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Full-Text Articles in Architecture

Ab-10-019: Human Performance And Perception-Based Evaluations Of Indoor Noise Criteria For Rating Mechanical System Noise With Time-Varying Fluctuations (1322-Rp), Lily M. Wang, Cathleen C. Novak Jun 2014

Ab-10-019: Human Performance And Perception-Based Evaluations Of Indoor Noise Criteria For Rating Mechanical System Noise With Time-Varying Fluctuations (1322-Rp), Lily M. Wang, Cathleen C. Novak

Lily M Wang

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of noise from building mechanical systems with time-varying fluctuations on human task performance and perception, and to determine how well current indoor noise rating methods account for this performance and perception. Six different noise conditions with varying degrees of time-varying fluctuations, many focused in the low frequency rumble region, were reproduced in an office-like setting. Thirty participants were asked to complete typing, grammatical reasoning, and math tasks plus subjective questionnaires, while being exposed for approximately one hour to each noise condition. Results show that the noise conditions with higher sound …


Ab-10-017: Combined Effects Of Noise And Temperature On Human Comfort And Performance (1128-Rp), Dale Tiller, Lily M. Wang, Amy Musser, Matthew Radik Jun 2014

Ab-10-017: Combined Effects Of Noise And Temperature On Human Comfort And Performance (1128-Rp), Dale Tiller, Lily M. Wang, Amy Musser, Matthew Radik

Lily M Wang

This paper summarizes results from an experiment designed to investigate the combined effects of noise and temperature on human thermal comfort and task performance. Thirty subjects (16 females, 14 males) were exposed to all combinations of five thermal conditions (PMV +1 [79.6°F:26.4°C], PMV +0.5 [75.8°F:24.3°C], PMV 0 [72.1°F:22.3°C], PMV -0.5 [68.3°F:20.2°C], and PMV -1 [64.6°F:18.1°C]), three RC noise levels (RC-30, RC-40, and RC-50), and two sound qualities (neutral and rumbly): all sounds mimicked noise from building ventilation systems. After a one-hour adaptation period at each condition, subjects rated their thermal comfort using the ASHRAE Thermal Comfort Scale and the Tenant …


A Review Of Diffuse Reflections In Architectural Acoustics, Jonathan Rathsam, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

A Review Of Diffuse Reflections In Architectural Acoustics, Jonathan Rathsam, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

Diffuse reflections have received increasing attention in architectural acoustics over the past quarter century. The term diffuse refers to non-specular directions. This paper identifies three mechanisms that cause diffuse reflections. Practitioners have found that changing specular reflections into diffuse reflections can reduce noise and echoes both indoors and outdoors. Developers of acoustical modeling software have also found that modeling diffuse in additional to specular reflections produces more accurate predictions. The final portion of this paper presents results for a study of scattering coefficients in acoustical modeling software.


Appropriate Characterization Of Background Noise Levels In The Workplace, Erica E. Bowden, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Appropriate Characterization Of Background Noise Levels In The Workplace, Erica E. Bowden, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

Overall loudness is not the only quality of indoor background noise that affects occupants. The distribution of noise across frequency (pitch), whether or not the noise contains tones, and whether or not the noise changes over time must also be considered. There are several indoor noise criteria systems available to quantify the background noise in rooms, but many of them do not account for these factors. These systems are commonly used by architects and engineers, and often incorporated into manufacturer’s data, design guides, and standards. There is much debate over which of the criteria systems best reflect how occupants will …


Lv-11-C031: Measured Levels Of Hospital Noise Before, During, And After Renovation Of A Hospital Wing, And A Survey Of Resulting Patient Perception, Cassandra H. Wiese, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Lv-11-C031: Measured Levels Of Hospital Noise Before, During, And After Renovation Of A Hospital Wing, And A Survey Of Resulting Patient Perception, Cassandra H. Wiese, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

Acoustic conditions in hospitals can negatively influence a patient’s physical and psychological health. This paperreports on noise levels measured before, during, and after renovation of a hospital wing in an Omaha, Nebraska, facility thatregularly receives unsatisfactory noise scores on patient satisfaction surveys. Sound pressure levels were logged every 10seconds over four-day periods in three different locations: at the nurses' station, in the hallway, and in a nearby patient’sroom. The resulting data have been analyzed in terms of A-weighted equivalent sound levels (LAeq) as well as variousexceedance levels (Ln). Results indicate that sound levels did not change much due to the …


Measuring Sound Power In Ducted Heating, Ventilating, And Air-Conditioning (Hvac) Systems For Use In Verifying Acoustical Prediction Methods, Steven R. Ryherd, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Measuring Sound Power In Ducted Heating, Ventilating, And Air-Conditioning (Hvac) Systems For Use In Verifying Acoustical Prediction Methods, Steven R. Ryherd, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

