Acoustic Measurements on a 1:1 Scale Model of a Shading System for Building Façade in a Semi-Anechoic Chamber

In many buildings shading systems are installed over the façades to enhance both the thermal and the visual comfort of the inhabitants, especially when large windows or curtain walls are used. Although the use of the brise-soleil systems is quite widespread, their acoustic effects on the sound pressure level (SPL) on the building façades and in the urban environment are generally not considered. This work presents the results of an investigation on a shading system model, in scale 1:1, carried out in a semi-anechoic chamber. The intention of this study was to analyse the changes in SPL given by the presence of the louvres, both on the façade plane (simulated by the floor of the chamber) and at 2 m from it. Measurements were performed using three different sound source positions and three tilt angles of the louvres. The acoustic behaviour of the system was evaluated with various configurations using louvres without and with sound absorptive material attached to their lower sides. The measurements highlighted an increase in SPL over the “façade” when the standard louvres are installed, while the sound absorptive louvres give an evident SPL reduction on the façade plane and at 2 m from it