Analyzing the Acoustic Performance of Unglazed Terracotta in an Indoor Office Environment

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/jsalutogenic_vol3no1_6

Keywords:

Acoustics, Office Setting , Terracotta , Speech Transmission Index (STI) , Reverberation Time

Abstract

Work environments commonly address users' thermal, visual, and spatial comfort; however, acoustic comfort tends to be neglected, leading to potential discomfort. Terracotta, a durable indigenous material deeply ingrained in Indian households for centuries, is conventionally utilized in constructing roofs, floors, and decor but remains unexplored for its acoustic attributes. This study evaluates the acoustic performance of unglazed terracotta tiles as a salutogenic resource, employing the reverberation room method (ASTM C423) and the impulse response method (ISO 3382-2) in an indoor office space. Parameters such as sound absorption, background noise, sound pressure level, Speech Transmission Index (STI), Reverberation Time (RT), and noise curves are meticulously measured both pre- and post-placement of terracotta specimens using a Bedrock SM90 Class 1 Sound Level Meter. The findings from this research aim to encourage architects to consider terracotta as a prospective material for enhancing acoustic conditions within built environments. Upon analyzing the reverberation, speech intelligibility, background noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and noise curve evaluations, it was observed that terracotta demonstrates high effectiveness as a panel absorber, especially in higher frequency ranges. Further improvements were noted when the panels were given a foam backing, suggesting potential as an effective acoustic panel.

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Published

2024-11-22

How to Cite

Kaushik S, A. S., Devarajan, S., & K, A. (2024). Analyzing the Acoustic Performance of Unglazed Terracotta in an Indoor Office Environment. Journal of Salutogenic Architecture, 3(1), 64-79. https://doi.org/10.38027/jsalutogenic_vol3no1_6

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