Prediction methodology and assessment of low frequency noise break-in for a science building

Abstract

More often than not the effects of anthropogenic (or man-made) noise are evident in all facets of the built environment: from residencies and offices through to state-of-the-art R&D facilities. Often external ambient noise can penetrate the fabric of these buildings and adversely affect, for instance, human symbiosis on a socio-political level or mar the outcome of advanced technological research in scientific facilities. The principles of acoustic design of buildings are mainly limited to a specific frequency range, i.e. within the standard sonic range, and usually do not account for the effect of lower frequency noise, such as sound in the less audible range (infrasound). It is in the remit of this work to outline a practical method of estimating the impact of lower frequency noise on a science building housing particularly sensitive experiments susceptible to infrasound. An analytical model of the excitation mechanism of the external building fabric will therefore be outlined and used in tandem with a structural/acoustical numerical model of a science building in order to predict the low frequency acoustic levels within the labs. A set of measured noise data in the actual labs will also lend a level of support to the described method of predictions.