using the formula for Metric system
0.161V
RT60 =
A
0.161V
A=
RT60
0.161 × 2300
A=
1.8
𝐀 = 𝟐𝟎𝟓. 𝟕𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬

31. A theatre hall has an internal volume of 5000 m3. Its reverberation time in seconds is 1.3. What is
its internal volume in English system?
Given: Reverberation time (RT60) = 1.3 seconds
Volume (V) = 5000 m3
Find: Total absorption (A)
Solution:
Using the formula for Metric system
0.161V
RT60 =
A
0.161V
A=
RT60
0.161 × 5000
A=
1.3
10.7527 sabin
A = 619.2308 metric sabins ×
1 metric sabin
𝐀 = 𝟔𝟔𝟓𝟖. 𝟒𝟎𝟑𝟎 𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧
32. A theatre hall 5000 m long, 6000 m wide and 4500 m high has a total sound absorption
coefficient of 0.98. Find its reverberation time (RT60) using Norris-Eyring Equation.
Given: Length (l) = 5000 m
Width (w) = 6000 m
Height (h) = 4500 m
Total sound absorption coefficient (A) = 0.98
Find: Reverberation time (RT60)
Solution:
Using the formula for Metric system
0.161V
RT60 =
−S ln(1 − A)

V = l ×w ×h
V = 5000 × 6000 × 4500
V = 1.35 × 1011 m3

SCEILING = l X w
SCEILING = 5000 X 6000
SCEILING = 30 X 106 m2

SWALL = 2(h X w) SWALL = 2(h X l)

SWALL = 2 X 4500 X 6000 SWALL = 2 X 4500 X 5000
SWALL = 54 X 106 m2 SWALL = 45 X 106 m2

SFLOOR = l X w
SFLOOR = 5000 X 6000
SFLOOR = 30 X 106 m2

0.161(1.35 × 1011 )
RT60 =
−(159 × 106 ) ln(1 − .75)
𝐑𝐓𝟔𝟎 = 𝟑𝟒. 𝟗𝟒𝟑𝟏 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

33. A church has an interval volume of 90.05 ft3 (2550 m3). When it contains 2000 customay sabins
of absorption (186 metric sabins), what will be its reverberation time in seconds.
GIVEN: V=2550 m3 (90.05 ft3)
A=186 metric sabins (2000 customay sabins of absorption)
REQUIRED:
Reverberation time, RT60
SOLUTION:
0.161 V 0.161 (2550)
RT60= =
A 186
 RT60=2.19 seconds
34. An enclosed room has an internal volume of 4000 m3. When it contains 200 metric sabins, what
will be its reverberation time in seconds?
GIVEN:
Volume, V = 4000 m3
Total absorption, 𝛼 = 200 metric sabins
REQUIRED:
Reverberation time, RT60
SOLUTION:
0.161 V 0.161 (4000)
RT60 = α
= 200
RT60 = 3.22 seconds
35. A church has an internal volume of 5200 ft3. When it contains 1200 customary sabins of
absorption, what will be its reverberation time in seconds?
GIVEN:
Volume, V = 5200 ft3
Total absorption, 𝛼 = 1200 customary sabins
REQUIRED:
Reverberation time, RT60
SOLUTION:
0.049 V 0.049 (5200)
RT60 = α
= 1200
RT60 = 0.2123333 seconds
36. Calculate the Norris-Eyering reverberation time of uniformly diffuse sound in a live room if the
average absorption is 0.5 and the reverberation time is 2.5 s.
GIVEN:
Absorption, 𝛼 = 0.5
Reverberation time, RT = 2.5 s
REQUIRED:
Norris-Eyering Reverberation time, RT60(N-E)
SOLUTION:
RT 2.5
RT60(N-E) = =
−ln (1−α) −ln (1−0.5)
RT60(N-E) = 3.6067 seconds
37. Calculate the reverberation time at 500Hz, for a classroom that is 9m wide by 16m long by 3m
high. The floor is with heavy carpet on concrete, the walls are made of plywood sheet, 1/4" on
studs, and the ceiling is acoustic tile rigidly mounted
GIVEN: Frequency = 500Hz
Width of the wall, W = 9m.
Length of the wall, L = 16m.
Height of the wall, H = 3m.
Surface area of floor, Sf = 144 m2
Surface area of ceiling, Sc = 144 m2
Absorption coefficient of wall, αw = 0.1
Absorption coefficient of floor, αf = 0.15
Absorption coefficient of ceiling , αc = 0.7
REQUIRED: Reverberation time, RT60
SOLUTION:
0.161 V 0.161 V
RT60=
∑(S)(α)
=
(Sf ×αf )+(Sc ×αc )+(Sw ×αw )
V = L x W x H = 16m x 9m x 3m = 432 m3
Sw = 2(W x H) + 2(L x H) = 2(9 x 3m) + 2(16m x 3m ) = 150m2
0.161(432) 69.552
RT60 = = =
(144 x 0.15)+(144 x 0.7)+(150 x0.1) 85.9

