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Funded Research ProjectsSOUNDSCAPE OF EUROPEAN CITIES AND LANDSCAPES
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partners 30+ member organisations Researcher to be appointed Funding Funded by the EU COST Research period Fours year starting from 2009 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Reducing sound level, the focus of EU environmental noise policy, does not necessarily lead to improved quality of life in urban/rural areas, and a new multidisciplinary approach is essential. Soundscape research represents this paradigm shift as it involves not only physical measurements but also the cooperation of human/social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, architecture, anthropology, medicine), to account for the diversity of soundscapes across countries and cultures; and it considers environmental sounds as a 'resource' rather than a 'waste'. Although there is significant research activity at the national level and this new paradigm is touched upon in work packages scattered across European Framework projects, there is no systematic international coordination and multidisciplinary cooperation. Aiming at providing the underpinning science and practical guidance in soundscape, this Action will create a vibrant/productive international network of initially 25+ participants from 18 COST countries and 7+ partners outside Europe; and the Action will deliver an integrated database of laboratory/field studies, harmonised/standardised soundscape assessment and indicators, academic and practical publications, and tools to support designers and decision makers in planning and reshaping urban/rural spaces. The Action promotes health and sustainability, attracts investment, conveys cultural uniqueness/diversity and enhances quality of life. HOLISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE ABATEMENT OF NOISE BY OPTIMIZED COMBINATIONS OF
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MEANS (HOSANNA)
Sheffield principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partners CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLA AB (co-ordinator) STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET CENTRE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE DU BATIMENT THE OPEN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD INTERDISCIPLINARY INSTITUTE FOR BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORT ECONOMICS MÜLLER-BBM GMBH CANEVAFLOR SAS ACOUCITE CITY OF STOCKHOLM Research fellows to be appointed Funding Funded by the EU COST Research period Three years starting from 2009 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Reducing sound level, the focus of EU environmental noise policy, does not necessarily lead to improved quality of life in urban/rural areas, and a new multidisciplinary approach is essential. Soundscape research represents this paradigm shift as it involves not only physical measurements but also the cooperation of human/social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, architecture, anthropology, medicine), to account for the diversity of soundscapes across countries and cultures; and it considers environmental sounds as a 'resource' rather than a 'waste'. Although there is significant research activity at the national level and this new paradigm is touched upon in work packages scattered across European Framework projects, there is no systematic international coordination and multidisciplinary cooperation. Aiming at providing the underpinning science and practical guidance in soundscape, this Action will create a vibrant/productive international network of initially 25+ participants from 18 COST countries and 7+ partners outside Europe; and the Action will deliver an integrated database of laboratory/field studies, harmonised/standardised soundscape assessment and indicators, academic and practical publications, and tools to support designers and decision makers in planning and reshaping urban/rural spaces. The Action promotes health and sustainability, attracts investment, conveys cultural uniqueness/diversity and enhances quality of life. Professor Jian Kang is the Chair and grant holder of this EU COST Network. THE SOUND ENVIRONMENT FOR CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN NHS HOSPITALS
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Co-investigators Gary Mills Mei Zhang Hui Xie Research fellows to be appointed Funding National Health Service (NHS) Research period Two years starting from 2009 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 While noise in hospitals is a significant problem, often complained about by patients and staff, little has been done to address it effectively. This important topic deserves to be the focus of more attention, and the aim of this research is to explore the acoustic effects in NHS hospitals, with a particular attention to critical care environment where noise is a major problem, and then address the resulting design issues as part of the optimisation of the overall physical environment. Detailed objectives include: RESEARCH CLUSTER FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF ACOUSTIC AND MUSICAL ELEMENTS OF PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN BRTAIN
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Collaborators University of Huddersfield (co-ordinator) University of Durham Funding Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research period One year starting from 2009 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 This project will investigate how the study of the acoustics and musical context of a prehistoric archaeological site, can inform the understanding of the lives of the people who used it. It will develop a research cluster in order to create specific research projects and funding applications able to explore the sonic architecture of prehistoric sites. It will develop a methodology for this kind of project, sharing and exploring good practice. It will allow researchers from different disciplines to meet, work together, and to build research teams that provide the broad range of knowledge and skills needed for this kind of investigation. It will also provide an opportunity for academic researchers to meet and work with heritage organisations and managers as well as industry contacts in acoustics and digital modelling. It aims to bridge the gaps between the sciences, arts and humanities by bringing together acousticians, software developers, musicologists, archaeologists and anthropologists to work together. COINCIDENT PROBABILISTIC CLIMATE CHANGE WEATHER DATA FOR A SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (COPSE)
