Architectural Acoustics

GROUP :
Gowtham - 073

Sahithya - 081

Rwffith - 086

Usha - 093
INTRODUCTION
Architectural acoustics is the study of sound in homes and
other buildings and the design of those structures for
optimal acoustic performance, including control of sound
transmission throughout the building, maintaining conditions
for good speech intelligibility, and maintaining sound
isolation for speech privacy.
Positive architectural acoustics can benefit people's health,
wellbeing and overall quality of life. Many studies are
published each year that highlight how poor acoustics and
noise disturbance can negatively impact people, especially in
spaces in which they learn or work in.
Types of Acoustic Materials

Acoustic materials are commonly categorized

into absorption materials, reflective materials,
and acoustic tiles. Each type has unique
properties and applications based on its ability
to absorb or reflect sound waves.
Sound Absorbing Materials
Sound absorbers are materials that reduce the level
of sound in a room by absorbing sound waves.
When sound waves hit a surface, they can be
absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. Absorption
occurs when the sound energy is absorbed by the
surface and converted into heat. The sound energy
is thus reduced, resulting in a quieter room. Sound-
absorbing materials tend to be light, soft, porous,
and/or fluffy, and they absorb a portion of the sonic
energy of the sound wave rather than reflect it.
 TYPES OF SOUND
ABSORPTION MATERIALS

Polyster Fibre Wool PET panels Wood wool Polyurethane Foam panels
Polyester Fibre Wool
Polyester fibre wool is a lightweight acoustic performance enhancer installed
behind ceilings and walls. It is thermally-bonded, chemically-free and
contains no resins. This eco-friendly poly fibre/acoustic infill is made to exact
specifications under strict quality control. Ongoing research and continuous
testing ensures consistent quality and delivery with no compromise.

Core: 100% Poly Fibre

Finish: Plain
Colour: White
Thickness (mm): 10mm,
25mm, 50mm, 100mm
Size (mm): Standard roll.
Weight (Kg/m2): 250
GSM to2500 GSM
NRC Upto 0.85
 Applications
Polyester fiber wool acoustic material is commonly
used in soundproofing applications. It is used in
recording studios, theaters, conference rooms, and
home theaters to absorb sound and reduce noise
levels. The material's dense structure helps in sound
absorption, making it an effective acoustic solution.
Polyester fiber wool acoustic panels are also used in
offices, restaurants, and other commercial spaces to
improve acoustics by reducing echoes and
reverberation. Overall, polyester fiber wool is a
popular choice for acoustic materials due to its
effectiveness, durability, and eco-friendly properties.
 PET Panels
PET is a very energy-efficient material. Although its raw materials
are derived from crude oil and natural gas, it enjoys a very favorable
sustainability profile in comparison to glass, aluminum, and other
materials. The high strength of PET in comparison to its light weight
is a major key to its energy efficiency. This allows for more products
to be delivered in less packaging while using less fuel for transport.

Manufactured using industrial-grade non-woven Polyester Fibre made

by recycling PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a waste material from
plastic bottles. Hence, the products are made from 100% recycled
material.
 Properties :
Easy to Install with Excellent Acoustic Properties.
N.R.C: Upto 0.75.
Lightweight and durable.
Better safety features when compared to Glasswool
or Mineral Rock wool.
Scratch Resistant and Washable
Low shrinkage.
Low VOC Emissions and 100% Recyclable

