Office Acoustics

Excessive noise levels are generally acknowledged to have adverse effects on our environment. Studies indicate that excessive noise levels can cause fatigue in exposed individuals, lower efficiency and productivity, impaired speech communication, and hearing loss. Excessive noise is almost everywhere today - in the office, in schools, hospitals and other institutional facilities, in all classes of public buildings, and in our factories. INDUSTRIAL NOISE High noise levels in factories can make speech communication in the plant difficult and at times impossible. Foremen are often unable to hear warning shouts from co-workers. The problem of hearing loss due to excessive noise exposure is of particular concern to industry, and to the federal government. In the early 1970s, the United States Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) which sets criteria for health hazards and established limits for noise exposure of industrial workers. The OSHA Noise Standard was amended in 1982 to require audiometric testing of all employees exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or above for eight hours. A NOISE IN COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS While noise levels in offices, stores, schools, and other commercial and institutional buildings seldom reach those encountered in many industrial environments, they often reach levels which are distracting to the occupants of such buildings. Impairment of speech communica tion among workers, or inversely the lack of speech privacy, are both deterrents to effiCiency and productivity and are detrimental to the occupants' comfort and sense of well-being.

Modern noise research and assessment techniques are commonly used in the workplace and our personal living environment. Occupational Noise and Workplace Acoustics presents new, innovative, advanced research and evaluation methods of parameters characterizing acoustic field and noise in the working environment, as well as acoustic properties of rooms and noise reduction measures. This includes acoustic field visualization methods, field imaging techniques, wireless sensor networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT); optimization methods using genetic algorithms; acoustic quality assessment methods for rooms; and methods for measuring ultrasonic noise in the frequency range of 10-40 kHz. This book is a valuable resource for individuals and students interested in the areas of acoustic and sound engineering as it provides: The latest techniques and methods in the field of noise reduction and improvement of acoustic comfort, Innovative and advanced acoustic field visualization techniques for those with an auditory impairment, Explains noise reduction through proper workplace design, Discusses use of wireless sensor networks and the IoT for monitoring noise, and Provides acoustic quality assessment methods. "The authors’ intention to expound on advanced issues in a lucid and accessible way was rewarded with success. In the book, an expert will find a number of hints helpful in solving actual problems, whereas a layperson will be able to form a view on challenges facing contemporary technology. What should also be emphasized is the book’s soundness in documenting these advanced theses and postulates with diligently conducted empirical research. Despite a wide thematic range, the book is written consistently and under no circumstances can be considered a collection of randomly selected problems. The content corresponds fully to the title. The authors are consistent in acquainting the reader with topical scientific issues concerning assessment of acoustic hazards and the methodology of combating them." —Professor Zbigniew Dąbrowski, BEng, PhD, DSc, Warsaw University of Technology

Acoustics, the science of sound, has developed into a broad interdisciplinary field encompassing the academic disciplines of physics, engineering, psychology, speech, audiology, music, architecture, physiology, neuroscience and others. Here is an unparalleled modern handbook reflecting this richly interdisciplinary nature edited by one of the acknowledged masters in the field, Thomas Rossing. Researchers and students benefit from the comprehensive contents spanning: animal acoustics including infrasound and ultrasound, environmental noise control, music and human speech and singing, physiological and psychological acoustics, architectural acoustics, physical and engineering acoustics, medical acoustics and ocean acoustics. The Springer Handbook of Acoustics reviews the most important areas of acoustics, with emphasis on current research. The authors of the various chapters are all experts in their fields. Each chapter is richly illustrated with figures and tables. The latest research and applications are incorporated throughout, e.g. computer recognition and synthesis of speech, physiological acoustics, psychological acoustics, thermoacoustics, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications and acoustical oceanography. This new edition of the Handbook features over 11 revised and expanded chapters, new illustrations and two new chapters covering microphone arrays, acoustic metamaterials and acoustic emission. These improvements will make the handbook even more useful as a reference and a guide for researchers and students in every branch of acoustics. Praise for the first edition: "This treatise is a successful attempt to cover in one book the diverse field of acoustics, which ranges from physics to music and from formal mathematics to technological applications. ... It is this reviewer's opinion that a handbook like Rossing's, which covers the whole field of acoustics, serves a real purpose because it not only gives one a chance to see how one's specialty is covered but it also permits one to make a quick survey of other acoustical areas." (Leo Beranek, American Journal of Physics, Vol. 77 (12), December, 2009) "The Springer Handbook of Acoustics falls into that exceptional list. ...every physics department should have a copy available." (John L. Hubisz, The Physics Teacher, Vol. 48, March, 2010) "This handbook is an excellent addition to the acoustics literature. ... The handbook nicely covers both basics and advances in several areas of acoustics. Several chapters provide good mathematical depth, making the handbook useful as a research and technical resource. ...Overall, a very useful educational and research resource. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." (M. G. Prasad, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (5), January, 2008) "This book covers a wide range of topics and the inclusion of musical acoustics, computer and electronic music appeal to me (singer, song-writer, performer and recording studio co-owner). This handbook is probably well suited for an undergraduate-level introduction to an acoustics course. ... The wide range of topics, inclusion of music-related chapters, eye-pleasing presentations and other useful features make this a very good book to have on your shelf." (Tim Casey, International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration, Vol. 13 (1), 2008) "The Springer Handbook of Acoustics comprises 28 chapters written by 33 authors. The Handbook of Acoustics is useful as a source book for anyone who needs or wants to become familiar with the jargon and issues related to a specific subfield of acoustics ... ." (Robert I. Odom, Siam Review, Vol. 50 (3), 2008) The Springer Handbook of Acoustics reviews the most important areas of acoustics, with emphasis on current research. The authors of the various chapters are all experts in their fields. Each chapter is richly illustrated with figures and tables. The latest research and applications are incorporated throughout, e.g. computer recognition and synthesis of speech, physiological acoustics, psychological acoustics, thermoacoustics, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications and acoustical oceanography. This new edition of the Handbook features over 13 revised and expanded chapters, new illustrations and 3 new chapters covering microphone arrays, acoustic metamaterials and acoustic emission. These improvements will make the handbook even more useful as a reference and a guide for researchers and students in every branch of acoustics.

