Acoustic materials.

These are materials that are used to modify sound properties of a building. They can be
applied to walls and ceilings. They can be categorised into; Absorbers, Diffusors and
Resonators
Absorbers; these allow air go through them, they reduce sound by transferring it into heat
energy examples of these include acoustic tiles and fibre glass. Sound absorbers are poor
sound insulators. However sound absorbents can contribute to insulation in linings, baffles in
ventilating ducts and reveals of double windows.
A wider range of absorption can be obtained by combining materials example perforated
panels can be mounted over an airspace containing porous absorbent.
Diffusors; these are materials that deflect sound. They can change the quality and direction of
sound. Examples of these are pyramidal panels and barrel diffusors.
Resonators; These are rigid or semi porous panels with an enclosed air space. They are
usually effective at low frequencies.
There are a number of materials used in acoustics, these are;
Aluminium acoustic panels; they are materials used in ceilings and contain small perforations.
They can be combined with other materials for instance when combined with acoustic glass
wool they provide effective sound absorption and a pleasing finish.
Clay tiles and blocks; these are materials which are used in walls and corridors. These usually
withstand rough usage and fire. They resist the transmission of airborne sound and reduce
external noise.
Fibre glass; these are usually easy to install and are flame resistant. Fibre glass blankets come
in widths of up to 4 inches and heights of 4, 6, 8, 10 inches.
Perforated steel; this kind of material requires special support .It is used in ceilings and can
also be used as wall panels.
Acoustic foams; these are made out of light materials such as polyether or polyester. They
help to improve sound quality by eliminating resonance. Acoustic resonance is the tendency

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of an acoustic material to absorb more energy when forced at a frequency that matches one of
its natural frequency.
They also reduce reflections and reverberations. They can be cut to any shape and size for
example they can be made into tiles or sheets
Boards; these materials act as sound barriers, are non-porous and flexible. They include
gypsum wallboards which increase the sound transmission class (sound transmission class is
the rating of how well materials block sound), gyptone acoustic ceiling boards which contain
an integral absorbent tissue backing .They provide sound insulation of up to 39decibels.
Good acoustics should consider the following;

Sound field should be reasonably diffuse. A diffuse sound field is a region where
sound pressure level is uniform.

A stage enclosure should allow musicians to hear each other.

Sound arriving at both ears should be the same.

Sound level should be adequate at all seats in the house.

Preferred listening levels should be identified.

Sound proofing.
This is the method of reducing ability of sound to travel from one point to another. Three
conditions should be considered when sound proofing;

Air tight construction to prevent transmission in air.

Light weight insulation to prevent transmission in air.

Heavyweight construction to reduce low frequency sound transmission.

Construction in acoustics.
Traditional methods of construction tend to achieve good acoustic insulation using substantial
masonry walls but it couldnt work for storeys due to air leaking from the floor boards
Modern construction on the other hand aims to minimise weight in thickness using precast
concrete, multiple layer timber floors, double thickness masonry.
When constructing in acoustics the sound level should be put into consideration. Sound
intensity is measured in decibels. (dB)

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Recommended maximum decibels

dB
Hospitals

55

Large lecture rooms

35

bedrooms

30-40

Music studios

30

Large offices

45-50

Sealing in acoustics
This is the covering of gaps between installed acoustic materials to minimise entry or exit of
sound into a room. Acoustic tiles are sealed to enhance reverberation. Reverberation is the
impact that resembles an echo.
Challenges in construction
Acoustics of a room depend on size and geometry of the room so in case of any sound
problems changes cant be made since sealing is irreversible.
Too much sound absorption. This can be minimised by treating the material to minimise
porosity.
Porous blocks tend to warp when subjected to heat .Cement can be used to bind the pores
Excessive reverberation. This is a situation where there are too many echoes which affect the
quality of sound.
Sealing is difficult and expensive in tiles because they are very porous.
Large spaces with large ceilings compromise clarity of sound. Microphones can be used in
such cases.
Latest innovations.
Measurement of room acoustic qualities.

Existing buildings are being studied.

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Acoustical measurement systems are being developed.

Acoustical modelling.

Models are being made to predict acoustical qualities of buildings that havent yet
been built.

Technology to incorporate acoustical qualities as part of design.

Other directions in research

Noise from plumbing systems are being studied.

Health effects of duct linings are being studied to ensure quiet air conditioning
systems.

Need for technology.

In acoustics noise control principles are implemented into technology and design by
redesigning sound sources and design of noise barriers.
Sources of acoustic materials.
They can be obtained from companies like Hydro foam building technology Uganda, Halai
holdings ltd Uganda, Oxford general contractors construction company Uganda, YTML
group china
Ugandan perspective.
For economic reasons acoustics are not top priority for many.
It is believed that problems of excessive noise can be solved with furniture or floor covering.

Bibliography.
1. Architects pocket book- 4th edition-charlotte B.Powell
2. Construction materials -2nd edition Caleb Hornboster
3. Recent innovations in acoustical design and research-Gary.W

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