This paper discusses issues regarding in-situ methods of obtaining sound power at a point in a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct system. Such a method is being used as part of a larger investigation on acoustical prediction methods to allow for comparison of measured data to results from attenuation predictions of individual duct elements, such as elbows or dampers. Sound propagation in HVAC duct work is complex. Any measurements of sound energy in the duct must address the characteristics of sound propagation in ducts, end reflections, and air turbulence. Investigations are being conducted to understand the extents to which …


Room Acoustics Computer Modeling: Study Of The Effect Of Source Directivity On Auralizations, Michelle C Vigeant, Lily M. Wang, Jens Holger Rindel Jun 2014

Room Acoustics Computer Modeling: Study Of The Effect Of Source Directivity On Auralizations, Michelle C Vigeant, Lily M. Wang, Jens Holger Rindel

Lily M Wang

Auralizations are very useful in the design of performing arts spaces, where auralization is the process of rendering audible the sound field in a space, in such a way as to simulate the binaural listening experience at a given position in the modeled space. One of the fundamental modeling inputs to create auralizations is the source directivity. Standard methods involve inputting the measured source directivity, calculating the impulse response and convolving it with a single channel anechoic recording. An initial study was conducted using this method and the results showed significant differences in reverberation time and clarity index when using …


Objective And Subjective Evaluation Of The Use Of Directional Sound Sources In Auralizations, Lily M. Wang, Michelle C Vigeant Jun 2014

Objective And Subjective Evaluation Of The Use Of Directional Sound Sources In Auralizations, Lily M. Wang, Michelle C Vigeant

Lily M Wang

Omni-directional sources are often used in room acoustic computer simulations, as opposed to directional sources, since measured directivity data are quite limited and difficult to obtain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the objective and subjective significance of adding more complex directivity to the sources used in computer simulations and auralizations. A simple hall was used as the modelled space in the software program ODEON. Three source positions on stage and three receiver audience positions were chosen. Impulse responses (IRs) were calculated for the nine source/receiver combinations, using (a) an omni-directional source, (b) a highly directional source beaming …


Implications Of Human Performance And Perception Under Tonal Noise Conditions On Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica E. Ryherd Jun 2014

Implications Of Human Performance And Perception Under Tonal Noise Conditions On Indoor Noise Criteria, Lily M. Wang, Erica E. Ryherd

Lily M Wang

This research investigated differences in task performance and perception under six non-time-varying ventilation-type background noise spectra with differing tonality. The results were related to five indoor noise criteria systems: Noise Criteria (NC), Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB), Room Criteria (RC), Room Criteria Mark II (RC-Mark II), and the A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq). These criteria systems are commonly used in the U.S. building industry, but concerns exist over whether they are appropriate for all noise situations. Thirty test subjects completed three types of performance tasks (typing, reasoning, and math) and answered questions about their perception of the indoor environment under …


Industry Participation In The Interdisciplinary Team Design Project Course Of A Master Of Architectural Engineering Program, Lauren M. Ronsse, Lily M. Wang, Clarence E. Waters Jun 2014

Industry Participation In The Interdisciplinary Team Design Project Course Of A Master Of Architectural Engineering Program, Lauren M. Ronsse, Lily M. Wang, Clarence E. Waters

Lily M Wang

This is a case study of extensive industry participation in the capstone design course of the Master of Architectural Engineering program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. This course, entitled Interdisciplinary Team Design Project, pairs teams of professional engineers and students to provide mentoring, assessment, and feedback, as the students work on interdisciplinary teams to design the building systems for a real-world project. For the spring 2010 semester, over 33 industry professionals participated in the course, each contributing approximately 40 to 50 hours of mentoring and assessment. This paper describes the course format and industry involvement, which provides students …


Relationships Between Unoccupied Classroom Acoustical Conditions And Elementary Student Achievement Measured In Eastern Nebraska, Lauren M Ronsse, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Relationships Between Unoccupied Classroom Acoustical Conditions And Elementary Student Achievement Measured In Eastern Nebraska, Lauren M Ronsse, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

Building standards recommend maximum background noise levels (BNL) and reverberation times (RT) for unoccupied classrooms. However, existing research does not show a consistent correlation between these parameters and student achievement. Through in situ testing, this research seeks to determine what acoustical conditions should be attained in elementary schools for students to meet educational goals. Acoustical measurements were conducted in a Nebraska public school system and correlated to achievement scores from students in the surveyed classrooms. Unoccupied BNLs and RTs were gathered in 34 third and 33 fifth-grade classrooms. Additionally, binaural room impulse response measurements were gathered in a subset of …


Effects Of Building Mechanical System Noise On Worker Performance And Perception, Lily M. Wang Jun 2014