Sheffield principal investigators (CIs)
Professor Steve Sharples and Professor Jian Kang Project partners University of Manchester (co-ordinator) Napier University Northumbria University Bath University Aedas Architects Environmental Design Solution Faber Maunsell 3D Reid Hopkins Architects King Shaw Associates Integrated Environmental Solutions Bristol City Council Fielden Clegg Bradley Buro Happold DesignBuilder Software Derrick Braham Associates Hoare LEA Researcher Michael Barclay Funding EPSRC Research period Three years from 2008 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The objectives of this EPSRC funded project are: PROPAGATION OF NOISE IN CONGESTED HIGH-RISE URBANIZED CITY
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partner The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (co-ordinator) Funding Hong Kong Research Grants Council Research period Three years starting from 2008 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The project aims to carry out a detailed and comprehensive study on noise propagation in urban streets of various configurations relevant to a congested high-rise city. TRANQUILLITY OF EXTERNAL SPACES - INFLUENCE OF ACOUSTIC AND VISUAL FACTORS
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Collaborators University of Bradford (Co-ordinator) Greater London Authority Researcher Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Funding Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research period Two years starting from 2008 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The proposed work is a combination of field data collection and laboratory analysis. The work aims to achieve (1) A better understanding of how visual and audio stimuli combine to determine the perception of tranquillity of rural and urban landscapes. (2) A new engineering design tool for the design of external tranquil spaces with highly variable audio and visual characteristics. SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ACOUSTICS FOR COMFORT
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Hanyang University, Korea Greater London Authority Researchers 6 researchers are involved from both research groups Funding British Council Research period Two years starting from 2008 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The general aim of this project is to join the strength of the two research teams in their expertise areas, and carry out innovative and internationally leading research in sustainable building acoustics for comfort, and this will also contribute to the international research competencies of the team members. Detailed objectives are:
(1) To provide comfortable acoustic conditions for work/living spaces; INTRODUCING PSYCHOACOUSTICS INTO URBAN SOUNDSCAPE RESEARCH
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Researchers 4 researchers are involved from both research groups Funding Royal Society jointly with the Chinese Natural Science Foundation Research period Two years starting from 2008 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The purpose of this joint project is to bring together the sciences from different directions of environmental acoustics to investigate an effective description and evaluation system for acoustics comfort. The study will be carried out exploring the new methods based on psychoacoustics to assess and further predict human perception of soundscape in urban surrounding. The general objective of this research is to identify factors that characterize soundscape. ACOUSTIC BENEFITS OF GREEN ROOFS
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partners Sheffield Greenroof Centre Kingspan Researcher H. Huang Funding KTOF Research period 2008-2009 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim of this project is to determine if the acoustic performance of materials currently used in roof construction are improved through the introduction of a green roof build-up on top of them, considering the variation of several key parameters, including mass, porosity, material, effect of water, etc. ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT OF URBAN UNDERGROUND SPACES
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Harbin Institute of Technology (co-ordinator) Researchers 5 PhD students Funding PRC 11th Five Year Plan Major Research Projects Fund Research period Five years starting from 2007 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim of this project is to establish acoustic theories and computer models for urban underground spaces; to develop noise control techniques and appropriate materials; and to compile relevant standards and guidelines. Not only noise control, but also acoustic comfort, will be taken into account. STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR URBAN LOW-INCOME RESIDENTIAL AREAS USING DIGITAL TECHNIQUES
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Wuhan University (co-ordinator) PhD student Bo Wang Funding PRC Natural Science Foundation Research period Three years starting from 2007 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim of this project is to study the current environmental conditions of the urban low-income residential areas, and to develop design guidelines based on case studies and parameter studies using digital techniques and simulation software. The simulation of physical environment will be paid particular attention. AURALIZATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SOUNDSCAPE
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Research Fellows Dr. Yuliya Smyrnova, PhD (Polish Academy of Sciences) Dr. J. Peng Yan Meng Funding European Commission Research period Three years starting from 2007 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315
The objectives of this projects are to: THEATRE AND ACOUSTICS
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Compagnie Animotion Doncaster Deaf College Research fellow Dr. Yuliya Smyrnova Funding KTOF Research period Six months from 2007 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim of the project is to create effective theatrical spaces for deaf audiences, giving deaf and hearing audiences shared theatrical and creative experiences using the physical effects of sound in space.
