Verification of average absorption coefficients—A follow-up on one of Murray Hodgson’s Classroom Acoustics Projects

Abstract

Twelve years ago, multivariable linear-regression analysis techniques were used with data from over a hundred UBC classrooms to estimate the “average” absorption coefficient of typical surfaces in classrooms. The purpose of the work was to obtain accurate estimates that could be used in the design of new classrooms, to better predict the early-decay time[1]. The current paper applies the results from the previous work to new classrooms, outside UBC. Detailed information is known regarding the surface types and absorption coefficients used in these classrooms. Measurements of the early decay times have also been taken. Comparisons are made between the early-decay times predicted using standard absorption coefficients, the “average” absorption coefficients from the UBC classrooms, and measurements. [1] Hodgson M., Scherebnyj K. Technical note—Estimation of the absorption coefficients of the surfaces of Classrooms. Applied Acoustics 67 (2006) 936–944.