Predicting and visualizing duct borne noise with building information modeling software

This paper presents a proposed workflow to expedite duct borne noise calculations using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Duct parameters for a user-specified path are automatically extracted from an Autodesk Revit model with a Dynamo script. Insertion loss values for individual duct elements and resulting receiver sound pressure levels are predicted according to Chapter 49 of the ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications. Expanding on the authors' previous work in this area, new ideas for visualizing calculation results are explored, and predicted receiver sound pressure levels are compared to in situ measurements in a practical case study of this approach. Results from this project support the continued development of more accurate and user-friendly noise control prediction tools for consultants and educators.