Effects Of Building Mechanical System Noise On Worker Performance And Perception, Lily M. Wang

Lily M Wang

This paper presents results from a number of studies that investigated the effects of noise from building mechanical systems on human task performance and perception. Three phases of research were conducted, each of which utilized a different set of noise signals produced by building mechanical systems: (1) broadband noise at different levels and spectral qualities; (2) tonal noise conditions; and (3) noise conditions with time-varying fluctuations. In each phase, at least six different noise signals (many based on in-situ measurements) were reproduced in an office-like setting. Thirty participants completed tasks (e.g. typing, grammatical reasoning, math) plus subjective questionnaires, while exposed …


Experiments In Computer Controlled Architectural Prototyping, Chris Knapp May 2014

Experiments In Computer Controlled Architectural Prototyping, Chris Knapp

Chris Knapp

This proposal aims to utilize digitally-controlled fabrication equipment recently acquired by the new Soheil Abedian School of Architecture toward developing novel, prototypical building envelope systems applicable to new building construction and retrofitting scenarios. This research into three-dimensional self-supporting enclosures is directed toward the need to develop low-cost building systems using inexpensive materials manipulated with sophisticated fabrication systems. The practical aim of the research prototypes are sustainability-providing structures which may be designed to provide shade, support vegetation growth, induce cross ventilation, increase thermal comfort, and enhance aesthetic pleasure in the built environment.


Mesure Du Coefficient D’Absorption De Matériaux Poreux Sous Champ Acoustique Diffus Synthétique, Olivier Robin, Alain Berry, Olivier Doutres Ph.D., Noureddine Atalla Apr 2014

Mesure Du Coefficient D’Absorption De Matériaux Poreux Sous Champ Acoustique Diffus Synthétique, Olivier Robin, Alain Berry, Olivier Doutres Ph.D., Noureddine Atalla

Olivier Doutres Ph.D.

Cette communication décrit une méthode expérimentale pour l’estimation du coefficient d’absorption de matériaux absorbants sous un champ acoustique diffus synthétisé dans des conditions de champ libre. Des comparaisons sont réalisées entre des résultats expérimentaux obtenus via cette méthode et celle standardisée de la chambre réverbérante, ainsi qu’avec des simulations numériques basées sur la méthode des matrices de transfert. En utilisant des surfaces de matériaux inférieures à celles requises pour la méthode standardisée, les valeurs de coefficient d’absorption obtenues ne présentent pas les surestimations liées aux effets de taille de l’échantillon vues dans le cas de la mesure en chambre réverbérante. …


Quantifying The Effect Of Passive Solar Design In Traditional New England Architecture, Peter M. Levy Jan 2014

Quantifying The Effect Of Passive Solar Design In Traditional New England Architecture, Peter M. Levy

plevy@eco.umass.edu

Passive solar design can be an effective means of reducing conditioning loads in residential buildings by utilizing free solar heat during the heating season, and blocking unwanted solar heat during the cooling season. The objective of this thesis was to use energy modeling software to simulate the effect that incorporating passive solar design strategies into typical New England style houses would have on their energy usage for heating and cooling. The designs that were studied were Capes, Colonials, and Saltboxes. Four versions of increasing energy efficiency were studied for each style. After measuring baseline energy usage for each model, four …


Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 3rd Edition, Mark Dekay, G Z. Brown Jan 2014

Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 3rd Edition, Mark Dekay, G Z. Brown

Mark DeKay

An updated guide to designing buildings that heat with the sun, cool with the wind, and light with the sky.This fully updated Third Edition covers principles of designing buildings that use the sun for heating, wind for cooling, and daylight for natural lighting. With 432 printed pages and a 450-page electronic book, supplemented with Digital Extras, this package supplies the preliminary design tools and strategies for achieving Architecture 2030® carbon-neutral performance targets. Using hundreds of illustrations, this book offers practical strategies that give the designer the tools they need to make energy efficient buildings.Hundreds of illustrations and practical strategies give …


Integrating Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction And Urban Planning: A Review Of Nicaraguan Policies And Regulations, Claudia Rivera, Christine Wamsler Jan 2014

Integrating Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction And Urban Planning: A Review Of Nicaraguan Policies And Regulations, Claudia Rivera, Christine Wamsler

Christine Wamsler

The integration of risk reduction and climate change adaptation has become an urgent task in addressing increasing urban risk more effectively and efficiently. This paper analyses the extent to which climate change adaptation is integrated into the policies and regulatory frameworks that guide urban risk reduction in Nicaragua, and discusses related progress. The results reveal significant progress in integrating climate change adaptation into the policy and regulatory frameworks of the three relatively new fields of (a) disaster risk reduction, (b) environmental management and (c) urban planning. They show that differences in the degree of integration relate to the development and …