Architectural acoustics in educational facilities: An empirical study on university classrooms in Egypt

There is a lack of acoustic performance standards for educational facilities in Egypt, especially university classrooms, resulting in a very bad acoustical quality. There is also a lack in the scientific research in that field of study in Egypt, although this type of research has been held in many other countries. This paper aims at studying the acoustic performance standards in different countries such as (ANSI-S12.60, 2010, BB93, 2003), and then using them to evaluate the acoustical quality in classrooms in Alexandria, including public and private, new and old constructions. The evaluation was done by three methods; B&K2250 SLM, Computer modeling using Odeon acoustic prediction software, and mathematical calculations using Sabine and Eyring formulae. The empirical study results were then compared to the recommended values by the previously mentioned standards. The study focused on sound levels, noise levels, reverberation time and Signal-to-Noise ratios. The results prove that there is a lack of acoustic design in Egypt. Most of the studied classrooms did not meet the recommended values. The main problem is using inappropriate finishing materials, which provide very high reverberation. Some simple and applicable proposals were suggested to improve the acoustical quality of classrooms. Predictions have shown a significant improvement.