Monday, 6 October 2014

How Acoustical Consultants In New Orleans Help Eliminate Sound Pollution

By Jocelyn Davidson


Musical sound waves can produce emotional satisfaction, but similar vibrations have been used as instruments of torture. Sounds acceptable to one person can be agonizing for another, but most agree that high levels of noise, distortion, echo do not belong in a modern building. When they must be corrected, acoustical consultants in New Orleans use science and personal experience to find lasting solutions to sound transmission problems.

A consultant is more than someone with discriminating hearing. Most have a graduate degree in physics, acoustics, engineering, or a related field, and are trained to work with vibration and sound measurement equipment. They analyze digital recordings to discover the sources and strengths of noise, and are familiar with related software. A senior consultant usually has a decade or more experience in the field.

While churches and schools provide many opportunities for sound consulting, technicians are not limited to those venues. They also work closely with all groups involved in new construction efforts, including contractors, builders, architects and designers, and municipal officials. Although their job is primarily concerned with solving acoustical issues before they become costly and annoying, each project provides unique challenges.

This close association makes it possible to discover issues with sound transmission before they become known liabilities. A consultant working with designers can help ensure that a room has been shaped properly for listeners, that acoustic-enhancing floor and wall finishes are installed whenever necessary, and that sound-absorbing materials have been used wisely. They also perform sound-pattern and dispersal tests in existing buildings.

Interior reflection and reverberation levels can be accurately gauged to determine if modification is necessary. Internal noise transmission is a serious issue in some larger buildings, and can make working inside more stressful than necessary. Consultants analyze the sources and directions of reflected sounds as well as the length of reverberation, and can recommend the best type of control for both external and internal sources.

Acoustic distortion and disturbance involve factors other than building size or shape. Most people learn to ignore the constant roar of engines and tires on nearby freeways, or tune out the roar and vibrations of jets taking off and landing, creating decibel levels that become dangerously high. Even loud urban club music can make life miserable for nearby residents. Consultants accurately measure those levels, create an impact report, and make recommendations for mitigation.

In older manufacturing facilities, machine noise can reach the pain threshold. Acoustical experts gauge the impact of that noise on nearby workers, and provide solutions that may include baffles or interior enclosures. In some buildings, the heating and air conditioning not only provides comfort, but is the source of thumps, groans, whooshing noises and roaring. Consultants help isolate the sound sources, and recommend solutions.

While a great deal of consulting work stems from problems common to schools or churches, consultants are also hired to provide forensic analysis of sound patterns pertinent in an ongoing trial, or to provide expert testimony. They can provide an accurate analysis of construction noise that may become the focus of legal action, and are even able to predict how much random noise a future project may generate.




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