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partner The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (co-ordinator) 30+ member organisations Researchers Yan Meng Bo Wang Funding Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research period Three years from 2006 Project web http://noisefutures.org/ Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 This network arises from the participation of the members in the EPSRC Ideas Factory “A Noisy Future? Making the World Sound Better”. This brought together participants from a wide range of academic backgrounds and experiences alongside contributions from policy makers and consultants. The skills and backgrounds of the participants include: social science, transport engineering, traffic noise emissions modelling and 2.5D mapping, management and control of traffic noise, economics, media and cultural studies, maths, electronics, sound art, room acoustics, acoustics, building acoustics, psychoacoustics, noise control, health sciences, sound quality engineering, environmental acoustics, aeroacoustics, auditory psychophysics, structural dynamics, mechanical engineering, micro mechanics and noise mapping.
The primary purpose of the network is to facilitate interdisciplinary (multi-interest) research on future soundscapes. More specifically, the objectives of the network are: ACOUSTIC TESTING OF BUILDINGS- INTEGRATION WITH FIRE AND AIR SEALING TECHNOLOGIES
Principal investigators
Professor Steve Sharples and Professor Jian Kang Research Fellow Daniel Cramond Industrial partner HRS Services Ltd Funding UK DTI Research period Two years starting from 2006 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim of this project is to explore an integrated air/noise/fire testing method as well as optimised sound insulation and air-tightness designs in various buildings types. WUN ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTICS NETWORK
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Partners Graduate Program in Acoustics, The Pennsylvania State University, USA School of Architecture and School of Environment and Resources, Zhejiang University, China Funding WUN and other sources Research period From 2006 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The Sheffield Acoustics Group is the co-ordinator the Worldwide University Network (WUN) (www.wun.ac.uk ) Environmental Acoustics Network. The aim of the network is to promote collaboration for cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural research. OPTIMIZING SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY DESIGN FOR HONG KONG CLASSROOMS
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partner The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (co-ordinator) Funding Hong Kong Research Grants Council Research period 2004-2006 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The aim is to compare the speech intelligibility in classrooms between English and Chinese, given that much research in the area has only been carried out with western languages. Consequently, design guidelines will be developed for classrooms in Hong Kong. SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL ANALYSIS ON THE SOUNDSCAPE OF OPEN URBAN PUBLIC SPACES: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Research fellow Dr. M. Zhang, PhD (Cambridge) Funding The British Academy Research period Two years starting from 2003 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Soundscape in open urban public spaces is a rather complex system, relating to physical, psychological and social factors. To design better a soundscape, it is important to develop an effective description and evaluation system. The general objective of this research is to identify factors that characterize soundscape in open urban public spaces. Detailed objectives are: (1) to carry out a large scale field survey in selected open urban public spaces; (2) to study the effects of culture aspect by carrying out comparative field surveys in the UK and China; and (3) to study the effects of demographic aspect and the characteristics of sound sources in both countries. COMPUTER TOOLS FOR ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS EDUCATION
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Funding Acoustical Society of America: Theodore John Schultz Grant Research assistant Yan Meng Research period Two years starting from 2003 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The overall aim of the proposed project is to develop a number of simple calculation/simulation tools to help architectural students to understand basic acoustic principles, through acoustic course works as well as studio-related technical submissions. DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMUM ACOUSTIC, VENTILATION AND DAYLIGHTING PERFORMANCE
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Co-investigators Prof. Peter Tregenza Mr. Ian Ward Project partners Prof. David Oldham, Liverpool University Dr. Raf Orlowski, Arup Acoustics Manufacturers Research Associate Dr. Martin Brocklesby, PhD (Sheffield) Funding Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research period Three years starting from 2002 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The objective of the research is to develop a series of window and louver systems which reduce outside noise whilst allowing natural ventilation and daylighting. The basic idea is to investigate systematically the performance of noise reduction systems for windows incorporating novel transparent non-fibrous silencers in terms of acoustics, ventilation and daylighting. The research builds on the recent work of the principle investigator on a series of transparent and non-fibrous sound absorbers. The research starts with the development of theoretical computer-based models which will be used for the design of a number of prototypes. The prototypes are used to evaluate acoustic performance against daylighting and ventilation performance. The output of the project are (1) the theoretical/computer