Sound absorption characteristics of PTFE membrane Material and their application to a multi-purpose stadium

Abstract

Due to an increase in sport events such as world-cup soccer and other large-scale outdoor performances, a large number of multipurpose stadiums and gymnasiums were constructed throughout the world. Some research have been conducted on plans to utilise all-whether stadiums with fine figures, where large-scale spaces are available for various utilisations. All over the world, dome-type stadiums have been built, and are utilised not only for sports events but also for a variety of other large-scale events. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a membrane material mainly used for the outer ceiling surface of membrane structures. However, sufficient research has not been performed on the acoustical properties of the PTFE membrane material, which is widely used in the multipurpose stadiums. In this study, the air permeability values and sound absorption coefficient of PTFE membrane materials were measured and evaluated in a gymnasium.

Practical application: This research will provide guidance to solving acoustical problems in dome type stadiums by explaining absorption properties of membrane materials. Solving the acoustical problems will greatly extend the functionality of dome type stadiums, such as hosting live concerts or recitals. The extended functionality will ultimately result in increased revenues for existing stadiums.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Sho D. , Kageyama K. , Kimura H. , Hirata T. , Onozuka K. Dome structures: from the drawing board to operation, Japan, Nikkei Architectural Acoustics, 1997, pp. 46-61.

Shanghai Institute of Architectural Design of Shanghai Stadium. Membrane design and structure in the world Shinkenchiku-sha , 1999, pp. 220-23.

Hashimoto N. Experimental study on sound insulation of membranes with small weights for application to membrane structures. Appl Acoust, 1996; 48: 71-84.

Sakagami K. , Morimoto M. , Takahashi D. A note on the acoustic reflection of an infinite membrane. Acustica 1994; 80: 569-72.

Kiyama M. , Sakagami K. , Tanigawa M. , Morimoto M. A basic study on acoustic properties of double-leaf membranes. Appl Acoust 1998; 54(1): 239-54.

Takahashi D. , Sakagami K. , Morimoto M. Acoustic properties of permeable membranes . Acoust Soc Am 1996 ; 99: 3003-09.

Sakagami K. , Kiyama M. , Morimoto M. , Takahashi D. Detailed analysis of the acoustic properties of a permeable membrane . Appl Acoust 1998; 54(2): 93-111.

Kim JJ , Kim YK Acoustic properties of multipurpose stadiums. Internoise 2003; N306: 521-8.

Houtgast T. , Steeneken HJM. The modulation transfer f in room acoustics as a predictor speech intelligibility . Acustica 1973; 28: 66-73.

10.

Houtgast T. , Steeneken HJM. The modulation transfer f in room acoustics . B&K Technical Rev 1985a; 3: 3-12.

11.

ISO 9237: Textiles-determination of the permeability of fabrics to air, 1995.

12.

Astm D. 737: Standard test method for air permeability of textile fabrics, 2004.

13.

ISO 354: 1985, Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.

14.

Metha M. Architectural acoustics principle and Design: New Jersey , Prentice-Hall, 1999 .

15.

Pierce AD Acoustics, an introduction to its physical principles and applications . New York, McGraw-Hill, 1981. (rpt. Acoust Soc Am. 1989, Section 3-8 ).

16.

ISO 3382 : Acoustics-measurement of the reverberation time of rooms with reference to other acoustical parameters , 1997.

17.

ISO 10534-2 : Acoustics-determination of sound absorption coefficient and impedance in impedance tubes-part 2: transfer-function method, 1998.