Environmental Acoustics

Noise is considered by the population as one of the main and most important nuisances. Taking into account acoustic constraints is therefore of primary importance in many fields, for example in building engineering or evaluation of transportation systems. This course presents basic notions in acoustics particularly suited to engineers working in related sectors. More specifically will be developed acoustics of rooms and industrial or public environments, outdoor sound propagation in an urban environment, as well as the various techniques used to control (usually reduce) sound levels: passive techniques (noise barriers, use of absorbing materials) or active ones (anti-noise). Subjective aspects will also be introduced with notions on sound perception, sound quality and annoyance.

I- Basics of Acoustics II- Sound perception: from deciBel scales to nuisances III- Room acoustics: modal theory and energetic approach (Sabine theory, ray tracing, reverberation time and quality indices) IV- Noise reduction and control: airborne sound insulation (single and double- leaf partitions), barriers, absorbing materials, active control V- Outdoor propagation: effects of ground, buildings, meteorological conditions, … ; sound maps