Applications :
They can be used for limitless indoor applications for commercial and non-commercial
purposes. With excellent Acoustic characteristics, Tacet PET panels are designed to
perform primarily in the medium and high frequencies - a great solution for treating
both ceilings and walls. Aesthetically it is available in a wide range of colors and
patterns, and can be cut in to any shape desirable whether it is a triangle, Square, Circle
or Hexagon.
Wood Wool
Wood Wool is now a leader in the eco-friendly, high-
performance, cost-effective acoustical-panel products category.
Envirocoustic performs well by absorbing sound while thermally
insulating; ecologically, acoustic wool is simple to produce; and
panels are available in many size and color variations that can be
designed to fit nearly any décor.
These eco-friendly cementitious wood-fiber panels not only
liven up a room with design variety, but acoustic wool panels
also reduce echo and reverberation through sound
absorption. Wood-fiber panels can transform the aesthetics
and acoustics of any interior space.
•Sizes: Properties :
1" Thick Wall & Ceiling Direct-Attach Panel Sizes – High quality wood wool:
Square or •Durable
Beveled Edge •Consistent finish & color
• 23.75" x 23.75" •Consistent thickness (+/-.005″) & dimensions
• 23.75" x 47.75"
•Clean corners
• 23.75" x 95.5"
•Square panels
1" Thick Drop-In Ceiling Tile Sizes - Square or Tegular
•Less dust than competition
Edge
•Cost-effective – lower cost than other solutions
• 23.75" x 23.75"
•Class A Fire Rated
• 23.75" x 47.75"
•Low VOC
1" Thick Hexagonal – Deep-Beveled Edge
•Manufactured from 3 simple ingredients: wood fiber, cement, &
• 20" side-to-side (six-sided) dimension
water
Cost: Rs 58/square feet •Versatile – ceiling or wall mount as a surface finish
Colours: Natural, White, & custom colors •Paintable, with wide range of colors
•An effective sound absorber
Applications :
Schools and civic centers (gymnasiums,
classrooms, auditoriums, music practice
and band rooms), restaurants and bars,
sports and entertainment venues,
convention centers, houses of worship,
shooting ranges, manufacturing and
industrial facilities, parking garages,
airports, and more.
Polyurethane Foam Panels
Polyurethane foam panels are sound-absorbing panels that are commonly used to
improve acoustics in various settings. These panels are made from polyurethane
foam, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties. The foam's structure
helps to reduce noise levels by absorbing sound waves, preventing them from
bouncing off walls and creating echoes. Polyurethane foam panels are lightweight,
easy to install, and come in various shapes and sizes to suit different needs. They are
often used in recording studios, home theaters, offices, and other spaces where
sound quality is important

Properties :
Absorbs sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberations.
Porous structure traps and dissipate sound energy.
Light weight
Versatality.
Durability.
Fire Retardant.
Applications :
Music studios: Acoustic foam is used to create a controlled
acoustic environment, ensuring that recordings sound clear
and natural.
Home theaters: Acoustic foam is used to reduce echoes and
improve sound quality in a home theater environment.
Conference rooms: Acoustic foam is used to improve speech
intelligibility and reduce distractions in conference rooms.
Open-plan offices: Acoustic foam is used to reduce ambient
noise and improve concentration in open-plan office
environments.
Performance venues: Acoustic foam is used to improve
sound quality and reduce echoes in performance venues
such as theaters and concert halls.
Sound Reflecting Materials
Sound reflectors are surfaces or objects that efficiently
reflect sound waves rather than absorbing them. They are
strategically positioned to redirect sound energy towards
desired areas or to mitigate unwanted reflections in
architectural, industrial, and entertainment settings.
Sound reflecting materials are substances or surfaces that are
designed or naturally possess the property of efficiently
reflecting sound waves rather than absorbing them. These
materials are crucial in various applications where controlling
sound reflections and directing sound energy are important
considerations.
 TYPES OF SOUND
REFLECTING MATERIALS

CONCRETE METAL GLASS

CONCRETE
Concrete surfaces are generally reflective to sound waves,
especially at higher frequencies. Smooth concrete surfaces tend to
bounce sound waves rather than absorb them, which can lead to
issues such as echoes and reverberation in enclosed spaces.
Despite its reflective properties, concrete can be designed or
treated to enhance its acoustic performance. For instance,
incorporating acoustic treatments like panels, baffles, or insulation
can help control reverberation and improve overall sound quality in
spaces constructed with concrete.