The application of good acoustic design can seem daunting to designers when trying to understand the often-complex physics of sound control. The ever-increasing number of standards and performance criteria that can be requested on new developments further complicates acoustics for architects. Architectural Acoustics, part of the PocketArchitecture series, provides the fundamental theory and understanding of acoustics and applications of effective detailing for specific building types and conditions in an accessible and clear technical guide. The book provides: a compact and understandable introduction to the fundamentals of building and architectural acoustics definitions of suitable acoustic performance criteria for a wide range of common buildings and room types guidance on specification and detailing of the most suitable construction types in North America and the UK. This book is both, a handy rule of thumb on acoustics for anyone involved in the design or construction of buildings, as well as an essential addition to any architect’s reference library.

Avoid Costly Mistakes for Specialists and Non-Specialists Alike Bad acoustics in buildings is a nuisance that is not dealt with easily. The problem applies just as much to open-plan offices and restaurants and to production facilities and transportation stations as it does to performance halls, not to mention homes. It does not merely affect oral communication or enjoyment of music but has quite profound consequences on well-being. Gives Guidance on What to Expect from Design Teams and Contractors Building Acoustics is devoted to practical building and room acoustics, illustrated by numerous examples. It introduces the basics for the different specialists in a design team and for the client and sets out the issues for shared consideration. It guides them in the drawing up of sensible acoustic specifications. It is written for non-specialists and gives an outline of potential problems. It also shows what to consider before the construction stage. It empowers its readers to express their needs to a specialist consultant and to avoid the worst pitfalls. Covers interactions between acoustics and other disciplines Shows through numerous real-life examples the route to understanding and solving the problem Illustrates various points of views through real projects

Unite the science of sound and the principles of design to enhance any space Architectural Acoustics Illustrated translates the quantitative and qualitative content of acoustics into the graphic language of architecture. This highly-visual guide includes over 350 illustrations that outline the physics of sound and the best design practices for limiting or mitigating noise in buildings by using the latest in materials and techniques. Each chapter includes a summary checklist of design guidelines to help prevent mistakes and oversights, and the Instructor's website offers video animations demonstrating acoustical concepts. Designed as a "first look" at the interaction of sound and space, the book explains the principles of architectural acoustics and their practical applications, providing a comprehensive guide for designing with acoustics in mind. Architectural acoustics is more than just concert halls – it may determine building placement, division of interior space, exterior construction, and even siting. When addressed early in the design process, the resulting space can be free of unwanted sound and promote good hearing; if left unaddressed, the problems with the space can lead to lawsuits and costly post-construction remediation. Architectural Acoustics Illustrated helps designers solve most acoustical problems in advance, by enabling readers to: Understand the physical science underlying the behavior of sound Consider the interactions of sound and space in the initial design approach Mitigate building sounds such as those produced by HVAC and plumbing with early design planning Design spaces for listening, and incorporate acoustics best practices into every plan The highly visual format of the book helps readers grasp complex concepts quickly, and thorough discussion of each concept's real-world application ties the science directly into the design process. All design professionals need to have a fundamental understanding of acoustics, and Architectural Acoustics Illustrated is a comprehensive, practical guide in an easy-to-read format.

BUILDING SYSTEMS FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS Make design decisions informed by technical and structural knowledge with this essential guide Professional interior design demands more than simply an understanding of aesthetic and artistic considerations; it also requires a detailed understanding of building systems and their interactions. Design decisions must account for mechanical and electrical equipment, building components, and structural elements, all of which can potentially shape a designer’s work. Building Systems for Interior Designers has long stood as the key to understanding and evaluating these elements, particularly key building systems like HVAC and plumbing, and their impacts on interior design. This Fourth Edition is fully updated to fit the needs of the CIDA certified interior design program and the NCIDQ exam. The fourth edition of Building Systems for Interior Designers also includes: Updated information on sustainable and energy-efficient design Detailed coverage of topics including security concerns, fire safety, and designing secure spaces Classroom supplements including sample construction documents, chapter specific discussion questions, and more Building Systems for Interior Designers is ideal for students in interior design courses and new professionals studying for NCIDQ exams.