This document provides an overview of acoustical analysis services provided by GHD, including noise and vibration monitoring, modeling, compliance testing, and building acoustic design. Key services mentioned include noise impact studies, construction noise monitoring, noise modeling using CadnaA software, pump vibration analysis, generator noise assessments, and testing for sound insulation and reverberation in buildings. Case studies described noise modeling for industrial facilities and emergency generators, as well as building acoustic investigations and testing.

1. Acoustical Analyses: GHD
Capabilities
Dr. Howard R. Quin, INCE
howard.quin@ghd.com
978-766-8296

2. Noise Services Overview
- Planning Studies
• Land Use Compatibility Study – zoning and permitting
• Stationary Noise Impact Study – industrial equipment, HVAC, generators
• Construction Noise impact study
• Baseline Noise Monitoring
- Peer Review Services to Developers/Municipalities
- Building Acoustic Services
• STC testing, HVAC noise analysis, Architectural review
• Indoor Acoustics - RT60, Total noise level (OSHA), SNR, STI
• Industrial Noise Analyses-monitoring, dosimetry
• Vibration Monitoring and Mitigation-pumps, other equipment
Compliance Monitoring-Noise and Vibration
Industrial and Construction

3. NOISE MODELING Cadna/A Introduction
– Cadna A = Computer Aided Noise Abatement
– Prediction “TOOL” – validate with real measurements
– Interface to input site-specific data, including:
• Geometry – building, receiver, terrain, source
• Acoustic quality of surfaces – reflective/absorptive
• Time-weighted operations / Day/night scenarios
• Sound level data – PWL or SPL
• Evaluate noise emissions using point, line, area/vertical
area source parameters

4. Cadna/A Benefits
– Predict noise impact BEFORE sources come on-line
– Clients understand how Facility/source modifications
affect compliance with state and local ordinances
– Design, evaluate and confidently recommend different
abatement options for problematic sources
– Present pre and post-abatement COLORED noise contours
graphically – tables don’t always justify a serious
abatement program!
– Import existing information to maximize project efficiency
(e.g., site plans, CAD dwgs, noise source reference library)

5. Industrial Noise Modelling
Typical compliance issues with state or local regulations

6. Industrial Noise Modelling
Model facility-wide
impact at nearest sensitive
receptors using sound level
measurements input to acoustic
input to acoustic modelling
HVAC, generators, industrial
equipment
* Unattenuated Cadna A
noise contours shown 250
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> -99.0 dB
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7. Industrial Noise Modelling
Design a Noise
Abatement Action Plan;
Estimate compliance with
appropriate sound level limits
using noise abatement measures
(barriers, mufflers, curtailment)
Submit findings to
regulatory authority.
* Attenuated Cadna/A noise contours shown250
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> -99.0 dB
> 35.0 dB
> 40.0 dB
> 45.0 dB
> 50.0 dB
> 55.0 dB
> 60.0 dB
> 65.0 dB
> 70.0 dB
> 75.0 dB
> 80.0 dB
> 85.0 dB

8. Industrial Noise Modelling – Case Study Mondelez
•Vacant commercial building to north
•Zoned commercial land use
•Proponent to rezone commercial space to permit high density
residential use
Problem?
– New line-of-sight to the north
– High rise will have elevated noise exposure overlooking
roof of industry
– Existing NAP has no benefit for new proposed
development

9. Industrial Noise Modelling
•Cadna A model of the
mitigated site (with silencer)
shown to be in compliance.

10. Industrial Source Noise Monitoring
Conduct reference or compliance sound level measurements of
individual noise sources at the facility from close proximity using
a precision Type 1 sound level meter and store measurement data
for later use; usually done by us

11. Town of Innisfil Peer Reviews
Project Summary:
• GHD has been retained by the Town of
Innisfil to provide acoustical, noise and
vibration control peer review services.
• Intent is to verify that all proposed
developments meet Town Engineering
Design Standards, MOECC Standards,
GO/Metrolinx guidelines (used in Ontario),
Legal Agreements and Industry Standards
• To date GHD has reviewed submissions
for proposed residential and commercial
developments.

