Elevator equipment noise mitigation for high-rise residential condominium

Abstract

A new high-rise hotel and residential condominium building had elevator equipment rooms between residential spaces. During construction, elevator equipment noise was audible in adjacent unfinished residential spaces. The developer and architect requested evaluation by an acoustical engineer. Investigatory observations with acoustical and vibration measurements were conducted to determine sources and paths of vibration and noise transmission. Construction noise and the unfinished condition prevented measurements reflective of actual future conditions in occupied spaces, but 1/3 octave vibration measurements in the elevator equipment rooms and on wall surfaces of residential space indicated structure borne vibration transmission that could result in re-radiated audible sound. Sound spectrum measurements in the elevator equipment rooms compared with anticipated airborne noise transmission loss through the demising partition indicated potential levels of residual elevator equipment noise in residential spaces. Primary acoustic sources were determined by observations and validated by vibration and measurements in the equipment room. Anticipated noise levels due to airborne sound and structure borne vibration were compared to full-octave background noise Room Criteria (RC) to determine attenuation requirements. Recommendations for noise and vibration mitigation were developed. Mitigation measures implemented by the construction contractor will be enumerated with subjectively determine results.