Building Acoustics

It concerns acoustics in the built environment. It therefore lies within the domain of the architect, builder and engineer.

It is also a topic for scientists and engineers concerned with research and development for acoustic enhancement and noise control in buildings.

The emphasis on the application of new knowledge and the implemetation of research information includes for example, contributions from room acoustics, industrial noise, building services noise, transportation noise and vibration in buildings.

We produce comprehensive survey reports with detailed specifications for sound insulation S.I. tests in buildings according to BS ISO 717 and BS ISO 104 standards.

We are under European Union regulations certified as competent acoustic engineers to carry out field measurments and to produce acoustic asessments and calculations.

Environmental Noise

We can provide: Environmental Noise assessments based on PPG24 and BS ISO 4142, noise Mitigation studies and the design of soundscapes for the urban environment.

Environmental Noise studies concern mainly with Noise Pollution from man made industrial or leisure activities.

Noise Pollution is displeasing, human, animal, or machine-created sound that disrupts the activity or balance of human and animal life is well documented, but current research is on going and subject to constant refinement. Guidelines on maximum acceptable noise levels have been recently elaborated and published by the World Health Organization WHO.

It is widely recognized that noise can have a negative effect on the quality of life, can psychologically affect behaviour of people and animals, affect sleep quality and is considered the cause of rising stress hormone linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of Environmental Noise call for an accurate and scientific study of the specific noise source characteristic and the way the specific noise influence or contribute the surrounding soundscape.

The modern approach to these studies should also take in account perceptual psychology and biological system to evaluate the broader spectrum of concern.

We are actively involved in positive soundscape research which is the forefront of the current approach to environmental noise studies within the urban and the natural environment.

 

Noise at Work

Occupational noise exposure can affect a worker's health and safety, from permanent damage of the hearing apparatus noise can impair communication, productivity, increase stress and cause irritability.

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (revised in 2006) say employers must reduce the risk of hearing damage to the lowest level reasonably practicable and maintain all equipment. The Regulations set two action levels, at 85 and 90 dBA.

Factors in noise damage

Intensity: (loudness or level) results from the sound pressure of vibrations. The sound pressure is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). A-weighting adjusts for the human ear's varying sensitivity to different frequencies.

Frequency: The human ear can hear frequencies between 16 Hertz (Hz) and 20,000 Hz. Speech frequencies are 250-4000 Hz.

Duration: Longer exposure increases the damage.

Nature: Noise can be stable, fluctuating or intermittent. Impulsive noise (such as hammering) is particularly harmful.

Damage begins at or before 80dBA. After exposure to 85dBA for 8 hours a day for 15 years, 5 per cent of workers will show hearing loss. The same length exposure to 90dBA will damage 14 per cent of workers; and to 95 dBA, 24 per cent of workers.

Noise assessment and mitigation requires expert advice and specialist instrumentation for capturing and analysing the levels and frequency spectrum of the noise under investigation.

We can assist our clients with calibrated instrumentation compliant to international and British Standards, our expertise in dealing with noise matters and experience. We can produce noise maps for the work space and carry out continuous monitoring if necessary.

One of the advantages of a continuous monitoring program is the early warning of machinery failure which can be repaired before the actual failure can take place.

Sound Reinforcement
We are aware of the importance of sound quality and the mantainment of optimum sound level for the success of the leisure and entertaniment business. This call for a deep understanding of the psychological implication of human response to sound and music and for a specific knowledge in the prevention of noise nuisances which is ofthen associated with the entertaniment industry in densely populated areas. For many years we have been successfully involved in the leasure and entertaniment business to provide optimal sustainabile solution which reflected in continuous business growth for our clients.

We offer:

• Level calibration and installation of SPL limiters.
• Public address sound system design.
• Noise control for concert and live music events.
• Specialised desing for noise mitigation projects including walls, ceilings, air ventilation systems.
• Electro-acoustic modification of the noise spectrum sound source to obtain maximum sound quality at the minimum adverse impact on the surrounding environment and/or mitigating an existing problem.