Acoustical Consulting

Noise Expert is an acoustical consulting firm that works on environmental and architectural acoustics. We provide measurements, analysis, reports and/or expert testimony. We are located in Arizona and work throughout the US. 480-332-9325 - www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Noise Tests - http://noiseexpert.com/compressed-natural-gas-cng-fueling-station-noise-tests/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/clean-energy.jpg - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) conducted noise studies for proposed Compressed Natural Gass (CNG) fueling stations in New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut, California, and New York.The operations generally consist of a fast fill dispenser island and several time fill spaces that operated 24 hours...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/compressed-natural-gas-cng-fueling-station-noise-tests/

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Noise Tests

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) conducted noise studies for proposed Compressed Natural Gass (CNG) fueling stations in New Mexico, Texas, Connecticut, California, and New York.The operations generally consist of a fast fill dispenser island and several time fill spaces that operated 24 hours each day. The time fill spaces are used for fleet vehicles. The twin compressor can operated 24 hours per day.

The compressor is the largest noise producer followed by the vehicle noise.

Noise Expert measured the noise at five existing CNG fueling facilities in Texas and Arizona to establish reference noise levels for the proposed facilities.  Using the reference noise levels, the proposed layouts and operation and manufacturers’ noise data, Noise Expert predicted the noise at the nearest noise sensitive receivers (mostly residences).  The noise regulations from state to state varied greatly.  Where noise mitigation was necessary, Noise Expert worked with the companies to install noise mitigation.

The primary mitigation measures that were used was barriers (with acoustical absorption on the noise source side) and controlling the speed of vehicles.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with acoustical evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], Noise Expert (acoustical consultants) – www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Office Building Roof Top Mechanical Equipment Noise - http://noiseexpert.com/office-building-roof-top-mechanical-equipment-noise/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mechanical-roof-top-noise-300x248.jpg - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) was asked to evaluated the mechanical noise from a rooftop HVAC system located directly above an open office space in Chandler, Arizona. The low frequency noise levels were very high in the office spaces below the roof top unit.  The ductwork takes an abrupt ...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/office-building-roof-top-mechanical-equipment-noise/

Office Building Roof Top Mechanical Equipment Noise

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) was asked to evaluated the mechanical noise from a rooftop HVAC system located directly above an open office space in Chandler, Arizona.

The low frequency noise levels were very high in the office spaces below the roof top unit.  The ductwork takes an abrupt 90 degree turn under the roof in duct that is too small for the volume of air being moved.  Hence, the air velocities are very high and cause low frequency rumble.

The proposed to create a storage space below the unit.  We specified the construction of the room walls, door seals, and ceiling treatment.  They could not extend the walls to the structure so fiberglass batt insulation was placed over the acoustic ceiling tiles.

There is not enough space in the ceiling to enlarge the ducts off of the rooftop unit.  Even with the unoccupied storage space below the unit the noise breakout of the ducts outside of the room and the noise through the duct grills was predicted to cause noise levels above the ASHRAE recommended levels.  We recommended that they install a duct silencer at the wall of the storage room wall.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with acoustical evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], Noise Expert (acoustical consultants) – www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Office Building Sound Transmission Testing (FSTC) - http://noiseexpert.com/office-building-sound-transmission-testing-fstc/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/lockheed-martin-stc-258x300.jpg - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) measured the Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC) for seven different walls in a Lockheed Martin office building.  The building was going to be remodeled and some of the rooms were going to have sensitive activity that required an FSTC 50. Airborne noise ...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/office-building-sound-transmission-testing-fstc/

Office Building Sound Transmission Testing (FSTC)

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) measured the Field Sound Transmission Class (FSTC) for seven different walls in a Lockheed Martin office building.  The building was going to be remodeled and some of the rooms were going to have sensitive activity that required an FSTC 50.

Airborne noise isolation addresses noise sources such as televisions, stereos, human speech, etc.  The Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a single-number rating of the sound transmission performance for a partition tested over a standard frequency range. The higher the STC, the more efficient the partition is for reducing sound transmission between spaces.   The following is a list of STC descriptions which corresponds the single-number STC rating to a subjective evaluation of a typical listener. The STC descriptions are based on the audibility and intelligibility of speech between two spaces, and assume relatively low background noise. Keep in mind that the subjective descriptions below are based on typical human speech. Low frequency noise, such as from music, will be more easily audible than speech.

STC 30         Normal speech can be heard and easily understood STC 35         Loud speech can be heard and easily understood STC 40         Loud speech can be heard and moderately understood STC 45         Loud speech is audible, but will sound “muffled.” STC 50         Loud speech is difficult to detect. An occasional word may be understood. STC 55         Loud speech is not audible.

