Assessment of the acoustical condition of metro stations by emphasizing auditory satisfaction (Case Studies: Saat and Khayyam Metro Stations)

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Architecture, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 visiting Professor, Department of Architecture, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran and Associate professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Advancement in Architecture and Urban Planning Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

Abstract

Metro stations as public places are very important in terms of speech clarity, safety, and security. However, due to the size and physical-special characteristics of these places, the use of non-acoustic materials, and providing acoustical comfort is practically not possible, and in emergencies, hearing voice messages is not possible for people with different mental and physical conditions and workers are prone to hearing damage. The purpose of the study is to assess the acoustic conditions of metro stations to provide auditory satisfaction. Two crucial and distinct stations of Tabriz city were measured using B&K2260 sound level meter. SPL and RT are two of the most significant parameters in users' auditory satisfaction, which are used in the assessment of sound level and speech perception by humans. The measurements and evaluations show that (Lt) in Saat and Khayyam Stations are 106.4 and 104.2 dB, and the minimum is 85.6 and 82.4 dB, respectively. The measured maximum reverberation time (RT) is 7.21 and 5.17 seconds, respectively, at frequencies of 500 and 630 Hz with Gain=-20. According to the values of international standards, both parameters are in the unacceptable range, and in addition to causing irreparable damage to human hearing, in the long run, it covers all sounds, and people are not able to hear the sounds with lower levels than the level of the environmental noise. Therefore, by increasing the surfaces and reducing the volume via architectural elements, it is possible to help improve the acoustical conditions in metro stations.

Highlights

  • Acoustic conditions of metro stations to provide auditory satisfaction is considered.
  •  SPL and RT were measured as two basic parameters with 2260 B&K analyzer system.
  •  The study is conducted with no cavities, foam panels or purposeful designs in the stations.
  •  Physical and psychological damage to the individuals reduce auditory satisfaction.
  •  Improving acoustical conditions by increasing the surfaces via architectural elements is suggested

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vibration and Acoustics
Volume 7, Issue 2
July 2021
Pages 118-138

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