Acoustic performance prediction by means of a statistical energy analysis of two adjacent workrooms used for conferences and educational proposes

Abstract The current design of workspaces for companies is focused on minimalistic and modern styles prioritizing the aesthetic appearance with illuminated open spaces and the use of glass walls. If the acoustic performance is not considered, inappropriate Reverberation Times (RT) might lead to difficulties for hearing a speaker or teacher during courses and conferences, causing problems in the learning process. Additionally, there might be high sound transmission between adjacent work rooms. This paper presents the development and experimental validation of numerical models using Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) to calculate the sound reduction index through a glass wall that separates two adjacent work rooms. These structures are dedicated to conferences and educational uses but cannot be properly used due to their high sound transmission and inappropriate reverberant time. The sound insulation prediction results are validated with experimental measurements carried out in the adjacent rooms under the standard ISO-140. Afterwards, a SEA model is used to provide some acoustic correction design guidelines for these types of constructions. To improve the acoustical performance in the rooms, the acoustic effects of different absorbent panels placed on the walls and ceiling were investigated, choosing a suitable material that complies with the recommended ranges of RT and with less amount of absorption area. The SEA model is then used to understand the effects of openings size between the panels that make up the glass wall on the sound insulation capacity between rooms. Finally, a SEA model is reformulated to quantify the effect of the application of double walls for sound insulation between rooms, which implies the increase of weighted sound reduction index in 9 dB with respect to measured data.