Noise Expert conducted FSTC test in accordance with ASTM E336, Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings and ASTM E966, Field Measurements of Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades and Facade Elements. The FSTC will be calculated using ASTM E413, Classification for Rating Sound Insulation.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with acoustical evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], Noise Expert (acoustical consultants) – www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Resources - http://noiseexpert.com/resources/ - - (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/resources/

Resources

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Cell Tower Noise Evaluation Phoenix - http://noiseexpert.com/cell-tower-noise-evaluation-phoenix/ - - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) is evaluating the noise radiating from an existing cell tower.  The primary noise sources are the air conditioner units mounted to the equipment storage buildings. The goal is to determine the noise levels from the air conditioning units at closest ...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/cell-tower-noise-evaluation-phoenix/

Cell Tower Noise Evaluation Phoenix

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) is evaluating the noise radiating from an existing cell tower.  The primary noise sources are the air conditioner units mounted to the equipment storage buildings.

The goal is to determine the noise levels from the air conditioning units at closest residences.  At the closest residences, there are many other noise sources including: traffic, residential air conditioning units, and aircraft.

There are three cell phone companies using this cell tower (Verizon, Sprint and AT&T) and each has their own equipment buildings.  Getting all of the units turned on and off at the same time would be difficult.

We measured the existing noise levels at the closest residences with all noise sources while the cell tower units were operating.  The noise levels exceeded the Chandler, Arizona noise limit; hence, we measured the noise level of the AC units at a known distance close to the cell tower.

We predicted the noise level from the cell tower units at the closest residences.  We compared these noise levels with the city noise limit.

They were in compliance, so no additional noise mitigation was needed.  We summarized our findings in a report.  If they needed additional mitigation, we would have helped provide it.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with acoustical evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - WalMart Noise Study - http://noiseexpert.com/walmart-noise-study/ - - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) recently worked on a noise study for a proposed WalMart in Yuma, Arizona. The City of Yuma has a noise ordinance of 55 dBA during daytime hours and 45 dBA during nighttime hours.  Where the ambient noise level is greater than the noise limit, the limit will be ...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/walmart-noise-study/

WalMart Noise Study

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) recently worked on a noise study for a proposed WalMart in Yuma, Arizona.

The City of Yuma has a noise ordinance of 55 dBA during daytime hours and 45 dBA during nighttime hours.  Where the ambient noise level is greater than the noise limit, the limit will be increased to the ambient noise level.

For our part, the project consisted of measuring the ambient noise levels at residences in the vicinity of the project to determine the noise limits.

Based on a description of the proposed operation and reference noise levels obtained at other WalMart stores, we predicted the noise that could radiate from the facility.

The primary noise sources include: rooftop mechanical units, delivery trucks, and parking lot noise.  We evaluated noise mitigation options to reduce the noise radiating from the operations to the nearby residences.  After discussing noise mitigation options with the architect, we helped with the final design and selection.

We will be available at address acoustical issues at public meetings, as needed.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with noise evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Theatre Acoustics - http://noiseexpert.com/theatre-acoustics/ - - Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) recently completed an evaluation of a theatre located in Prescott, Arizona.  The challenge was that they wanted to preserved a barrel vaulted ceiling.  The ceiling is not steeply sloped – the focal point is several feet below the floor. We started by e...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/theatre-acoustics/

Theatre Acoustics

Noise Expert (acoustical engineers) recently completed an evaluation of a theatre located in Prescott, Arizona.  The challenge was that they wanted to preserved a barrel vaulted ceiling.  The ceiling is not steeply sloped – the focal point is several feet below the floor.

We started by evaluating the reverberation time and determining the amount of acoustical absorption needed to provide a good environmental for speech and music.  We used the volume, proposed uses, and reference data to determine a target reverberation time.

We then did a ray trace diagram analysis to determine where acoustical absorption should be placed.  The ceiling wan an option for some of the absorption and we worked around the windows and wall features to come up with places for the recommended amount of absorption.

We look forward to seeing and testing the facility when it is complete.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with acoustical evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - MRI Vibration Testing - http://noiseexpert.com/mri-vibration-testing/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MRI.jpg - Noise Expert regularly measures the existing vibration levels at the sites of proposed MRI machines (hospitals and clinics). The manufacturers require that the sites meet certain vibration limits so that imaging from the MRIs are not affected. Vibration measurements include steady state spectrum...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/mri-vibration-testing/

MRI Vibration Testing

Noise Expert regularly measures the existing vibration levels at the sites of proposed MRI machines (hospitals and clinics). The manufacturers require that the sites meet certain vibration limits so that imaging from the MRIs are not affected.

Vibration measurements include steady state spectrum and time decay after an impact. For the steady state measurements, expected activities are simulated, such as: an elevator operating, people walking in corridors, people in the control room, and HVAC equipment operating.

If the site does not meet the vibration requirements, the vibration source is identified and treated. If further mitigation is needed, a vibration isolation system is installed.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with noise and/or vibration issues. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Road Noise for Hotels and Condos - http://noiseexpert.com/road-noise-for-hotels-condos/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ConstructionSite.jpg - Noise Expert has recently evaluated the exterior construction of a few different buildings being constructed near busy roads or highways. The buildings were proposed hotels and condominiums. Architects, developers and builders can reduce traffic noise impacts by adjusting the site plan,...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/road-noise-for-hotels-condos/

Road Noise for Hotels and Condos

Noise Expert has recently evaluated the exterior construction of a few different buildings being constructed near busy roads or highways. The buildings were proposed hotels and condominiums.

