The Acoustical Society of Italy is organizing the “Thursday Technical Meetings” in autumn 2024, a series of seminars in webinar mode with the AIA Platinum and Gold 2024 Supporters.
The program includes 8 informative meetings, which will be held from Thursday 3 October to Thursday 12 December from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm and which will see the participation of the 2 AIA Platinum 2024 Supporters (Saint-Gobain-Ecophon and Mason Industries) and the 6 AIA Oro 2024 supporters (Aesse Ambiente, Head acoustics, Rockfon, Saint-Gobain-Ecophon, Sogimi and Spectra).
Two interventions are planned for each meeting, the first concerns the theoretical framework of the topic discussed, managed by AIA; the second is the presentation of one or more case studies through a technical report by the Supporter.
Below you can consult the calendar and register for the series of webinar meetings, free for AIA members and non-members.
Thursday, 03rd October 2024 1.30-2.30 pm
Webinar “Acoustic Comfort in the Hospital and Healthcare Environment”
Chairman: Simone Secchi (University of Florence)
High noise levels in hospitals can compromise sleep, increase stress and heart rate, both in patients and medical staff. Hospitals, usually characterized by hard and reflective surfaces, amplify sound, making it difficult to relax and communicate effectively. An optimal acoustic environment is essential for physical, psychological and emotional well-being, especially in healthcare facilities, where noise negatively affects both patient recovery and staff satisfaction and stress levels. The frenzy of hospital work and the management of critical situations often lead to neglecting attention to noise, further worsening staff well-being. In addition to ensuring an adequate acoustic environment, spaces must meet rigorous disinfection and cleaning regulations. The webinar aims to address these questions and explore acoustic solutions that comply with both hospital hygiene criteria and regulations, while improving sound conditions within healthcare facilities.
Speakers
Cristina Carrus for Saint-Gobain-Ecophon, the Ecophon brand, distributed in Italy by Saint-Gobain Italia, is specialized in the development and production of innovative acoustic solutions that improve the quality of the working environment, contributing to the well-being and productivity of people. Our mission, “A positive sound impact on people”, is at the heart of our business. Globally, Ecophon has 20 business units and employs approximately 1,100 people. The headquarters are located in Hyllinge, Sweden, and the company is part of the Saint-Gobain group.
Simone Secchi, architect, PhD in environmental technical physics and associate professor of architectural technology at the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence, qualified since November 2020 to the role of full professor. He carries out research in the field of environmental quality, performance analysis of building components, acoustics and lighting in internal and external environments. Since the early 2000s he has been scientific director or research member of numerous research projects on the acoustic quality of internal and external environments, providing experimental contributions to design research on construction and environmental design. The activity focuses on the transformation and maintenance project of the built environment and on the evaluation of the performance of buildings and components, with reference to construction and technological aspects and the environmental performance of built spaces. He is a member of the teaching staff of the PhD in sustainability and innovation for the design of the built environment and the product system of the University of Florence. He is the author of over 250 scientific publications in the field of environmental quality in buildings, acoustics, lighting and energy saving. The list of the main publications is online on the website of the University of Florence (https://www.unifi.it/p-doc2-0-0-A-3f2a3d303a302f.html). He is a competent technician in environmental acoustics pursuant to law 447/95.
Thursday 17th October 2024 1.30-2.30 pm
Webinar “Whisper® NB ACOUSTIC PANEL FOR NOISE BARRIERS”
Chairman: Massimo Garai (University of Bologna)
WHISPER® NB Noise Barrier, the acoustic panel in micro-perforated closed-cell polyethylene designed for sustainable and effective noise barrier systems. In acoustic class A3, according to EN 1793-1. It also has in-situ acoustic reflection tests according to EN 1793-5. A metamaterial that guarantees acoustic performance even in the presence of water, dust, frost: it is ideal for outdoor use even without the need for coatings to increase the acoustic effectiveness of existing concrete barriers or of a lower acoustic class. Whisper ® NB has an acoustic performance duration of 50 years tested according to EN 14389-1-2. Case histories, which in addition to the acoustic performance of the material highlight important sustainable aspects: EPD CO2/m2 emissions, lightness, life cycle and recyclability of Whisper.
