Contribution
The role of analitical models and simulation tools on reverberation time prediction. Do they properly work?
* Presenting author
Abstract:
In this thesis, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the challenges associated with predicting reverberation time in enclosed environments. Multiple case studies served as the basis for verification, with measurements taken for reverberation time prior to the installation of sound-absorbing panels (ante operam configuration) and following their installation (post operam configuration). The performance of the sound-absorbing panels, tested under two distinct laboratory methodologies, was also examined. After virtually replicating the models with these specific characteristics, reverberation time was calculated using acoustic simulation software as well as three theoretical formulas from the literature: Sabine, Millington, and Sabine with air absorption considerations. Results from this preliminary study indicated that predictive models diverged significantly from measured data; specifically, the theoretical models provided less accurate estimates compared to those generated by acoustic simulation software. The critical issues associated with each calculation method were identified to equip professionals with essential insights for informed decision-making during the architectural design phase.