Acoustics and Noise Control Within School Buildings

Abstract

The last few decades have experienced robust developments in technology and an increasing demand for physical comfort in all sorts of settings. In particular, acoustics and noise control issues have assumed an important role in buildings of all types. Our focus here is on school buildings in particular. In Portuguese school buildings, the use of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) has been intensified, due to requirements mandated by Portuguese regulations of energy systems and air-conditioning in large buildings (RSECE). As a consequence, the increased generation of noise produced by HVAC equipment has been affecting not only the learning process during classes but also the neighbouring population, causing acoustic annoyance. In many cases, the network of HVAC ducts creates breaks among interior spaces of the buildings, causing a decrease in insulation of partitions.