Speakers
Edlina Domni for Sogimi, since 1951 Sogimi has been a leader in the distribution and transformation of plastic materials, composites, technical foams: high-performance solutions that meet even the very specific needs of the industry, construction, and communication sectors. With 6 companies and 14 plants strategically located throughout the country, Sogimi is able to support the customer in every phase of the project, with the exclusive services provided by its technical and commercial offices.
Massimo Garai, graduated in Physics, PhD, full professor at the University of Bologna. President of the Acoustics and Vibrations Commission of UNI, coordinator of two CEN working groups and expert member of ISO for acoustics. Author of more than 340 scientific papers published at international or national level, chairman and invited speaker at numerous international conferences. Keynote lecturer at the international conference Inter-Noise 2024. He carries out research on the following topics: signal processing, properties of materials and metamaterials, sound propagation in outdoor environments, architectural acoustics, building acoustics, noise control in the workplace, environmental sustainability assessments. WP leader in several European projects, such as ADRIENNE, QUIESST, SOPRANOISE, LIFE SILENT. Responsible for several competitive research projects, including the PRIN 2017 and PRIN 2022 projects on metamaterials and sustainable systems for acoustics.
Thursday 24 October 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “Interoperability between CadnaA, CadnaB and CadnaR for outdoor-indoor acoustic modeling“
Chairman: Luca Barbaresi (University of Bologna)
The predictive assessment of acoustic impact, the prediction of passive acoustic requirements and that of architectural acoustics in listening rooms are the problems that the expert in the field is called to solve most frequently. The regulations to be respected and the acoustic quantities to be estimated determine an independent and unrelated approach to these issues typically solved with the help of 3 different predictive software, each dedicated to the specific area. However, in large projects, where the acoustician must operate on all these matters, an integrated environment in which the software can both operate autonomously and exchange data and processing results is certainly advantageous both in terms of error minimization and in terms of operating speed. Starting from real case studies, the state of the art of interoperability between acoustic simulation software will be analyzed.
Speakers
Piertoni Cambiaggio for AESSE Ambiente: AESSE Ambiente was founded in January 2013 after 15 years of history as the Italian branch of 01dB The company, which offers instrumentation and software for environmental acoustics and vibrations, is formed by a group of professionals (all TCA) who guarantee expertise and assistance in identifying the best technical solutions and in supporting the use of instruments. Acoustic and vibration monitoring systems, predictive acoustic models, multi-channel instrumentation for sound and vibration analysis, instrumentation and sources for building acoustics, vibrometers and dosimeters for work environments are just some of the technical solutions that AESSE Ambiente offers as innovative solutions for its customers. Technical assistance, calibrations, rentals, technical meetings, updates, training courses, maintenance contracts, remote support, newsletters and application notes are the services that AESSE Ambiente offers through the people distributed throughout the territory through its offices and through new communication technologies.
Luca Barbaresi, associate professor in Environmental Technical Physics at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Professor of “Technical Physics and Systems” in the Bachelor’s Degree in Building Engineering and “NOISE CONTROL IN HEATING AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS” in the Master’s Degree in Energy Engineering at the University of Bologna. Currently head of the 2nd Operating Unit of the Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research at the University of Bologna. He deals with the acoustic characterization of building materials and the study of lateral noise transmission in buildings, in particular for wooden structures. He is the author of over 40 publications in scientific journals and international conference proceedings.
Thursday 7 November 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “How to improve indoor acoustic comfort with innovative rock wool ceiling and wall solutions”
Chairman: Francesco Martellotta (Politecnico di Bari)
The webinar will explore innovative acoustic solutions to transform interior spaces. Rockfon rock wool ceiling and wall systems, designed to improve acoustic comfort, will be presented. Advanced techniques to reduce noise and improve sound quality, creating more comfortable and productive environments, will be illustrated. The practical applications and specific benefits of these cutting-edge solutions will be discussed, demonstrating how they can contribute to the overall well-being of occupants and revolutionize indoor acoustics.
