June 2013

Building Services - VI
1. Write a short note on :
A. Sound Absorption Coefficient -
Sound is created by the vibration of substance and is spread by sound wave produced through the
sympathetic vibration of the medium. When sound is spreading, part of it is gradually diffused and part of it is
weakened due to the absorption of air molecules, which are more apparent in the open air; but in indoors
sound is much less diffused or weakened, instead it is mainly absorbed by the surface of materials.when
sound wave meets the surface of a material, part of it is reflected, part of it passes through the material, and
the rest of it is transferred to the material
b. Reverberation Time -
Reverberation time (RT) is the time required for the sound in a room to decay over a specific dynamic range, usually taken
be 60 dB, when a source is suddenly interrupted. The Sabine formula relates the RT to the properties of the room.
where V is the volume of the room, S the area of its surfaces, and α the absorption coefficient due to losses in the air and at the
surfaces. Recommended values for a 500-Hz tone in a 1000-m3 room are about 1.6 sec for a church, 1.2 sec for a concert
hall, 1.0 sec for a broadcasting studio, and 0.8 sec for a motion picture theater, the values increasing slightly with room
size. The room constant R, appearing in Eq. (32), is related to α through:
c. Inverse square Law -
Inverse square law states that: “The intensity of the radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance”. “The

intensity of the light to an observer from a source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the observer to
d. Masking Of Sound -
Sound masking makes a building seem quieter by raising the ambient noise level of an environment and making speech noise less intelligible and
therefore less distraction . Sound masking is an ambient sound, similar to the sound of airflow, that’s specifically engineered to the frequency of
human speech you can target conversational distractions and make them less distracting. Sound masking does not cancel sound or eliminate all
speech noise in an environment; it simply reduces how far away conversations can be heard and understood by others, which we call the radius of
distraction
2. Explain with neat sketches the essential features of theatre
A detailed explanation of the overall visual/audio experience of a production. It combines all aspects of
theatrical design (scenic, lighting, costume, properties, make-up, sound and graphics) and integrates them to
convey meaning to an audience

The technical elements of theater are familiar to nearly all all theatrical productions have certain elements in
common: the performer or performers, their acting in
of us space (usually some sort of stage) and time (some
the scenery, costumes, props, lights, sound and makeup. limited duration of performance), and a producing
For performance elements, the most obvious elements are process and organization
acting and the characters
3. Explain with neat sketches
A. Rotatable Cylinder - A rotating cylinder or disk coated with magnetic material so that
information can be stored in the form of magnetic spotHere a rotating cylinder is located in the
adhesives reservoir and, through its rotation, it transports the adhesive to the substrates – there
exist different setups, where there may be additional cylinders between the adhesives reservoir
and the bath.

b. Helmholtz Resonator -
Helmholtz resonance or wind throb is the phenomenon of air resonance in a cavity, such as
when one blows across the top of an empty bottle. The name comes from a device
created in the 1850s by Hermann von Helmholtz, the Helmholtz resonator, which he used to identify the
various frequencies or musical pitches present in music and other complex sounds
At the Helmholtz resonance, a volume of air in and near the open hole vibrates
c. Acoustical Shadows -
- A short-distance acoustic shadow occurs behind a building or a sound barrier. The sound from a
source is shielded by the obstruction. Due around the object, it will not be completely silent in the
sound shadow. The amplitude of the sound can be reduced considerably, however, depending on
the additional distance the sound has to travel between source and receiver.
An acoustic shadow results when sound waves fail to spread outward due to disruptions or physical
barriers such as buildings, geographical obstructions, or wind currents and can alter our perceptions
of events, and can also be controlled to diminishing the impact of high decibel noises

d. Sound Foci -
In case of concave reflecting interior surfaces, certain spots are formed where reflected sound
waves meet and create a sound of large intensity. These spots are known as sound foci and can be
eliminated by avoiding curvilinear interiors or by providing absorbent materials on focusing
areasFocusing is a phenomenon in which a maximum level of acoustic energy is concentrated at a
given point. There are various types of focusing methods - constant path, constant depth, constant
offset and natural.Sound is reflected from a surface at the same angle at which it strikes the surface.
4.This
Drawfactlongitudinal
makes it possible
sectiontothrough
focus sound by means
auditorium of curved
showing, reflecting
ranking surfaces
of seats in theand
on ground same way
that curved
balcony withmirrors
details can be used toand
of absorptive focus light
reflective material
Porous absorbers: Common porous absorbers include carpet, draperies, spray-applied cellulose, aerated plaster,
fibrous mineral wool and glass fiber, open-cell foam, and felted or cast porous ceiling tile.
To ensure acoustic comfort in the theaters use one panel in the grid. Effectively correct acoustic
environment at low frequencies – sheets perforated plasterboard Gyptone and Knauf. Also
materials perfectly suited for the acoustics of cinemas are as follows: decorative panels of wood
fiber SoundBoard
Reflective Material -

It is a fabric made of a fluorescent material. Reflective tape or shapes may be added to increase visibility
even more. The material has a base cloth and adhesives to secure micro glass beads that produce highly
reflective bands. Some are half-coated with aluminum to increase reflectivity

What materials are used in reflectors?

