Effects of the absorber location on low-frequency noise control in typical dwelling layouts

摘要

Studies on the effects of absorber location on low-frequency noise control in acoustically coupled rooms have been limited. This study investigated the effects of the absorption area and location on low-frequency noise control in typical dwelling layouts for different room connection types. In-situ measurements under a steady-state noise showed significant results in rooms with an absorber. An absorption area of only 5-6 m(2) in the bedroom, wherein noise enters first, was equivalent to an area of 22.5 m(2) in the bedroom farthest from the sound source. Noise reduction generally increased by 0.3-0.5 dB/m(2) within 7.5 m(2) absorption area, and later increased by less than 0.2 dB/m(2) or became overdamped. Moreover, the standard deviation of the sound pressure level (loud-quiet difference) increased with the absorption area in the living room, while it decreased in the bedroom oriented to the sound source. Noise reduction was constantly high (approximately 6-7 dB) when the absorption area distribution proportion between the living room and the bedroom oriented to the sound source was within 1:5-5:1. Further, the optimal and worst absorber locations were also suggested to ensure a low-frequency noise control in the layouts. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.