Application of a calibrated room acoustics model for retrofit support

Abstract

Building performance simulation has been widely adopted in research and for consulting purposes for more than a decade now. This study outlines the use of performance simulation within the framework of a case study pertaining to room acoustics.<br />The results of the study contribute to the discussion concerning the effectiveness of acoustical simulation applications and the extent of necessary simulation calibration efforts in modeling the acoustical conditions in existing spaces and prediction of the implications of acoustical retrofit measures. The target of the study is an office area within a university, consisting of closed and open spaces for different functions (workstations, seminar, service spaces). Certain indicators of the room acoustical performance of this office area were obtained based on both measurements and simulations. Subsequently, the simulation models were calibrated using the measurement results. The calibrated simulation models facilitated the prediction of the implication of acoustical retrofit measures. Upon the implementation of such a measure (installation of acoustical absorbers), measurements and simulations were conducted again and the results were compared. Moreover, occupants' subjective evaluation of the acoustical conditions before and after the acoustical retrofit measures were explored as well using appropriate questionnaires.<br />