Prediction of noise levels in large shopping streets covered by glass and ETFE

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the prediction of the impact of transparent roof material when covering wide shopping streets on the acoustic situation. In particular, the impact of typical glass and ETFE cushion system on sound reverberation and on noise levels in the street as well as in front of the building facade is analysed. Research is performed by means of simulation software Odeon, using a parametric study. The three street variants are distinguished: (1) street without any roof, (2) street with a roof made out of ETFE cushion system and (3) glassed roof. First, the impact of roof height on the given objective acoustic parameters is analysed. Second, the impact of shopping street (gallery) width is discussed, followed by analysis using global numbers (such as total sound pressure level) and also in detail, such as per octave band, in order to show the behaviour at low and high frequencies in the investigated spaces separately. Finally, recommendations are given on the optimization of acoustic comfort.