Application of Computer Modelling Technique to the Study of the Effect of Vibratory Rooftop Equipment on Indoor Acoustical Environment

Abstract

Despite the benefits of thermal comfort provided by rooftop equipment such as air-conditioning equipment, vibratory equipment can cause problems in indoor acoustical environment. The building structure where the rooftop equipment is placed vibrates and emits sound into indoor space. Although considerable engineering works such as installation of vibration isolators are employed, the amount of the sound emitted by the building structure into the indoor space is still unclear. In order to reduce the interior noise levels at the design stage, it would be valuable if a computer-modeling technique could be employed to simulate the indoor sound fields caused by external vibratory forces imposed on the top of the room space. The aims of the present study are therefore to model the interior sound fields due to vibratory rooftop equipment; and investigate the possibility of predicting and controlling the interior sound fields by computer modeling technique.

Keywords:

• Computer modelling
• Indoors acoustical environment
• Rooftop equipment