Thursday, December 19, 2013

General Principles On Environmental Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Noise can simply be described as unwanted or annoying sound. Significantly high noise levels negatively impact on the human population both emotionally and physically. A noisy environment is not only difficult to work in but poses a significant health risk as well. Persons that work in such environments need to undergo regular medical check-ups so that they can be screened for hearing impairment. The main purpose of environmental noise control is to make the acoustic environment better.

There are numerous other sources of this kind of pollution other than manufacturing industries. They include, among others, architecture, transport and urban planning. The most stubborn causes of pollution in this context worldwide are aircraft and road traffic. While some sources of pollution are fairly easy to control others like human social activities present a major challenge.

To address indoor sound levels, multiple techniques have been applied including design of party walls, exterior walls, and ceiling and floor assemblies. Special purpose rooms such as auditoria, social halls, recording and dining areas emit sound which can be controlled by putting up sound baffles or absorbers. As opposed to sound proofing, sound masking entails actively adding sounds to reduce the disturbance of certain other unwanted sounds.

The planned introduction of hybrid vehicles is set to reduce the level of sound pollution in the streets. This, unfortunately, will take an extremely long time to be realised. It is estimated that at least half of the vehicles have to be replaced on the roads if the pollution is to be controlled. Other ways of controlling the problem include modification of tire tread designs and improving diesel stacks. Speed control is an additional measure that can be undertaken.

In the aircraft industry, getting rid of loud engine designs is one of the few measures put in place as a noise control strategy. A number of different flight restrictions are a great potential to improved acoustic environment. This may include preferred use of runways, time of day restrictions and departure flight path. The major setbacks however are flying inconvenience, flight economics and safety.

A number of finishes and materials can be employed in ceiling panels and acoustic walls. A good panel is one that does not interfere with the substrate. Fabric covers are used for effective maximum absorption. The covers may be modified into sound blankets or curtains that are used to cover surfaces or noisy equipment. Moreover, windows that are thicker or double glazed may also serve the same purpose.

In manufacturing industries, it is important to adopt designs that will produce the least amount of noise possible. Persons that are stationed in these places should have protective equipment and should be exposed to the environment only when necessary. Quality control departments should have their own quiet rooms where proper acoustics are fitted to keep away the disturbance.

A wisely laid out plan for environmental noise control is crucial in eliminating all areas of pollution. In a nutshell, sound management methods include insulation and absorption, vibration isolation and vibration damping. Sound insulation employs large barriers to prevent transmission of sound. In damping, vibration energy is extracted from the thin sheet and dissipating as heat.




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