Environmental Acoustics

Industrial and Community Noise

• Environmental assessments
• Noise analysis and reporting
• Noise and vibration measurements
• Regulatory compliance
• Noise modeling
• Project design considerations
• Mitigation analysis and design
• Public involvement

Commercial and industrial facilities generate sound and vibration which may impact the communities. Acentech evaluates the range of environmental impact in ways that allow the public and regulatory agencies to make informed responsible decisions. We also work with industrial facilities to control noise within their plants to protect workers and address OSHA concerns. We use our experience, technical expertise, current computer modeling techniques, and measurement procedures to assess current conditions, make recommendations for noise reduction or mitigation, or work with clients at the design phase to save money by addressing noise at the outset of a project.

Airport/Aircraft Noise

• Planning studies
• Noise measurements
• Noise modeling
• Building sound insulation studies
• Airport terminal acoustics and sound systems
• Public involvement

We perform noise analyses for airport planning and design projects when proposed airport operations may affect noise impacts on surrounding communities. In order to accurately assess potential impacts before the changes take place, Acentech uses state-of-the-art computer models to predict impact changes. These models, such as the FAA’s Integrated Noise Model, calculate noise contours based on aircraft flight tracks, type of aircraft, and number of flights. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer programs, we then electronically overlay the noise contours to count impacted buildings.

Additionally, our consultants establish criteria and develop design recommendations for architectural acoustics within airport buildings. We work with sound isolation measures to control intrusive noise caused by passing aircraft or from ground run-up and engine test facilities. We also design sound systems to provide uniformity and intelligibility of announcements.

Highway Noise

• Noise and vibration measurements
• Traffic and construction noise modeling
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental reports and assessments
• Noise mitigation alternative cost/benefit studies
• Detailed noise mitigation design
• Noise mitigation prioritization and feasibility
• Public involvement and education programs

We assist our clients with noise analyses for both highway planning and design projects. Our consultants perform noise impact predictions for Environmental Impact Statements and planning studies by using computer models, including FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM). We calculate noise levels based on roadway geometry, tunnels, traffic volumes and speeds, building proximity, intervening terrain, and elevated structures at specific locations of concern. Because the existing ambient noise environment also affects the noise impact of a highway project, we measure and monitor ambient noise. Our consultants use advanced tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to generate accurate and repeatable impact assessments. We also provide acoustical design recommendations for highway noise barriers, including the required length, height, and material properties. One of our primary roles on highway noise barrier projects is to optimize and fine-tune the noise barrier design. This optimization, using TNM, can substantially reduce noise barrier construction costs and may also improve the noise barrier performance.

Rail Noise and Vibration

• Environmental assessments
• Environmental impact statements
• Noise & vibration modeling and monitoring
• Design criteria recommendations
• Noise barrier design
• Building sound insulation
• Vibration isolation
• Noise and vibration specifications
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Public involvement

Acentech develops technology for predicting, assessing, and controlling sources of rail system noise and vibration. These sources include wheel/rail interaction, ground vibration, elevated structures, vehicles, locomotives, warning horns, and ancillary equipment. To address train-induced vibration, in which ground-propagation characteristics can vary widely, our staff measures the propagation of vibration through the soil with a specialized impact apparatus. The apparatus and resulting data allow us to more accurately design vibration isolation treatments specific to each project.

Sound Insulation Programs

• Noise exposure measurement programs
• Sound insulation treatment analysis
• Program and database management
• FAA approved program structure and methods
• Noise reduction measurements
• Eligibility and prioritization analysis
• Coordination of architectural acoustical design

Residential areas near airports or transit systems can be heavily impacted by noise from those operations. Noise exposure can be dramatically reduced at individual residences with a thorough sound insulation program. Our approach involves noise mitigation that is specific to the noise exposure and practical to implement. We identify which buildings would require treatments and then work with an architect to develop building treatments to reduce the infiltration of aircraft noise into affected buildings. Our staff measures pre-construction and post-construction noise levels to determine how well the treatments work. Typical improvements are on the order of 10 dBA.