Analysis of the thermoacoustic comfort of a school unit in the city of Cachoeira-BA: A Case Study

Abstract

The evaluation of thermoacoustic comfort in school environments has become a priority in promoting the well-being and academic performance of students. According to FARIA (2013), environmental comfort is directly related to user satisfaction, that is, when one feels comfortable in the face of factors such as lighting, noise, heat, or cold. The objective of this work was to evaluate thermoacoustic comfort in the common area and classrooms of a school unit located in the city of Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil. In situ measurements were carried out with specific equipment (digital decibel meter, thermo-hygrometer, infrared thermometer, and anemometer) from February to April 2024. The data on temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and sound pressure levels were compared with the limits established by NBR 10152:2017, NBR 16401-2:2008, and NBR 15575:2021. The results demonstrated that the analyzed environments do not meet the minimum requirements for thermal and acoustic comfort recommended by technical standards and health institutions. Based on a comparison with normative references and an analysis of the use of school spaces, it is concluded that deficiencies in natural ventilation, the use of metal roofing, and the absence of acoustic insulation negatively impact the performance and well-being of users. Therefore, the adoption of corrective strategies is recommended, such as improvements to the roofing, the use of materials with better thermoacoustic performance, and a reassessment of the school layout.