model, which can be used for evaluating new designs and generating design guidelines, and (2) a series of prototypes with their performance characterised in terms of acoustics, ventilation and daylighting. A significant aspect of the project is the interdisciplinary approach to the project which will involve work in the areas of acoustics, ventilation and daylighting. The project is of considerable industrial relevance and has attracted the collaboration of Arup Acoustics and window/louver manufacturers. COMPARISON BETWEEN BRITISH AND CHINESE ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Co-investigator Professor Jeremy Till Funding The British Academy Research period Two years starting from 2002 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The overall aim of the project is to review and compare British and Chinese architectural education systems and to investigate what lessons can be learned from each other. Through a number of publications and workshops/seminars, the outcome of the project would encourage more communication and exchange programs between British and Chinese architectural schools. REDISCOVERING THE URBAN REALM AND OPEN SPACES
Sheffield principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Project partners Centre for Renewable Energy Sources (co-ordinator), Greece National Hellenic Centre for Social Research, Greece University of Cambridge Department of Architecture, UK Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Greece Municipality of Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece Haute Ecole Specialisee de Suisse Occidentale: Ecole d'inginieurs et d'architectes de Fribourg, Switzerland Municipality of Fribourg, Switzerland Esbensen Consulting Engineers, Denmark Polytechnic University of Milano, Department of Industrial Design and Architectural Technology, Italy University Of Kassel, Faculty of Urban and Landscape Planning, Department of Climatology, Germany Research fellow Dr. Mei Zhang, PhD (Cambridge) PhD student Wei Yang Funding European Commission Research period Three years starting from 2001 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The central aim of this project is to produce an urban design tool that provides urban designers, planners and other decision makers, with the appropriate means for effectively assessing the development of cities, targeting outdoor spaces in the urban context across Europe. More specifically it proposes: different models for evaluation of the microclimate of open spaces and the resulting thermal, visual and audible comfort conditions for the people using these spaces, a methodology for developing comfort maps for the area, and design guidelines for the development of open spaces, as well as a list of indicators for the socio-economic implications for the area. As a pilot action, these are applied to the development of open spaces, at three different municipalities across Europe. The focus of the University of Sheffield in this project is soundscape and acoustic comfort. Research & Demonstration Project: A Low-Energy 'Low-Energy Whole-House' Ventilation System (RDPCLEVS)
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partners University of Cambridge (co-ordinator) Titon Hardware Ltd., UK Cenergis ApS, Denmark; School of Architecture, Dublin FLOP System S.C., Poland Funding European Commission Research period Three years starting from 2001 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 This project follows on from an EPSRC-funded study into the operational characteristics and viability of supply air windows. The earlier work was carried out using test cells and yielded some promising results. This new project aims to establish whether the same beneficial results can be achieved under real house conditions in Southern Poland, Denmark and Ireland. The research focus of Sheffield University in this project is to reduce noise ingress through the system. The design is innovative in that 'supply air' windows have now been combined with passive stack ventilation (PSV) to form a 'low energy whole house' ventilation system. Due to increasing levels of insulation and more stringent air tightness requirements for housing, ventilation heat loss is an increasing percentage of domestic energy consumption. One solution is to use a mechanical ventilation heat reclaim system, which relies on constantly running fans. The 'low energy whole house' system is a passive alternative. The PSV expels air, as a result of the buoyancy in warm kitchens and bathrooms, and thereby powers the movement of air through the supply air windows. The supply air windows are effectively reclaiming a proportion of the heat being lost through the passive stack. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF NOISE BARRIERS
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang PhD student Jennifer Joynt Funding Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), CASE Scheme Industrial partners Charles Andrews Control and Environmental RPS Research period Three years starting from 2001 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 The general objective of the research is to investigate overall environmental impact of acoustic barriers. Both acoustic and non-acoustic factors will be considered. Part of the research is a case study of a recently constructed road noise barrier, investigating the benefit and importance of fully representing and incorporating public opinion and perception into the design process of noise barriers. Interviews have been carried out on the site. It is intended that through this research the general perception of the final constructed road-side noise barrier can be systematically studied, in terms of its form, location, acoustic properties, and general environmental impact; and a generic methodology will be developed acknowledging the invaluable role of public opinion in the development and design of successful barriers, to be adhered to by barrier design professionals. SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY OF DINING SPACES
