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Acoustic FAQ
WHAT IS AN ACOUSTIC REPORT?
An acoustic report is a compilation of design recommendations created in response to particular environmental, traffic and general ambient noise data. Some engineers may also combine an assessment of mechanical HVAC noise emissions into one or produce it as a separate report.
The report itself includes measures on how existing designs can acheive BCA and NCC compliance, usually by adjusting glazing, utilising window dampners and modifying material choices. In addition, developments often have unique noise legislations such as the State Environmental Planning Policy and the respective local council’s Development Control Plan which stipulate general noise emission targets that must be followed.
At Dural Group our reports also include an environmental noise impact statement that measures the magnitude of industrial noise sources and forecasts the effect that the proposed development will have in both absorbing and introducing additional noise into the surrounding environment. This helps design engineers further down the line optimise the building for better performance efficiency without falling below the regulatory requirements.
WHEN DO I NEED AN ACOUSTIC REPORT?
In general an acoustic report is needed in the development application for most commercial projects which are reasonably expected to introduce noise into the environment. It is up to the local council to ask for one as legislation varies by municipality.
As of recent, most local councils ask for an accoustic report for residential applications too in an effort to force designers to build more sustainable homes.
WHAT IS NOISE MITIGATION DESIGN?
Noise Mitigation Design is the process of optimising existing designs with a focus on reducing vibration and room resonance. Produced sounds can be further dampened through engineering principles such as material choices and phase resonances. At Dural, our consultants use specialist modelling software and their own judgement to provide valuable advice on how rooms, such as a recording studio can be better designed to minimise its impact on the surrounding internal environment.
WHEN DO I NEED NOISE MITIGATING DESIGN?
Noise Mitigating Design is an optional service, usually commissioned when completing complex residential projects, such as large houses or large commercial and industrial developments where noise becomes an actual occupational risk. A typical acoustic report covers this design philosophy inherently so this is moreso for specialist applications that require more indepth analysis and resources.
WHAT IS MECHANICAL NOISE CONTROL?
Mechanical noise control is a design service that aims to minimise vibration and resonance in mechanical systems, such as HVAC or industrial process lines. This is especially important in commercial and industrial factories where excessive noise can become an occupational hazard and the vibrations that follow can dislodge mechanical parts with time. Like with any other of our acoustic services, simulations and consultant experience is used to select the best placement of crucial mechanical units to keep noise levels below council requirements. Our acoustic department works closely with our mechanical consultants to understand the noise emissions of particular systems through manufacturer data and utilises similar principles of material choice and placement to optimise the system overall.
WHEN DO I NEED MECHANICAL NOISE CONTROL?
Mechanical noise control is typically included in an acoustic report but for specialist applications such as an industrial factory process or HVAC system, this service is needed separately to show compliance with EPA Noise Guidelines among other respective legislation.
WHAT IS A NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN?
In cases where changing the design of the building is limited, a noise management plan helps show compliance with the respective legislation. Essentially, this management plan outlines how a development will be taking steps to minimise its noise emission and bring them inline with local council requirements. For instance, this may be done by operating loud mechanical systems at certain times of the day or perhaps changing certain HVAC units with more efficient ones by a certain date.
WHEN DO I NEED A NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN?
A noise management plan is best suited for existing commerical developments. In cases where a development is found to be uncompliant with local regulations, our consultants can perform an assessment of the system and help design a plan to reduce noise emissions over time.