Self-shielding windows : scale model measurements and numerical simulations

The concept of self-shielding windows is introduced as an innovative approach to mitigate sound exposure in urban environments at the most exposed faade.Unlike conventional windows aligned parallel to the building faade, this study examines the sound pressure level exposure at windows oriented obliquely toward the sky.This configuration forces sound from street-level sources to diffract around convex elements before reaching the windows, resulting in reduced sound exposure.Additionally, these faade geometries promote a diffuse sound field within the street canyon, diminishing the influence of specular reflections from opposing faades.However, reflections and scattering from nearby elements may offset these benefits by increasing exposure levels.To elucidate the significance of these physical phenomena, scale model experiments were conducted with simplified triangular faade elements at varying angles and story heights.Especially at the higher stories, significant noise reduction was measured.The experimental findings were further validated by 3D full-wave numerical simulations, reinforcing confidence in both the accuracy of the scale model measurements and the reliability of the numerical predictions for optimizing faade elements.