Architectural Acoustics
Architectural acoustics is a broad field encompassing all aspects of internal acoustics and noise transmission in buildings.
Noise transmission is the most common application of acoustics to buildings. Sources of noise can be either internal or external to the building. The objective can be to contain noise within a building (e.g. a water pumping station in a residential area), keep noise out of a building (such as a theatre or recording studio) or minimise transmission from one area of a building to another (for instance between apartments). Modern methods of construction rely on a vast range of materials beyond traditional block and mortar and often includes the use of lightweight prefabricated materials, such as reinforced polymer or metal cladding and roofing. Unlike more traditional materials, these modern materials often have poor inherent sound attenuation properties and require particular design care in order to minimise the transmission of sound.
A more specialised aspect of building acoustics is internal acoustics. A recording or broadcast studio, theatre, concert hall or venue are obvious examples where internal acoustics are crucial to the use of the building. Less obvious but nevertheless important are the acoustics of classrooms and lecture rooms. Learning can be seriously impaired where it is not possible to clearly hear what is being said by a teacher or lecturer. Similarly the internal acoustics and sound transmission into and out of meeting rooms, offices and consulting rooms can be critical to how well they function.
Acoustic Designs has extensive experience in all aspects of building acoustics. We can provide consultation at any stage of the design process from conceptual design to post occupancy problem solving. Consultation with an acoustic specialist early in the design process is strongly recommended for all types of buildings where acoustics are relevant. This can often avoid problems that can be difficult and costly to rectify after construction has commenced. Acoustic Designs carry out sound insulation testing under Technical Guidance Document E of the Building Regulations 1997 to ISO 140 standard.
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Environmental Acoustics
Environmental noise is becoming increasingly important as our society become more urbanised and transport dependent. This kind of noise is generally regarded as affecting mainly housing although schools, hospitals, entertainment venues recording / broadcast studios and other buildings are also considered to be noise sensitive. Rural areas, especially areas of particular natural beauty and areas of special scientific interest or nature reserves can all be affected by environmental noise. Transportation noise is probably the primary source of environmental noise with road, rail and air all contributing. Industrial and even agricultural noise can also contribute in some situations.
Acoustic Designs have extensive experience of a broad range of environmental acoustic measurement and assessment. From planning applications, road, rail and aircraft assessment through to industrial, entertainment and nuisance noise assessment using relevant standards such as BS4142, PPG24, Minerals Policy Statement etc. Acoustic Designs can provide measurement, assessment and expert witness services in all aspects of environmental noise.
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Industrial Noise
Acoustic Designs is experienced in working with industry to assess and address noise problems in a broad range of industries. We are competent to carry out noise at work assessments under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2006. These regulations apply to all industries except seagoing vessels which have a transitional period until 15 February 2011 . The entertainment industry also enjoyed a transitional period which expired on 15 February 2008 . Employees of all bars, venues, nightclubs etc. currently have the full protection of this legislation.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2006 places the responsibility on the employer to control noise in the workplace with regard to safeguarding all employees from long term hearing damage. In doing so it sets out specific limits for the cumulative exposure of employees to noise. This is generally calculated on a daily (8 hour) basis but in some circumstances can be calculated on a weekly basis.
Exposure limit values L EX,8h = 87 dB(A)* p peak = 140dB(C)* |
Upper exposure action values L EX,8h = 85 dB(A)* p peak = 137dB(C)* |
Lower exposure action values L EX,8h = 80 dB(A)* p peak = 135dB(C)* |
These regulations place an obligation on the employer to reduce or eliminate the exposure of employees to noise. As well as carrying out assessments, Acoustic Designs can assist and advice employers on practical means of reducing the noise exposure of employees. Such measures can involve changes to layout or working practices, installation of noise barrier or covers on machines, phasing out or replacement of older machinery or isolation of machinery.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations 2006 lay out similar criteria to the above noise at work regulations. Persistent exposure to excessive vibration can cause a number of health problems including a potentially debilitating loss of sensation and dexterity in the hands known as vibration white finger. Exposure to vibration is subdivided into two categories, hand arm and whole body vibration. Hand arm vibration exposure typically effects users of hand operated power tool from drills and grinders to pneumatic road breakers. Exposure to whole body vibration typically affects seated machine operators (digger drivers, etc.). Similar to the legislation for noise exposure, vibration exposure is assessed as a cumulative exposure over a working day. The daily exposure values (standardised to an 8 hour period) given in the legislation are:
Hand Arm Vibration The daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s2 The daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 |
Whole-Body Vibration The daily exposure limit value is 1.15 m/s2 The daily exposure action value is 0.5 m/s2 |
As with the noise regulations, these regulations place the employer in a position of responsibility for reducing or eliminating the health risks to employees from vibration. Acoustic Designs can carry out vibration exposure assessment and advise employers on practical ways of reducing the exposure of employees to vibration
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Other Services we provide:
With both research and practical experience built on extensive academic qualifications Acoustic Designs is in an ideal position to tackle unusual noise and vibration problems. Our experience includes product design and development, acoustic modelling as well as industrial noise and vibration problems. We are also available for expert witness work in all aspects of acoustics and for teaching / lecturing in acoustics.
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