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Funding Nuffield Foundation Research period Three years starting from 2001 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Speech intelligibility is an important issue in dining spaces. Unfortunately, a recent survey shows that the quality of speech communication between diners is rather poor. From a practical viewpoint, what is needed are systematic design guidelines, and a predictive model capable of evaluating possible ameliorating measures. From a theoretical viewpoint, a better understanding of the speech intelligibility and the sound field characteristics of dining spaces is essential. The research would contribute towards the above. The research would include field survey and measurements, physical scale modelling, development of a computer model, and a parametric study for developing design guidance. APPLICATION OF RADIOSITY IN ACOUSTICS
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Funding Royal Society Research period 2000-2002 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Consideration of boundary diffusion is vital in architectural and environmental acoustic simulation. Unfortunately, such consideration has been over-simplified in current theoretical/computer models. The radiosity method, which was originally developed for the study of radiant heat transfer, is an advanced technique for considering diffusion. The objective of this research is to systematically examine the feasibility of using radiosity method in acoustic simulation. The research includes three parts, namely development of algorithms, development of computer program, and validation of the theoretical/computer model by using scale modelling technique. INTEGRATING SCIENTIFIC VISUALISATION INTO THE ARCHITECTURAL CURRICULUM FOR TEACHING ACOUSTICS AND NOISE CONTROL
Sheffield principal investigator (CI)
Professor Jian Kang Project partner Chinese University of Hong Kong (co-ordinator) Funding Hong Kong TDG Research period Three years starting from 1999 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 Predicting and evaluating building performance plays an important role in the training of responsible architects. However, these types of analysis are often laborious, non-intuitive, and non-graphical. As a result, these important issues do not arouse the enthusiasm of architectural students, who must devote considerable effort to develop tangible design representations such as drawings and models. The ever-increasing power, sophistication, and availability of computational hardware and software offer possibilities to improve the analysis, visualisation, and pedagogy of these issues. The objective of this project is to explore, develop, and support a long-term strategy to apply scientific visualisation to teach the core architectural curriculum in architectural and environmental acoustics. Two acoustic programs have been developed within the frame of this project. HKSTR is a program calculating sound pressure level distribution and reverberation process in urban streets. HKABS is a program calculating absorption coefficient of micro-perforated panels and membranes mounted over an airtight cavity. A MODEL FOR PREDICTING THE IMPACT OF URBAN NOISE AND FOR ASSESSING MEASURES TO MITIGATE IT
Principal investigator
Professor Jian Kang Collaborator Arup Acoustics Funding Lloyd's Foundation Research period From 1998 Email: j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk T:+44 (0)114 222 0325 F:+44 (0)114 222 0315 It is well known that noise from road traffic and other sources has a substantial and growing detrimental impact on the urban environment. Buildings in noisy environments need to be sealed, inhibiting low energy strategies based on natural ventilation. The objectives of this research are to develop and validate an accurate prediction model that simulates the propagation of noise in urban environments, and to investigate the effect of controlling measures, at both urban and architectural scales. In particular, the model seeks to deal with two currently unresolved issues: (1) the effect of facade geometry and orientation, landscaping and street furniture on sound propagation along streets, and (2) the behaviour of sound at street junctions, so that a network of interconnecting streets typical of urban areas can be considered, not simply one street in isolation. This would lead to an improved understanding of noise control in urban areas. Using the radiosity technique, a theoretical/computer model has been developed for the sound field in a single urban street resulting from diffusely reflecting boundaries. The model divides building facades and ground into a number of patches and then simulates the sound propagation in a street by energy exchange between the patches. Computations in a typical street with a single noise source show that with diffusely reflecting boundaries the sound attenuation along the length is significant, and the sound distribution in a cross-section is generally even unless the cross-section is very close to the source. The effectiveness of architectural changes and urban design options on further increasing sound attenuation along the length, such as by strategically arranging buildings in a street or adding absorption patches on facades or ground, has been analysed. It has also been demonstrated that by replacing geometrically reflecting boundaries with diffusely reflecting boundaries, the sound attenuation along the length becomes greater, the reverberation time becomes shorter, and the extra sound attenuation caused by air absorption becomes less. This suggests that from the viewpoint of urban noise reduction, it is better to design the street boundaries as diffusely reflective rather than acoustically smooth. A model for a typical urban element consisting of a major street and two side streets has also been developed. Currently the model is being extended so that it is applicable to a network of interconnecting streets. |
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