Speakers
Gianluca Tereo for ROCKFON, Rockfon is a leading manufacturer of innovative acoustic solutions, specializing in stone wool ceilings and wall panels. Our solutions are designed to improve acoustic comfort and well-being in indoor environments. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Rockfon uses natural and recyclable materials. The company offers products that combine aesthetics, functionality and high acoustic performance. Rockfon is part of the ROCKWOOL Group, a world leader in stone wool solutions.
Francesco Martellotta, graduated with honors in Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic of Bari in 1998, in 2001 he obtained a PhD in Technical Physics at the University of Ancona. At the Polytechnic of Bari since June 2021 he is Full Professor of “Environmental Technical Physics”. He carries out research in the field of architectural acoustics, modeling of the sound field, noise and its effects, as well as on indoor environmental well-being, building energetics and sustainability applied to buildings and materials. He is the author/co-author of over 150 scientific works, including 66 articles in international journals, 3 books and several contributions to books. He is a member of the Acoustical Society of America and of the Audio Engineering Society and of the Italian Association of Acoustics, of which he is also Secretary. He currently holds the position of Associate Editor for the international journal “Journal of Acoustical Society of America”.
Thursday 1 November 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “Measurement system for the certification of railway convoys”
Chairman: Sergio Luzzi (Vienrose)
Speakers
Edoardo Ferrario for Spectra, Spectra was founded in 1985 with the aim of offering innovative instruments and systems for acoustic and vibration measurements as well as analysis software and forecasting software for in-depth study of problems and simulation of possible solutions. In the years following its foundation, Spectra has expanded by acquiring highly qualified personnel and gaining specific experience in tackling problems related to noise and vibration measurement. Over time, a relationship of esteem and trust has been consolidated between Spectra and its customers, based on the seriousness that the company has tried to put into its work, focusing first of all on the customer and their needs. Today Spectra is able to cover the entire national territory, guaranteeing timeliness and the necessary technical support to customers who have given it their preference. Spectra Srl represents prestigious brands such as Larson & Davis, Sinus, SoundPLAN, LakeView software, Odeon, Syscom and many others.
Sergio Luzzi, Engineer. Adjunct professor of “Risks from physical agents” at the University of Florence. President and technical director of “Vie en.ro.se. Engineering”, a company specializing in acoustics and environmental and safety engineering. President of the International Institute of Sound and Vibration, President of the Italian Association of Industrial Hygienists, President of the Association of Professionals and Experts for the Protection and Culture of the Environment and Health, Scientific Director of the Oshnet School for Occupational Hygiene. He deals at a scientific and professional level with acoustic design, global comfort and occupational hygiene, with particular interest in forensic acoustics and noise issues in litigation. He takes care of the organization and scientific program of numerous courses and conferences at national and international level. He is the author of books and scientific publications on acoustics, soundscapes, global comfort and safety of living and working environments.
Thursday 28 November 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “The classroom of the future: research and innovation in the Piscopia Corner case study project, Milan”
Chairman: Dario D’Orazio (University of Bologna)
The Piscopia Corner pilot project: the classroom of the future in the new MIND district in Milan in the former EXPO area. Innovative and integrated improvement: connectivity, artificial intelligence and sensors. The design of environments that promote communication efficiency and inclusion in in-person and remote teaching. The acoustic regulatory requirements for multimedia classrooms: the UNI 11532-2:2020 standard. Internal acoustic comfort: the right balance between absorption and reflection. High-performance technical solutions for false ceilings and false walls. Fire safety and seismic safety. Technologies for indoor air quality. Analysis of the anti-seismic behavior of the false ceiling: design of anti-seismic systems for secondary structures.
Speakers
Luca Cappellini for Saint-Gobain Italia, Saint-Gobain designs, produces and distributes materials for safety and living comfort, which are found in all living spaces: buildings, transport, infrastructure and many industrial applications. With its 360 years of history, Saint-Gobain offers new-generation materials, 90% of which are produced in our country, and integrated solutions with the aim of making “living spaces” more comfortable and sustainable, to contribute to the well-being of people and the protection of the planet, positioning itself as a global point of reference in the efficient use of natural resources, respecting the environment, thanks to an innovative approach in product development, process efficiency, special attention to suppliers of raw materials and transport, with the ambitious goal of the Group to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Dario D’Orazio, electronic engineer, lives and works in Bologna, where he is a researcher at the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna. He deals with acoustic quality of environments (performance, work and teaching), innovative materials and measurement techniques. He collaborates with the international working groups of ISO, TC43/SC02/WG34 (Speech Attenuation) WG36 (Room Acoustics). In Italy, as an expert member of UNI, he contributed to the drafting of the UNI 11532 standards (acoustic quality of confined spaces), part 2 of which concerns the requirements of school spaces.