PROPERTIES:
Concrete is generally considered a reflective acoustic material, especially
for higher frequency sound waves.
Smooth Surfaces
Density and Hardness
High Mass
Low Porosity
APPLICATIONS:
Acoustic concrete, or concrete designed with specific acoustic properties in mind,
finds various applications where sound control and acoustic comfort are priorities.
Here are some key applications of acoustic concrete material:

Interior Walls
Ceilings and Floors
Transportation Infrastructure:
Highways and Bridges
Railways
Industrial and Commercial Settings
Factories and Manufacturing Facilities
Commercial Spaces
Infrastructure Projects:
Tunnels
Water Treatment Facilities
Houses and Apartments:
Recording Studio
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities:
METAL
Sound reflective metal refers to metallic materials or surfaces that
efficiently reflect incident sound waves rather than absorbing them.
This property arises due to the physical characteristics of metals
such as their density, smoothness, and structural integrity.
Metal surfaces are highly reflective to sound waves across a wide
range of frequencies. This means that when sound waves encounter
a metal surface, they bounce off rather than being absorbed. This
property makes metal useful in applications where controlling
sound reflection or creating acoustic barriers is desired.

Characteristics:
High Reflectivity
High Density
Smooth Surfaces
APPLICATION
Acoustic Barriers: Metal panels or sheets are often used in the
construction of acoustic barriers along highways, railways, or
industrial areas to mitigate noise pollution by reflecting sound
waves away from sensitive receptors.
Interior Design: In architectural design, metal surfaces may be
employed to enhance the aesthetics of spaces while also
contributing to the acoustic environmen, additional acoustic
treatments may be necessary to control reflections and
reverberations.
Limitation: In applications where reducing reverberation or
controlling acoustic reflections is critical, combining metal with
acoustic absorptive materials or incorporating acoustic panels and
treatments is often necessary to achieve optimal acoustic
performance.
 GLASS
Smooth glass surfaces reflect sound waves rather than
absorbing them. This property can lead to increased sound
reflections within a room, potentially causing echoes or
reverberation. In architectural design, the reflective nature of
glass is considered when planning acoustics in spaces such as
auditoriums or offices.
When designing spaces with glass elements, architects and
acousticians must balance the desire for openness and natural
light with the need to manage sound transmission and
reflections. Strategies may include using thicker glass, double
or laminated glass panes, or applying specialized coatings to
enhance sound insulation and reduce noise transfer.
PROPERTIES
Sound Reflective Properties of Glass: These properties describe how
glass surfaces interact with sound waves by reflecting them rather
than absorbing them.
1. Reflectivity: Glass surfaces, especially when smooth and
uninterrupted, reflect a significant portion of incident sound
waves.
2. Frequency Dependency: Glass tends to be more reflective to
higher frequency sound waves (e.g., above 1000 Hz) due to its
smooth surface and density. Lower frequency sound waves may
penetrate glass to some extent before reflecting or being
transmitted.
3. Surface Texture: The texture of glass, such as smoothness or
frosted finishes, can affect its sound reflective properties.
Smooth glass surfaces reflect sound more efficiently compared
to textured or frosted glass.
APPLICATION
Windows and Doors:
Residential: In homes, glass windows and doors with sound reflective properties help reduce noise from outside traffic.
Commercial: Offices and retail spaces benefit from sound reflective glass to maintain a quiet and productive environment.
Interior Partitions:
Glass partitions in offices, conference rooms, and public buildings contribute to open and visually connected spaces.
Acoustic Barriers:
Along highways, railways, and industrial areas, glass panels are used as part of sound barriers to reflect and mitigate noise pollution from
traffic.
Architectural Façades:
Glass used in building façades not only enhances architectural aesthetics but also serves to manage sound reflections.
Interior Design Elements:
Glass elements such as balustrades, room dividers, and acoustic panels contribute to modern interior design aesthetics while addressing
acoustic.
Educational and Healthcare Facilities:
In schools, universities, and healthcare facilities, sound reflective glass helps create environments conducive to learning, healing, and
concentration.
Cultural and Entertainment Venues:
Glass panels in concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries play a crucial role in maintaining acoustic clarity and enhancing the overall
auditory experience for visitors.
ACOUSTIC TILES
Acoustic tiles, also known as acoustic ceiling tiles or acoustic panels, are
specialized construction materials designed to improve the acoustic
environment of interior spaces by reducing noise levels and controlling
sound reflections. Here’s a detailed definition of acoustic tiles:

