Measuring sound scattering coefficients of uneven surfaces in a reverberant workplace – Principle and validation of the method

In workplaces, wall facings are often based on periodic or aperiodic sound scattering surfaces. It is necessary to develop acoustic characterization methods for these kinds of walls to predict the acoustic pressure cartography in the room in order to improve the acoustical treatment. However, this characterization is quite difficult because of the partially reverberant conditions. We developed a measurement system which determines in situ the sound scattering coefficients of relief surfaces. The measurement method, originally operating in free-field conditions, was adapted for indoor use. To overcome problems of parasite echoes coming from reverberation and from noisy sources present on the site, we developed a dedicated emission/reception system. An acoustic antenna with constant directivity over the full frequency range allows spatial filtering of the parasite echoes and an impulsive sound source enables the use of a broad temporal window, resulting in adequate time separation of the different signals received by the antenna. Measurements of the sound scattering coefficient of a corrugated panel were carried out for several incidence angles in free-field and in a noisy workshop and allowed the in situ validation of this system.