Reflectors are usually made of glass, metal or plastic material. Plastic reflectors are covered with metals
like aluminum in order to obtain reflecting feature. Aluminum covering will direct the light with high
efficiency
5. How do you control 'vibrations in industrial Buildings?
Controlling vibrations in industrial buildings is crucial to ensure structural integrity,
protect machinery, prevent disturbances, and maintain a safe and comfortable
environment for workers. Several strategies and techniques are employed to manage
and mitigate vibrations in such settings:
1. Isolation Mounts or Pads: Equipment or machinery that generates vibrations can be
placed on specialized isolation mounts or pads. These mounts are designed to absorb
and dampen vibrations, preventing them from transferring to the building structure or
other nearby equipment.
2. Structural Design: The design of the building itself plays a significant role.
Incorporating vibration-damping materials, flexible structural elements, and strategic
placement of load-bearing columns and beams can help reduce the transmission of
vibrations throughout the building.
3. Vibration Isolation Systems: These systems use various methods, such as base
isolators or resilient materials, to decouple the building or equipment from the ground.
By isolating the structure or machinery from the ground vibrations, they minimize the
transmission of vibrations.
4. Tuning and Balancing: Proper maintenance and tuning of machinery and equipment
can help reduce excessive vibrations caused by imbalances or misalignments. Regular
inspections, lubrication, and adjustments are essential to ensure optimal operation.
5. Acoustic Insulation: Installing acoustic insulation materials, such as sound-absorbing
panels or barriers, can help reduce airborne vibrations and noise transmission within the
building.
6. Vibration Dampers: Adding vibration damping devices, such as tuned mass dampers or
vibration absorbers, to critical areas of the structure can help absorb and dissipate
vibrational energy, reducing the impact on the building.
7. Dynamic Analysis: Conducting thorough dynamic analysis and monitoring of the
building's response to vibrations can help identify problematic areas and guide targeted
interventions for vibration control.
8. Worker Training: Educating workers on proper operation and maintenance of
machinery can help minimize unnecessary vibrations caused by improper use or
handling.
6 . How would you mitigate noise originating from HVAC systems in buildings ?
Mitigating noise from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems in buildings is essential for maintaining a comfortable and
productive indoor environment. HVAC systems can produce noise through various components, including fans, motors, ductwork, and air
handling units. Here are several methods to mitigate HVAC noise:
1. **Use Quieter HVAC Equipment:**
- **Select Low-Noise Equipment:** When specifying HVAC equipment, choose models that are
designed to operate with lower noise levels. Manufacturers often offer options with noise reduction features.
2. **Regular Maintenance:**
- **Scheduled Maintenance:** Conduct regular maintenance to ensure that HVAC components are
in good working condition. Loose parts, worn bearings, or unbalanced fans can contribute to increased noise.
3. **Install Silencers in Ductwork:**
- **Duct Silencers:** Install duct silencers or attenuators in the ventilation system to reduce the
noise generated by air flowing through the ducts. Silencers are typically designed with sound- absorbing materials to minimize noise
transmission.

4. **Use Acoustic Linings:**

- **Acoustic Linings for Ducts:** Line the interior of ductwork with acoustic materials to absorb
sound and reduce noise propagation. This can be particularly effective in controlling airborne noise.
*
- **Isolation Mounts:** Isolate HVAC equipment, such as fans and motors, using vibration isolation
mounts. These mounts help prevent the transmission of vibrations from the equipment to the building structure.
6. **Install Acoustic Enclosures:**
- **Enclosures for Equipment:** Construct enclosures around noisy HVAC equipment to contain and
absorb sound. These enclosures can be designed with soundproofing materials to maximize effectiveness.
7. **Select Proper Location:**
- **Strategic Placement:** Position HVAC equipment away from noise-sensitive areas, such as
offices or bedrooms. This strategic placement can help minimize the impact of HVAC noise on building occupants.
8. **Use Acoustic Louvers:**
- **Acoustic Louvers:** Install acoustic louvers in ventilation openings to reduce the transmission of
outdoor noise into the building. Acoustic louvers are designed to allow airflow while blocking sound.
9. **Install Variable Speed Drives:**
- **Variable Speed Drives:** Consider using variable speed drives (VSDs) on fans and motors. VSDs
allow for better control of fan speed, which can reduce noise during periods of lower demand.
10. **Implement Sound Barrier Walls:**
- **Outdoor Barrier Walls:** Install sound barrier walls or fences around outdoor HVAC equipment
to shield surrounding areas from noise. These barriers can be designed with acoustic materials to absorb sound.
11. **Use Noise Reduction Coatings:**
- **Coatings for Ducts and Equipment:** Apply noise reduction coatings to the surfaces of
ductwork and HVAC equipment. These coatings can help absorb sound and reduce noise transmission.
12. **Consider Quieter Design Alternatives:**
- **Design Modifications:** Explore design alternatives that prioritize quieter HVAC systems, such
as displacement ventilation or radiant heating/cooling, which may have lower noise levels compared to traditional systems.
13. **Noise Monitoring and Analysis:**
- **Continuous Monitoring:** Implement continuous noise monitoring to identify patterns and
trends in HVAC noise. This information can guide targeted mitigation efforts.
14. **Educate Building Occupants:**