Acoustic tiles are lightweight panels typically made from materials such
as mineral fibers, fiberglass, foam, or perforated metals. They are
specifically engineered to enhance sound absorption and reduce
reverberation within rooms. Acoustic tiles are often installed on ceilings
or walls to improve the overall acoustic comfort and quality of indoor
environments.
 TYPES OF ACOUSTIC TILES

FIBER GLASS MINERAL WOOL ACOUSTIC FOAM

WOOL
FIBER GLASS WOOL
Fiber wool, often referred to as mineral wool, rock wool, or fiberglass wool, is a versatile
material used in various acoustic and thermal insulation applications. Here are the details
regarding its sizes, properties, and applications:

Sizes
Fiber wool comes in different forms, typically including batts, rolls, boards, and loose fill.
The sizes can vary based on the manufacturer and specific product, but common
dimensions include:
Batts and Rolls:
Width: 16 inches (41 cm) or 24 inches (61 cm) (suitable for standard wall studs
and joists spacing)
Length: Varies, typically 48 inches (122 cm) to 96 inches (244 cm)
Thickness: Ranges from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 6 inches (15.24 cm) or more
Boards:
Width: Commonly 24 inches (61 cm) or 48 inches (122 cm)
Length: Typically 48 inches (122 cm) to 96 inches (244 cm)
Thickness: 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 6 inches (15.24 cm) or more
Loose Fill:
Sold in bags with varying weights, commonly 25 lbs (11.34 kg) to 50 lbs (22.68
kg)
FIBER GLASS WOOL
Properties
Fiber wool has several notable properties that make it effective for both acoustic and thermal
insulation:
Acoustic Properties:
High sound absorption coefficient, especially effective at reducing mid to high-
frequency noise.
Reduces reverberation and echo in rooms.
Used for soundproofing walls, ceilings, and floors.
Thermal Properties:
Excellent thermal insulation, with high R-values (resistance to heat flow).
Helps maintain indoor temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Fire Resistance:
Non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures.
Provides fire protection by slowing down the spread of flames and heat.
Durability:
Resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew when properly installed.
Long-lasting with minimal degradation over time.
Density:
Typically ranges from 2 lbs/ft³ (32 kg/m³) to 10 lbs/ft³ (160 kg/m³) or more, affecting
its insulating and acoustic properties.
FIBER GLASS WOOL
Applications
Fiber wool is used in a wide range of applications across different industries
due to its acoustic and thermal properties:
Building and Construction:
Wall cavities, ceilings, and floors for thermal and acoustic
insulation.
Insulation around HVAC ducts and pipes to reduce noise and
thermal loss.
Fire-resistant barriers in commercial and residential buildings.
Industrial:
Insulation in power plants, refineries, and other industrial facilities.
Acoustic control in machinery enclosures and industrial equipment.
Acoustic Treatments:
Recording studios, home theaters, and music rooms for
soundproofing and acoustic treatment.
Office spaces and conference rooms to reduce noise and improve
speech intelligibility.
MINERAL WOOL
Mineral wool, also known as rock wool or stone wool, is a type of insulation material
made from natural rock or recycled slag. It is widely used for its excellent thermal,
acoustic, and fire-resistant properties. Here's an overview of its sizes, properties, and
applications:
Sizes
Mineral wool comes in various forms including batts, rolls, boards, and loose fill. The sizes
can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific product. Common dimensions
include:
Batts and Rolls:
Width: Typically 16 inches (41 cm) or 24 inches (61 cm) to fit standard stud and
joist spacing
Length: Typically ranges from 48 inches (122 cm) to 96 inches (244 cm)
Thickness: Usually ranges from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 6 inches (15.24 cm) or more
Boards:
Width: Typically 24 inches (61 cm) or 48 inches (122 cm)
Length: Typically ranges from 48 inches (122 cm) to 96 inches (244 cm)
Thickness: Usually ranges from 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 6 inches (15.24 cm) or more
Loose Fill:
Sold in bags with varying weights, typically around 25 lbs (11.34 kg) to 50 lbs