Thursday 5 December 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “Vibration Isolation Theory and transition to Acoustical Isolation”
Chairman: Alessandro Schiavi (INRIM)
We will discuss sound loss and the sound transmission class of our systems, all with the idea that by introducing an air gap we can reduce sound transmission through various types of construction. We will also discuss theoretical concepts applied to actual installations with typical design details.
Speakers
Douglas G. Valerio and Jim Sadler for Mason Industries, Mason Industries was founded in 1958, I joined the company in 1984, and Jim joined in 1989. I am president and owner, and Jim is vice president and in charge of sales globally, we are both engineers. We will do our best to educate the attendees on our capabilities, which are varied, and focus on engineering excellence. We will also refer to the independent testing we have conducted over the years and discuss our plans for future growth.
Alessandro Schiavi – Senior Researcher at the National Institute of Metrological Research (INRIM), for over twenty years he has been involved in measurements and instrumentation in the field of mechanical vibrations, structural and building acoustics and for the characterization of material properties. He is responsible for the vibrations Primary Standards, member of the Consultative Committee of Acoustics, Ultrasound and Vibrations of the BIPM (Bureau International des Poids et Mesures), member of the Technical Committee of Acoustics, Ultrasound and Vibrations of EURAMET, member of the Technical Committee “Vibration Measurement” of IMEKO, and member of the Auditors Board, in the Board of Directors of AIA (the Acoustical Society of Italy). He is adjunct professor at the Politecnico di Torino (for Industrial and Environmental Technical Physics), and teacher in several seminars at universities, companies and institutional bodies, also at international level. Author and/or co-author of over 200 scientific publications.
Thursday 12 December 2024 1.30pm-2.30pm
Webinar “Sounds at the Table: Techniques and Tools for the Evaluation of Sound Perception”
Chairman: Louena Shtrepi (Politecnico di Torino)
Several researches show how sounds can modify the taste of food and our culinary experience from packaging to chewing. The effect of chewing sounds can make a food taste sweeter or saltier, fresher and healthier. Furthermore, the soundscape of food locations can modify our choices on products in a supermarket or can lengthen or shorten our stay at a restaurant table. However, the quality metrics of food sound and their correlation with our perception are still the subject of numerous researches. Furthermore, the complexity of the sound components that form the perceived sound remains a challenge for future instrumentation and acquisition techniques.
Speakers
Fabrizio Ferrian for HEAD acoustics, since its foundation in 1986, HEAD acoustics has been dealing with acoustics, vibrations, speech and sound quality using binaural recording systems. The company is recognized as a world leader in the production of scalable hardware and software solutions and in the provision of engineering consultancy services, for noise and vibration analysis and for the optimization of sound quality in industrial and environmental fields, as well as for the measurement and optimization of speech quality and reception, in the infotainment and telecommunications sectors. We have created a dedicated tool for binaural analysis for SOUNDSCAPE as required by ISO 12913, which includes simplified hardware and extremely simple and intuitive software.
Louena Shtrepi is Associate Professor at Politecnico di Torino in the Department of Energy “Galileo Ferraris”. Her research and teaching interests are mainly in applied acoustics. In particular, since 2012 she has started working on acoustic perception, acoustic material properties, acoustic simulations and measurement uncertainty. Furthermore, her research goal is to increase awareness on the management of acoustic issues and solutions since the early stages of the design process by actively involving architects and designers. These aspects have been deeply studied in multidisciplinary researches that also involved subjective perceptual tests. Her research results have been published in well-known international scientific journals and awarded in many conferences. She is a member of the board of directors of AIA (Acoustical Society of Italy), member of ASA (Acoustical Society of America), and FTI (Italian Technical Physics Association) and ATI (Italian Thermotechnical Association).