Classroom acoustics: The case of an ultralightweight structure

This paper shows the results of the acoustic analysis realised in a steel truss ultralightweight structure, used as classroom at the Catania University Campus. In detail, the problem of the right voice distribution has been discussed; a particular attention has been paid to reverberation time. The behaviour of the room has been simulated by means of a predictive software for room acoustics, and the results of the simulation has been compared with those of experimental measurements carried out through the Symphony acquisition system. Two results have been reached through this analysis: the validation of the model worked out with the predictive software, and the verification of the existence of an evident acoustic discomfort, due to the excessive volume of the room and to the presence of wide reflective surfaces. Some corrective measures have finally been proposed to improve the sound quality, and their effectiveness has been tested by means of the software; these suggestions can be considered generally valid, so they can be applied to other similar situations.