This is where mathematical modeling methods come to the rescue, and the study itself can be referred to as numerical analysis or simulation.

In building acoustics, various modeling methods are applied, which replicate real physical phenomena with varying degrees of accuracy. They allow for the analysis of noise and vibration transmission through partitions, sound propagation and absorption within an interior, as well as its distribution around a building and beyond the property boundaries.

Sabine's Model

One of the most well-known methods for calculating sound absorption in a room is the Wallace Sabine model, developed at the end of the 19th century. The formula used establishes a relationship between the total absorption of all surfaces, the room volume, and the RT60 parameter (reverberation time), which represents the decay time of a sound by exactly 60 dB after its emission has ceased. Based on Sabine's method and the target reverberation time values, it is possible to select the type of acoustic absorption treatments and the required quantity (in square meters) to be introduced into the interior.

Simple, yet relatively narrow in its scope of application

Reverberation time is predicted correctly only in cases of treatments with a low absorption coefficient, distributed evenly across the surfaces of the analyzed room. It also does not allow for determining the optimal placement and shape of the treatments, nor does it estimate the impact of standing waves. Furthermore, this method does not allow for calculating the sound pressure distribution or parameters related to speech intelligibility.