12. Pump Vibration and Noise Assessment

13. Pump Noise and Vibration Services
• Noise and Vibration Monitoring
• Noise modeling for OSHA or state compliance evaluation
• Noise and Vibration mitigation assessment (repairs, rails, barriers,
panels, enclosures, operational changes)

14. Emergency Generators
Mufflers and Enclosures

15. Emergency Generators
• Sometimes modeling needed to meet City and State Requirements
• Can be modeled using Cadna/A noise modeling (see earlier)
• Exhaust and Radiated noise done separately-mitigate both!
• Possible to model mufflers, enclosures, and barriers
• Can verify compliance with on-site measurements during testing

16. Construction Noise Evaluation
• Sometimes needed to meet City and State Requirements
• Can be done using Cadna/A noise modeling (see earlier)
• Useful in determining appropriate mitigation (better mufflers,
changes of hours/operations, noise barriers)
• Can verify with monitoring-can help local branches do it too
• Can do vibration monitoring too if needed

17. Construction Noise and Vibration Monitoring

18. Short Term Compliance/Background Monitoring
Type I Meter setup straightforward for use; can be done by you

19. Long Term Noise Monitoring
One day to one month, usually outside, done by us

20. Buildings with Interior Acoustical Concerns
Residential
• Condominiums
• Townhouses
Commercial
• Government Buildings
• Office Buildings
• LEED Buildings
• Industrial Facilities
Community
• Restaurants, Bars & Breweries
• Theatres
• Churches
• Schools

21. Building Acoustics Services
Design Services
• Architectural Acoustics Design
• Mechanical Noise Review and Mitigation
• Acoustic Comfort and Quality (RT60, STI)
• HVAC Noise Assessment
• Speaker Placement and Modeling-(SNR,STI)
Testing and Investigation Services
• Acoustic Investigation-measurements
• Sound Transmission Class (STC) Testing
• Speech Privacy Class (SPC) Testing
• Reverberation Time Testing (RT60) Testing
• Noise Criteria (NC) Design and Testing

22. Waterview Condo’s – Grimsby ONT

23. Architectural Review - Waterview Condo’s
Project Summary
• GHD retained by developer to do review of architectural drawings with
respect to acoustic quality
• Plumbing noise analysis
• Mech. equipment room analysis
• In construction site inspections
• Post construction verification
STC testing

24. Lumency Board Spaces- Toronto, ONT
Investigated Wall Panels, Ceiling
Panels and Carpeting to reduce
reverberation time

25. Reverberation Time Plots

26. STC Rating and Testing
• Ratings done by examining tables, making
calculations/estimates
• Testing done by data collection - source,
receiver, background
• Perform curve fit using data

27. Indoor Noise
•Ferrero Rocher
– GHD conducted an Occupational Noise Exposure and
Sound Level Mapping Assessment
– Objective was to assess and evaluate employee exposure
with respect to the Occupational Health and Safety Code
(would be OSHA regulations in USA) and to identify the
predominant noise sources/equipment throughout the
Facility
– Personal noise dosimetry ranged from 81 dBA to 93 dBA
– The area was consistently above 85 dBA

29. Indoor Noise
•Ferrero Rocher
– GHD recommended that:
• micro-silencers be installed on the pneumatic lines
• Areas be enclosed in openable Plexiglas cases
• Vibrators be replaced with low noise options or remove the items
not required

30. GHD Acoustics Team Services for Branches
• Available via Skype or smart phone for meter training, setup, and location
• Can fly out for larger/longer term monitoring programs
• Can fly out for testimony public/client meetings as needed
• Can use on-site photos and client information for modeling
• Can write add-on proposals with other disciplines
• Can provide market lead follow up and client contact (phone or emails)

31. Thank You!
Questions?
www.ghd.com