Building Acoustic: Measurement and Analysis of Sound Levels in New Arts Theatre, Faculty of Arts Auditorium and University of Calabar Conference Hall

Abstract

The noise generated in and within the surroundings of New Arts theatre, Faculty of Arts Auditorium and University of Calabar conference hall were measured and analysed. Acoustic survey (objective measurement ) were carried out using digital sound level meter of Extech 407732 model, while social surveys(subjective measurement) was also conducted using questionnaires .The area of survey was divided into five data points and result noted. The results show that the A-weighted noise level for New Arts theatre, Faculty of Arts auditorium and University of Calabar Conference hall were 60.3dB, 49.5dB and 59.5db, while those of the surroundings were 80.6dB, 58.7dB and 76.6dB respectively. The corresponding noise pollution levels were also calculated to be 71.9dB, 58.6dB and 71.7dB inside the halls, while that of the surroundings were calculated to be 109.4dB, 71.9dB and 99.8dB respectively. The correlation coefficient between the subjective and objective measurements were calculated to be 0.91 for New Arts theatre, 0.41 for Faculty of Arts Auditorium and 0.81 for University of Calabar Conference hall. This shows that respondent in New Arts theatre reacted more uncomfortably to any change in sound level while respondents in Faculty of Arts auditorium reacted less to any change in sound level. From the results obtained, it is obvious that Faculty of Arts auditorium is best recommended for hosting programs that require less noise.

Keywords: Sound, Noise, Acoustic, Sound Level Meter,