Effects of periodic type diffusers on classroom acoustics

The present study investigates the application of periodic type diffusers for improving the acoustics in classrooms and proposes an optimum combination of absorptive and diffusing treatments for achieving preferred acoustics in classrooms. The measurements were carried out in a 1/10 scale model classroom, adding different amounts of absorptive and diffusing materials to one or more of five surfaces of the room. Adding absorptive materials on the entire ceiling area and diffusers on each wall increased early-to-late arriving sound ratio (C50) values corresponding to higher clarity. Adding diffusers on 25% of the ceiling area with the other 75% absorptive was more beneficial for achieving higher G50 and G values than adding absorptive materials on the entire ceiling. Diffusers were beneficial for enhancing the early arriving reflection energy (G50) at the most distant seats and they resulted in achieving more uniform acoustical conditions across the room. The treatment of the front wall with diffusers was found to lead to better acoustical conditions than treating the rear and side walls with diffusers. Adding diffusers on the ceiling and lower front wall or side wall and adding diffusers on the ceiling and absorptive materials on the lower front wall were selected for consideration as the more successful treatments for classroom acoustic design.