(22.68 kg)
MINERAL WOOL
Properties
Mineral wool has several key properties that make it suitable for various applications:
Thermal Insulation:
High R-values (thermal resistance), providing excellent thermal insulation
Helps maintain indoor temperature and reduce heating and cooling costs
Acoustic Insulation:
High sound absorption coefficient, particularly effective at reducing mid to
high-frequency noise
Reduces reverberation and echo in rooms
Fire Resistance:
Non-combustible with a high melting point, often above 1,000°C (1,832°F)
Provides fire protection by slowing down the spread of flames and heat
Durability:
Resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew when properly installed
Long-lasting with minimal degradation over time
Density:
Typically ranges from 2 lbs/ft³ (32 kg/m³) to 10 lbs/ft³ (160 kg/m³) or more,
affecting its insulating and acoustic properties
MINERAL WOOL
Applications:
Mineral wool is used in a wide range of applications due to its versatile
properties:
Building and Construction:
Wall cavities, ceilings, and floors for thermal and acoustic
insulation
Insulation around HVAC ducts and pipes to reduce noise and
thermal loss
Fire-resistant barriers in commercial and residential buildings
INDUSTRIAL:
Insulation in power plants, refineries, and other industrial
facilities
Acoustic control in machinery enclosures and industrial
equipment
ACOUSTIC FOAM
Sizes
Acoustic foam is available in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit
different applications. Common forms include panels, tiles, and corner
pieces (bass traps). Typical dimensions are as follows:
Panels and Tiles:
Width: 12 inches (30.5 cm), 24 inches (61 cm), or 48 inches (122
cm)
Length: 12 inches (30.5 cm), 24 inches (61 cm), or 48 inches (122
cm)
Thickness: 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Corner Bass Traps:
Length: Typically 24 inches (61 cm) or 48 inches (122 cm)
Thickness: Varies, often around 4 inches (10.16 cm) to 12 inches
(30.48 cm) thick at the widest point
ACOUSTIC FOAM
Properties
Acoustic foam has several key properties that make it effective for sound
absorption and noise control:
Sound Absorption:
Designed to absorb sound waves, particularly mid to high frequencies
Reduces echoes, reverberation, and overall noise levels in a room
Sound absorption coefficient (NRC) typically ranges from 0.60 to 1.00,
depending on thickness and density
Lightweight:
Easy to handle and install due to its lightweight nature
Can be mounted on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces using adhesive or
mechanical fasteners
Fire Resistance:
Available in fire-resistant formulations that meet safety standards (e.g.,
Class A fire rating)
Helps slow down the spread of flames in case of a fire
Durability:
Resistant to aging, moisture, and mildew
Maintains its sound absorption properties over time
ACOUSTIC FOAM
Applications
Acoustic foam is used in a variety of settings to improve sound quality and reduce noise:
Recording Studios:
Lining walls, ceilings, and floors to create an acoustically controlled environment
Used in vocal booths, control rooms, and live rooms
Home Theaters:
Enhancing sound quality by reducing echoes and improving clarity
Applied to walls and ceilings
Offices:
Reducing noise levels in open-plan offices, conference rooms, and meeting spaces
Improving speech intelligibility and overall acoustic comfort
Broadcasting Studios:
Providing soundproofing for radio and television studios
Reducing external noise interference and enhancing audio recording quality
Music Practice Rooms:
Controlling sound reflections and reducing noise levels in practice spaces
Ensuring better acoustics for musicians
Public Spaces:
Installed in auditoriums, lecture halls, and classrooms to improve sound quality
Reducing noise in restaurants, cafes, and other noisy environments
Industrial Settings:
Controlling noise from machinery and equipment in factories and workshops
Creating quieter work environments
COMPARISION:
MOISTURE FIRE
MATERIALS DURABILITY SUSTAINABLE LIGHT-WEIGHT
RESISTANT RESISTANT

Polyster Fibre
Wool

PET Panels

Wood Wool

Polyurethane
Foam Panels

Concrete

Metal

Glass
 MOISTURE FIRE
MATERIALS DURABILITY SUSTAINABLE LIGHT-WEIGHT
RESISTANT RESISTANT

Fibre Glass
Wool

Mineral Wool

Acoustic Foam

Glass Wool
THANK YOU