Room mode analysis for classrooms: A case study in the College of Engineering

Abstract

Noise can affect students through both auditory and non-auditory effects, which can compromise concentration, and learning and communication abilities. According to a previous study done by the same author in the College of Engineering, Al-Mustansiriyah University, it was observed that 39.5% of the students suffered because of the noise in the classrooms. They felt discomfort, hearing difficulty, need to raise speech sound, tinnitus, lack of focusing, nausea, and headache. Therefore, the room mode was calculated for different classrooms size in various departments to evaluate their sound quality and compare the results with standards. Acoustic parameters, namely background noise and reverberation time, were also measured and analyzed. The room mode analysis showed that most of the frequencies are focused around the transition range of frequency, causing maximum and minimum peaks in frequency response of 20 dB or greater. Therefore, the sound quality in the classrooms is not appropriate for education. Background noise levels and reverberation time are higher than the values established by the standards. Thus, it is recommended that an appropriate acoustical environment in the classrooms should be developed for the benefit of students and teachers.