Environmental Noise

Industrial and Environmental Noise

Commercial and industrial facilities generate noise 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. Acentech's industrial and environmental noise consulting includes:

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

Acentech's industrial and environmental noise consultants also work with industrial facilities to control noise to nearby communities and to protect workers and address OSHA concerns. We use our experience, technical expertise, computer modeling techniques, and measurement procedures to assess current conditions. We develop noise and vibration mitigation designs and work with clients at the design phase to save money by addressing noise and vibration at the outset of a project.

Aviation Noise

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

We perform environmental noise analyses for airport planning and design to accurately assess potential impacts before the changes take place. Acentech uses state-of-the-art computer models to predict changes to the noise environment. 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 identify impacted buildings.

Additionally, our environmental noise 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 measurements
• Noise modeling
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Environmental reports and assessments
• Noise mitigation alternative cost/benefit studies
• Detailed noise mitigation/soundwall design
• Noise mitigation prioritization
• Public involvement and education

We perform environmental noise analyses for both highway planning and design projects. Our consultants are certified in the use of FHWA's Traffic Noise Model (TNM). We also have extensive noise measurement capabilities. Acentech's environmental noise consultants use advanced tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to generate accurate and repeatable impact assessments. Our consultants provide acoustical design recommendations for highway noise barriers, including the required length, height, material properties, and determine if the soundwall meets the reasonable and feasible criteria.

Rail Noise and Vibration Consulting

• Environmental assessments
• Noise & vibration modeling and measurement
• Design criteria recommendations
• Noise barrier design
• Building sound insulation
• Vibration isolation
• Noise and vibration specifications
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Public involvement
• Vibration transfer mobility measurement and analysis
• Station acoustics and sound system design

Acentech develops and applies technologies for predicting, assessing, and controlling sources of rail system noise and vibration. We also have extensive noise and vibration measurement capabilities. In addition, our architectural acousticians and audiovisual system design can support the transit station design team.

Sound Insulation Programs

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

Noise impacts to residences, schools, hospitals, and other noise sensitive land uses near airports or surface transportation systems can be reduced with acoustical treatments as part of a sound insulation program. Our consultants recommend noise mitigation that is specific to the noise exposure and practical to implement. Acentech noise consultants identify which buildings would qualify for treatments and then work with the architect to develop performance specifications for building treatments. Our staff also conducts pre- and post-construction noise level measurements to document the noise reduction performance.

Construction Noise and Vibration

• Environmental assessments
• Noise and vibration modeling and measurement
• Long-term noise and vibration monitoring
• Design criteria recommendations
• Noise barrier design
• Building sound insulation
• Vibration isolation
• Noise and vibration specifications
• Public involvement

We use analytical and empirical methods to predict the impact of construction noise and vibration on sensitive facilities and land uses. When necessary, we also recommend methods to mitigate vibration and noise during construction. Once construction is underway we can provide real-time monitoring systems to measure noise and vibration and to send alarms when pre-set limits are exceeded. As part of our services, we prepare construction Noise and Vibration Monitoring Plans and construction Noise and Vibration Control Plans.

To learn more about Acentech's environmental acoustics consulting services, please view the related projects at right, read our technical papers and articles, or contact us to receive additional information.