EXPLORING CURRENT UNCERTAINTIES AND TOLERANCES IN ACOUSTICS MEASUREMENTS AND DATA

摘要

Whether it is for a noise compliance assessment or during the design stage of a project with strict and contractually obligated acoustics objectives, one must understand the uncertainties and tolerances in acoustics. Firstly, acoustic data from manufacturers have to be interpreted with the possible swings in their performance and also the allowable tolerances as per some qualification standards. On the other hand, acoustic measurements may be required during commissioning and one face the question by how much a result must diverge from the target to show beyond doubt a noncompliance. The intent here is to summarize current standards and practices of common acoustic measurements with respect to precision and bias (both instrumentally and methodologically) and put it in perspective with the uncertainties/tolerances of available acoustic data to designers.