Use of Computational Simulation in the Assessment of Classroom Acoustic Quality

The acoustic quality of classrooms directly influences students' academic performance as well as the vocal and hearing health of their occupants. This study presents an assessment of the acoustic conditioning of classrooms with different volumes, including standard sizes smaller and larger than 150 m³. In situ measurements were conducted to characterize the acoustic conditions of the spaces, with an emphasis on reverberation time (RT) measurements and the identification of inadequacies that may compromise speech intelligibility. Based on the experimental results, digital models were developed for computational simulations, allowing for the proposal and analysis of solutions to improve the acoustic performance of these environments. The validation process of the digital models was carried out by comparing measured data with simulated values, ensuring the reliability of the numerical predictions. The findings highlight the relevance of simulation as a tool for optimizing classroom acoustic conditioning, providing support for architectural design improvements and generating data that may contribute to future revisions of acoustic standards in the field.