Architects, developers and builders can reduce traffic noise impacts by adjusting the site plan, architectural design, construction methods, and using barriers.

Acoustical site design uses the arrangement of buildings and orientation to minimize noise impacts. Acoustical architectural design incorporates noise reducing concepts in the details of individual buildings. The areas of architectural concern include building height, room arrangement, window placement, and balcony and courtyard design. Acoustical construction involves the use of building materials and techniques to reduce noise transmission through walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors.

Noise barriers can be erected between noise sources and noise-sensitive areas. Barrier types include berms made of sloping berrms, walls and fences constructed of a variety of materials, and combinations of these materials.

These physical techniques vary widely in their noise reduction characteristics, their costs, and especially, in their applicability to specific locations and conditions.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with noise evaluations. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/osha_worker_noise/

Worker Noise - OSHA Noise Testing

Measuring worker noise exposure is the most important part of a workplace hearing conservation and noise control program. It helps identify work locations where there are noise problems.  It identified who may be affected and where noise mitigation should be applied.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) noise exposure testing is conducted by putting a dosimeter on a worker during their entire work day.  The noise exposure is then computed.

Acoustical engineers (such as Noise Expert) look at how much time was spent at what noise levels to determine the best mitigation approach.  The acoustical consultants work with the facility to determine the most practical solutions.  Solutions may include: adding acoustical absorption to the room, installing partial barriers, enclosing equipment, and limiting time spent in certain areas.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with noise evaluations – for whatever phase your project is in. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Tempe Open Office Building - http://noiseexpert.com/tempe-open-office-building/ - - Noise Expert is evaluating the room acoustics for a proposed open office space. The primary sound paths between work spaces are the following: diffracting around the end of the partition diffracting over the partition reflecting off of the ceiling reflecting within the workspace and diffracting...

New Acoustics Post from Noise Expert has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/tempe-open-office-building/

Tempe Open Office Building

Noise Expert is evaluating the room acoustics for a proposed open office space.

The primary sound paths between work spaces are the following:

diffracting around the end of the partition

diffracting over the partition

reflecting off of the ceiling

reflecting within the workspace and diffracting over the partition or reflecting to the workspace behind

reflecting off of the exterior room walls

The background noise level (HVAC or masking systems) is critical in providing some degree of speech privacy.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like our assistance with noise evaluations – for whatever phase your project is in. 480-332-9325, [email protected], www.noiseexpert.com

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New Post has been published on Noise Expert - Acoustical Consulting - Mechanical Noise Barriers - http://noiseexpert.com/mechanical-noise-barriers/ - http://noiseexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/snap.png - Heating Pool Pump Acoustical Wall Noise Expert has done a few project recently evolving mechanical noise. There are a few considerations when doing these projects,  one is to address the residents near the noise source. Noise regulation includes statutes or guidelines relating to sound transmi...

New Post has been published on http://noiseexpert.com/mechanical-noise-barriers/

Mechanical Noise Barriers

Heating Pool Pump Acoustical Wall

Noise Expert has done a few project recently evolving mechanical noise. There are a few considerations when doing these projects,  one is to address the residents near the noise source. Noise regulation includes statutes or guidelines relating to sound transmission established by national, state or provincial and municipal levels of government. Large units such as transformers, generators, pumps cause unwanted noise and at times can be unpleasant to view. They can be treated with barrier walls systems which reduce the unwanted noise to acceptable levels. The walls are aesthetically pleasing and help to reduce the noise levels. There are many options to address the different size projects. We work closely with Kinetics Noise Control.  Noise Expert can do evaluations and make recommendations for your mechanical noise issues. Airborne Noise Control Products include, Curtain Enclosures, Sound Absorbers, Barrier Materials, Composites, Sound Silencers, Damping, and Sound Barriers

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Greater Sage Grouse Noise Measuring

The end of the sage grouse season is almost here.  Separating the contribution from wind continues to be a major challenge.

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Litigation in Mulit-Family Housing

http://noiseexpert.com/litigation/ Noise (impact from footfalls) is one of the top reasons for litigation in multi-family housing.  NoiseExpert.com can help evaluate: STC, IIC, HVAC, ...

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Greater Sage Grouse lek noise monitoring and evaluation

Noise Expert has been monitoring and evaluating the noise from greater sage grouse leks near a new mining operation. The noise thresholds were set based on t...

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Indoor Theme Parks

Noise Expert has evaluated the noise at seveal indoor attractions including: Sea Life and Lego Land.  The primary noise issues that we addressed was sound isolation between display areas (where walls do not go to the structure) and the room acoustics in various spaces.  Our study included predictions and measurements.

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Road Noise Analysis

Noise Expert is working on the noise study for the proposed Ina Road interchange at I-10 in Tucson, Arizona.  This is an ADOT project.  Noise Expert is responsible for the traffic noise model (TNM) which predicts the noise radiating from a road.  We are determining if noise mitigation measures (such as sound walls) are warrented.