Analysis of the Acoustic Conditions in a Tent Structures

Abstract

Shape variability and material diversity belong to the modern trends in architecture and civil engineering. A significant progress can be seen in the usage of woven, non-woven and foil membranes, so called architextiles. Textile membranes find their applications as both interior and exterior structures offering interdisciplinary challenges for architects, artists, engineers, chemists, physicists, textile designers and material scientists. Lots of ongoing research is done in terms of their durability, thermal physics properties, tension from wind, weather and also in terms of the energy aspects. In the field of acoustics, most of the studies relate to the sound insulation and absorption properties influenced by the mass changes, structure perforation, tension in the membrane etc. In general, there is much less information on acoustic comfort available in comparison with the thermal comfort. Nevertheless, the physical properties of membranes allow for building of large-span tents, suitable for variety of cultural events and concerts, where the acoustic quality inside the hall and sound insulation properties of its exterior structure are one of the main building physics requirements. This article brings a literature overview on room acoustic problems in halls built out of woven and non-woven membranes, and shows an example of a measurement and analysis inside a temporary tent structure built for a cultural event.