Acoustics & Vibration Control for Government Projects
By Jeffrey E. Babich, President
BABICHacoustics has extensive experience working on a wide range of local, state, and federal government projects. These projects ensure compliance with codes and criteria set by state and federal agencies related to acoustics and vibration. Additionally, BABICH has been trusted to provide studies and serve as an Expert Witness in court hearings and arbitrations, offering professional testimony on complex acoustical matters.
Noise Control in Local Communities
In many areas throughout the United States, noise codes are governed by local or state noise codes. Often, a city or township has developed an ordinance that governs the amount of noise that is permitted by a business, industrial facility, performance venue, or residence. Decibel limits are frequently established; when this occurs, noise can be measured, allowing for a quantitative result to be presented. In this case, it is easier to determine code compliance.
In other cases, noise ordinances do not include a precise decibel limit or may permit a certain amount of noise until a certain time at night. It is much more challenging to prove that a noise ordinance is being met if a specific noise level is not established. This type of ordinance may rely on an attorney’s presentation of their case in court without a fact witness.
Our work in environmental noise control in communities often involves measuring noise to determine if a project site meets the code. Short-term and long-term noise studies can be completed to document conditions using a Type 1 sound level meter that can be calibrated and is approved for legal documentation. Recommendations can be given for existing or future noise concerns to reduce noise impact in both rural and urban settings.
BABICH has provided expert courtroom testimonies related to noise disputes within communities. Our team’s extensive knowledge in acoustics allows us to present clear, data-driven insights that help resolve conflicts and ensure fair outcomes.
Acoustics Design in State Facilities
BABICHacoustics has worked for various state agencies to reduce noise and vibration throughout their facilities. For one client, a vibration problem affected the operation of sensitive laboratory equipment in an existing facility. This involved turning equipment on and off and running machines at varying speeds to determine the source of the vibration. After diagnosing the problem, a solution was provided to reduce the vibration impact.
Another project involved evaluating mechanical noise in a state office building planned for renovation. In this instance, we worked with engineers to survey the noise levels in the existing building to develop noise control strategies. Noise criteria were established in accordance with ASHRAE guidelines, and design drawings were reviewed to determine if the noise criteria could be met. Recommendations were made to select quieter equipment, reduce airflow velocities, and implement sound attenuators in spaces where speech intelligibility is important.
BABICH is currently providing acoustical design and vibration consulting services for a new state laboratory facility. This work involves detailed analyses related to environmental noise control of building systems such as emergency generators, air handling units, and exhaust fans for the facility. It also involves noise and vibration consulting services for multiple state agencies that use laboratory equipment throughout multiple buildings at the facility.
Noise and Vibration Control for Federal Projects
BABICH’s federal government projects include facilities for the United States military and other federal agencies. Typically, each government entity has its own design and construction guidelines containing acoustical requirements. These guidelines include environmental noise control, mechanical noise control, speech privacy in secure areas, interior airborne and impact sound isolation, and appropriate interior finishes to control noise build-up.
Because of the prescriptive nature of various federal design guidelines, the job of an acoustical consultant is to ensure that the criteria are implemented throughout the architectural and engineering documents. This may involve pre-construction acoustical testing of an existing site or facility (e.g., completing noise testing for sites close to railroad tracks). It may also include studying airport noise contours.
Structural drawings are reviewed to determine if vibration criteria can be met. Mechanical noise predictions are completed using equipment sound data. Sound and impact isolation requirements are confirmed by reviewing floor plans, wall partitions, and floor-ceiling assembly details. Reviewing interior finishes and completing reverberation time calculations will determine if noise build-up in a space is effectively controlled.
BABICHacoustics delivers comprehensive analyses necessary to ensure that acoustics, noise, and vibration criteria are met for local, state, and federal government projects. Our team completes acoustic studies to determine environmental noise at the site and/or acoustical conditions in existing facilities. We review design documents to ensure that the criteria established at the beginning of the project are implemented. Additionally, our site visits during the construction guarantee that the facility meets the design and acoustic criteria.