mardi 7 janvier 2014

General Principles On Environmental Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Noise pollution is a major problem in the modern industrialized world. A noisy environment is difficult to work in and possess a health risk as well. Proper environmental noise control is needed to better the acoustic environment. Persons who work in noisy industrial areas should undergo regular medical check-ups to ensure that they have not suffered from hearing impairment.

The management of this pollution is centered on architecture, urban planning, transport and occupational areas. Globally, aircraft and road traffic are the most stubborn sources of pollution. With the exception of electrical vehicle development, very little has been to abate road and aircraft air pollution. Recreational activities may affect people living in neighboring areas by generating amplified sounds and music. This poses a significant challenge in effective control strategies

Different methods have been used to manage interior sound levels. These include party wall designs, exterior walls, and floor and ceiling assemblies. Rooms designed for specific purposes like entertainment halls, recording rooms and auditoria generate sound which can be contained by constructing sound absorbers or baffles. Sound masking as opposed to proofing refers to active addition of sounds to minimize the perception 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.

As in road traffic management, little has been affected in the aircraft sector, other than elimination of loud engine designs. A promising form of aircraft improvement is flight restriction. This can take the form of departure flight path, preferred runway use and time of day restrictions. This is however questionable because it negatively impacts on flying convenience, aircraft safety and economics.

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.

Well planned environmental noise control can eliminate a key component of industrial, recreational or road traffic impact on the surrounding environment. Summarily, the available techniques include sound insulation, absorption, vibration, damping and isolation. Sound insulation introduces a mass barrier to prevent sound transmission. Damping works by extracting vibration energy and dissipating as heat from the thin sheet.




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