Environmental Acoustics
Effective Measures Against Noise Pollution
Environmental noise control is a large and complex field that require the knowledge and expertise of acoustical engineers. Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division is comprised of such talented people.
For any acoustic service or advice regarding environmental acoustics, Soft dB offers you a vast array of options to best suit your needs.
Services Offered
Industrial and Commercial
For people living near factories or certain commercial buildings, industrial and commercial noise and vibrations can be a problem. To help remedy the problem, municipalities provide regulations that businesses must abide by to live side by side with residents. Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division is in the field to help those businesses comply with those regulations. Hence, Soft dB may be brought over to:
- Identify the source of noise and vibration from machinery, utilities or building services (including HVAC systems);
- Take measurements of the sound coming from the identified sources and analyze it;
- Assess and analyze individual components or whole sites;
- Make the acoustic modelling of noise and vibration dispersion using advanced prediction software (CADNA-A, SoundPlan);
- Assess impacts and regulatory compliance;
- Create the design and specification of engineered noise and vibration control measures;
- Offer individual or turnkey services;
- Write concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Transportation
Sometimes, transportation can result in inconvenient noise. Indeed, sound and vibration pollution (like the one caused by traffic noise, railway noise and aircraft noise) have to be controlled and reduced to a minimum to ensure the comfort of the nearby residents. To help with this issue, Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division may be brought over to:
- Identify the source of transportation noise and vibration;
- Take sound measurements of the noise coming from the identified sources and analyze it;
- Assess and predict the effect of vibrational waves on buildings, structures, and occupants;
- Assess impacts and ensure Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulatory compliance;
- Make the acoustic modelling of noise and vibration dispersion using advanced prediction software (CADNA-A, SoundPlan, TNM, FHWA, STEAM, NEF-Calc);
- Predictive study of the medium and long term sound climate;
- Create the design and specification of measures for the prevention of noise pollution;
- Write concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Noise Mapping
Sometimes, Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division is asked to create a noise map for towns, cities, transport arteries, etc. To do so, the division also has to:
- Take measurements of existing levels of background noise and vibration and perform the analysis;
- Identify and quantify the contribution of the noise source;
- Create the required noise maps using advanced environmental acoustics mapping software (CADNA-A, SoundPlan);
- Write concise and intelligible reports for our clients.
Construction
Everyone knows that construction sites are noisy areas. Equipment and the flow of truck traffic are the main causes. However, they too have regulations to follow to prevent noise pollution. To help them achieve this, Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division can carry out the following tasks:
- Take on-site measurements or execute remote monitoring with real time alerting for exceeding regulatory limits;
- Assess and predict the effect of construction work on buildings, structures, and occupants;
- Assess impacts and help comply with Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulatory standards;
- Create the design and specification of temporary construction site noise and vibration control measures;
- Write concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Wind Turbine Noise and Vibration
These days, wind farms have are more important than ever in our quest for green energy. However, in addition to offering visual pollution (according to some), the noise produced by these “giant fans” is a noticeable fact. To ensure better environmental noise control, Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division may be appointed to:
- Take independent measurements of background sound levels in proposed locations for Noise Impact Assessments;
- Make the acoustic modelling and prediction of noise and vibration geographic dispersion using advanced prediction software (CADNA-A, SoundPlan);
- Take measurements of noise and vibration emissions from turbine components, individual turbines or large wind farms using internationally recognized techniques (IEC 61400-11). Those measures are then analyzed;
- Carry out facade insulation testing and evaluation (OITC);
- Write concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Natural Resources
It’s easy to imagine the noise that can be produced by the exploitation of natural resource sites such as mines (the heavy machinery that constantly moves around on the site, trucks moving in and out, blasting sessions, etc.). In order to reduce the production of environmental noise on such sites and to relieve nearby residents, Soft dB’s environmental acoustic and noise control services may be called upon by the exploitation companies to:
- Take on-site measurements or execute remote monitoring with real time alerting for exceeding regulatory limits;
- Make the acoustic modelling and prediction of noise and vibration geographic dispersion using advanced prediction software (CADNA-A, SoundPlan);
- Assess impacts and predict the effect of extraction activities on buildings, structures, and occupants;
- Create the design and specification of engineered noise and vibration control measures;
- Write concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Entertainment and Leisure
We all know how to appreciate a good outdoor music show. The vibe is electrifying and the music infectious. Whether it’s a moment with friends or family, it’s clear the evening is going to be good. However, not everyone is at the party. As a matter of fact, the outdoor stage is probably near residences and, whether it’s day or an evening show, the music and cheering can affect resident’s activities. That is why Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division may be brought over to help the event organizers comply with current regulations. Noise reduction tasks are summarized below and may include:
- Carrying out the measurement and analysis of fixed or temporary entertainment and leisure venue noise emissions;
- Taking on-site measurements or executing remote monitoring with real time alerting for exceeding regulatory limits;
- Making advanced computer modelling for directional sound dispersion coming from acoustic chambers (ex: line arrays) for the purpose of sound reinforcement;
- Designing and specifying permanent or temporary noise control measures;
- Writing concise and easy-to-understand reports for our clients.
Vibrations
Vibrations can cause serious health problems but can also affect structures by weakening them. For these reasons, Soft dB’s Acoustic and Vibration division cannot overlook the vibrations generated outside (ex: by the passing of trains, from blasts and from construction in residential developments). Thus, the division may be appointed to:
- Take measurements of railway and traffic induced vibrations (FTA, DIN 4150, BS 7385) and make predictions;
- Take measurements of vibration mobility functions;
- Assess vibrations for new residential developments;
- Do vibration monitoring for blasting-induced ground motion (USBM RI8507);
- Take vibration measurements for industrial and construction sites;
- Provide recommendations for vibration reduction measures.
Have Any Questions?
Our approach to environmental acoustics is unique. Do not hesitate to contact us to discover how our acoustic consultants can change your life.
Have Any Questions?
Our approach to environmental acoustics is unique. Do not hesitate to contact us to discover how our acoustic consultants can change your life.