RT60 = 0.5062 seconds

38. An office contains 111.1 metric sabins of absorption. Its reverberation time in seconds is 1.11.
What is its internal volume in meters?
GIVEN: Total absorption, 𝛼 = 111.1 metric sabins
Reverberation time, RT = 1.11 seconds
REQUIRED: Volume, V
SOLUTION:
0.161 V
RT = α
𝛼(𝑅𝑇) 111.1(1.11)
V= =
0.161 0.161
V = 765.9689441 m3
39. Calculate the absorption of uniformly diffuse sound in a live room if the the Norris-Eyering
reverberation time is 1.1716 seconds and the reverberation time is 1.23 s.
GIVEN:
 RT60(N-E) = 1.1716 seconds
Reverberation time, RT = 1.23 s
REQUIRED:
Absorption, 𝛼
SOLUTION:
RT 1.23
𝛼= 1 + (e RT(N−E) ) = 1 + (e 1.1716 )
𝛂 = 3.8572
40. An office contains 1567 customary sabins of absorption (238.1 metric sabins). Its reverberation
time in seconds is 1.35 . What is its internal volume in meters. ?
GIVEN: Total absorption, 𝛼 = 238.1 metric sabins
Reverberation time, RT = 1.35 seconds
REQUIRED: Volume, V
SOLUTION:
0.161 V
RT = α
𝛼(𝑅𝑇) 238.1(1.35)
V= =
0.161 0.161
V = 1996. 49 m3

41. In a music studio, there is said to be a reverberation time of 2.356seconds, compute for the
volume of the room in in ft when the area is 500ft3 and the coefficient of absorption is 229 .
GIVEN: Reverberation time, RT = 2.356seconds
Coefficient of absorption, 𝛼 = 229
Area, A = 500ft3
REQUIRED: Volume, V
SOLUTION:
0.049 V
RT = α
𝛼(𝑅𝑇) 229(2.35)
V =
0.049 0.049
V = 10982.65 ft3
42. Find the absorption coefficient of the wall at 500Hz, for a classroom that is 9m wide by 14m long
by 3m high. The floor is with heavy carpet on concrete, and the ceiling is acoustic tile rigidly
mounted with a 1.23 seconds reverberation time.
GIVEN: Frequency = 500Hz
Width of the wall, W = 5m.
Length of the wall, L = 4m.
Height of the wall, H = 3m.
Surface area of floor, Sf = 121 m2
Surface area of ceiling, Sc = 121 m2
Absorption coefficient of floor, αf = 0.2
Absorption coefficient of ceiling , αc = 0.8
Reverberation time, RT = 2.34 seconds
REQUIRED: Absorption coefficient of wall, αw
0.161 V 0.161 V
SOLUTION: RT=
∑(S)(α)
=
(Sf ×αf )+(Sc ×αc )+(Sw ×αw )
0.161 𝑉
[ −(Sf ×αf )−(Sc ×αc ) ]
𝑅𝑇
𝛼𝑤 =
Sw

V = L x W x H = 5m x 4m x 3m = 60 m3
Sw = 2(W x H) + 2(L x H) = 2(5 x 3m) + 2(4m x 3m ) = 54m2
0.161( 60)
[ −(121 ×0.2)−(121 ×0.8) ]
2.34
𝛼𝑤 =
138
𝛂𝐰 = -2.1643
 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Electronics Engineering
Intramuros, Manila

Broadcasting and Acoustics:

Compilation of Sample Problems in Reverberation Time

Prepared by:
BSECE IV
SY 2014-2015

Prepared to:
Engr. Carlos C. Sison
PECE, DEM