Course syllabus for Urban acoustics

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2021-02-16 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameUrban akustik
  • CodeACE195
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSOV
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Engineering Physics
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 38114
  • Maximum participants37
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0120 Project 3.5 c
Grading: TH		 3.5 c
0220 Examination 4 c
Grading: TH		 4 c
  • 31 Maj 2022 am J
  • Contact examiner

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Introduction to audio technology and acoustics (VTA137) or corresponding introductory course in acoustics.

Aim

The aim of the course is that the student gains a good understanding of the physics, role and potential qualities of acoustics within urban planning. This includes sound and vibration, sources and propagation, and urban as well as rural aspects. Thereby to also understand the existing engineering prediction methods for community noise and ground vibrations and to be able to critically judge the use within planning.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Describe acoustic qualities within urban planning
  • Explain the physics behind sound propagation outdoors
  • Explain the main properties of environmental acoustics sources
  • Explain in detail the sources of road traffic and of rail traffic
  • Describe and judge relevant engineering and advanced models and tools for the prediction of sound propagation outdoors
  • Describe and utilise standards in the field of sound propagation outdoors
  • List typical solutions for urban sound planning and their effect in terms of sound pressure level, sound quality and the functioning of urban spaces
  • Describe the relations between urban development, traffic planning, transportation noise and ground vibrations in terms of concerns and requirements
  • Summarise the behaviour of the wave types and wave propagation in ground vibrations and its practical consequences as well as to interpret measured data and perform calculations to evaluate ground vibrations in urban planning
  • Consider sound and vibration in urban planning using a systematic process
  • Compare and evaluate different planning options for an urban development site with respect to sound and vibration
  • Develop, recommend and motivate an urban design idea for an urban development site, especially with respect to soundscape, noise, ground vibrations and mobility solutions

Content

  • The physics of sound propagation outdoors considering meteorological conditions, ground impedance, and barriers, including phenomena of refraction, diffraction, ground effect, coherence, and scattering
  • Equivalent and maximum levels. Noise annoyance and health. Example of façade insulation
  • Description of the noise sources of road and rail traffic (e.g. sound from tyre-road and wheel-rail)
  • Engineering prediction models for road and rail traffic noise
  • Advanced prediction models for sound propagation outdoors.
  • Ground vibrations (sources, wave types and modelling)
  • Traffic flow modelling
  • Standards and legislation concerning traffic noise, as well as European policy.
  • The role of acoustics in urban planning

Organisation

Lectures, exercises and project work.

Literature

Material developed at Applied Acoustics.

Examination including compulsory elements

Examination is based on a written exam, grading TH, and written reporting about the project work, grading TH.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to examination:
    • 2022-03-10: Exam by department Changed to exam by department by Jens Forssén
      [2022-08-24 4,0 hec, 0220] Given by dept
    • 2022-03-01: Examination date Examination date changed from 2022-06-04 to 2022-05-31 by Jens Forssén
      [2022-06-04 4,0 hec, 0220]