Development of a BIM-Based Framework Using Reverberation Time (BFRT) as a Tool for Assessing and Improving Building Acoustic Environment

Abstract

Both the building design and the construction process determine the indoor acoustic quality of enclosures. A suitable indoor acoustic environment is crucial for the productivity and well-being of users. For this purpose, Reverberation Time (RT) is often calculated or measured in situ. Recently, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has provided a new paradigm to face building projects. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted on the optimisation of indoor acoustics using BIM methodology. In this context, the objective of this work is to propose and develop a BIM-based framework for the analysis, evaluation and optimization of the RT. The proposed procedure allows designers to explore alternatives in order to achieve an adequate acoustic performance without any further needs of specific software. This proposal is devised to consider some important characteristics of the project, such as its location, applicable regulations, room uses, materials and costs. This framework calculates the solution set that meets the requirements, showing the set of optimal solutions according to the minimization of both the cost and the optimum absorbent surface area. BFRT contributes by offering a tool to support the decision making process of designers during the initial design phase in the field of acoustic conditioning of buildings.