As they say, "Real estate value depends on location, location, location! When location! also means noise! - such as in proximity to a freeway or an airport - value varies between "desirable" and "undesirable". Twenty years ago, it could be argued that a noisy environment was not a good location for an office building, studio, auditorium, hotel or residence. But this is less true today. The science of noise isolation design is now as common as waterproofing and fire protection. What to do? Where to go?. Research by the US FAA, DOT, EPA and the construction products industry over the past few decades has produced new guidelines and noise isolation methods. Site noise measurements are combined with noise isolation design for cost-effective solutions. The associated cost, at one time estimated to be 10% or greater, can now be as little as 2% of project cost. Our successful projects include Franklin Inn (Now Days Inn) near the Newark, NJ airport, King-of-Prussia Inn near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Radisson Hotel at Port Columbus, Market Mohawk Apartments of Columbus, Holiday Inn at the Cincinnati Airport, Homewood Suites near I-275 in Cincinnati, and Crittenden Court Apartments in Cleveland. Survey First we survey the noise on the vacant or previously occupied proposed construction site. For residential property, the survey extends over 24 hours to fully consider night time noises. Design Interior noise limits are set according to the intended structure use, e.g. a private residence, condominium, apartment, auditorium, hotel, hospital, campground or trailer park,. Client requirements of size and style are introduced. Masonry facades are preferred. We then specify appropriate exterior shell window, wall, HVAC penetration and roof details that embody adequate noise isolation. Materials Construction suppliers or manufacturers are surveyed for practical noise control materials. Windows and doors are important. Material suppliers can furnish noise isolation (STC per ASTM E 90) data for their products. Sound transmission loss (TL) data are available from manufacturers on a frequency band basis, or we will perform field tests on-site or on mock-up structures. Experience Matching the shell structural elements to the noise environment and building use often requires the services of an experienced acoustical consultant.
If you have acoustical or noise control design problems you would like to discuss, feel free to call or FAX us any time.
Campanella Associates
For more information on... Angelo J. Campanella, P.E., Ph.D. (Principal)
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