In all aspects of our lives we are surrounded by sound. Depending on the situation, sound can play both a beneficial or a detrimental role. Acoustical Engineering encompasses all areas in which there is a need to control, attenuate or enhance sound and vibration, hence covering a wide market range where this interaction occurs.
The acoustical optimization of a space or the sound quality of a musical instrument imply a great knowledge of the physical mechanisms of generation and propagation that are, in the before mentioned situations, the same for the control of noise or vibrations in industrial environments and for building construction.
InAcoustics is then able to encompass a large number of distant markets that approach the optimization or control needs for the various situations in which sound and vibrations work.
One of the main applications of Acoustics in our daily life, in the scope of Engineering Acoustics, is to control sound from two antagonistic points of view: that of eliminating or attenuating its negative effects, and that of enhancing its potential by shaping it to the space that surrounds us, giving it a distinct character in each place.
The latter strand composes the most thrilling area of intervention for acoustic consultants, as it is the most demanding in terms of both equipment and knowledge of all the processes involved.
Concert halls, theatres, recording studios for radio, television or cinema are the most sensitive buildings to their acoustic surrounding, be that of the need to optimize the listener’s experience during a concert or to turn immaculate a specific audio recording.
In these types of work, InAcoustics utilises one of the most advanced numerical simulation software – CATT-Acoustic – , allowing for accurate predictions for the sound propagation in interior spaces. We have also developed our own software based on wave theory using finite difference modelling schemes (FTDT), to analyse low frequency phenomena. In both cases it is possible to create an auralization of the acoustic field as it will sound in the room under study, which allows us to leap from the analysis of parameters in a report to an concrete audio example of a music excerpt via headphone or sound systems 5.1, among others.
To support the project, we make use of acoustic impedance and absorption measurements of the coating materials made with an impedance tube and the measuring and analysing software WinMLS. With this software and the complementary aid of the necessary microphones and omnidirectional sound sources we can measure the fundamental acoustical parameters defined the sound quality of spaces under study. In more complex cases for the resolution of problems in existing buildings, we make use of an “Acoustical Camera”, that allows us to visualize the precise location of reflections, allowing for the determination of the areas in which it is necessary to reorient or absorb sound waves.
It is fundamental also in this area of work to determine the influence of equipments generating noise and vibration.
This aspect is as important to the quality assessment as the geometry of the room or the materials present within. Often neglected, this is one of the aspects in which InAcoustics most invests with a very close proximity and the associated engineering specialties.
When necessary, InAcoustics also provides services for the design of electroacoustic facilities, optimizing the choice of loudspeaker system through numerical simulations, using the software CATT-Acoustic and DDA complemented with the acoustic predections for more efficient and precise results.
InAcoustics has experienced unique experiences in the design and construction of numerous spaces and buildings dedicated to performing arts and the media. It is fundamentally in these projects that we apply the most advanced calculation, simulation and measurement techniques in order to meet the high requirements that these spaces require.
InAcoustics has the capability, technology and experience necessary to achieve these goals, not only during the project, but also in the prior planning and support in defining the characteristics and requirements of these buildings. It is also essential to consider the accompaniment to the construction, during which the acoustic solutions are implemented and in which attention to detail is critical.
The market of building construction has been one of the largest force for the development of InAcoustics. Since the foundation of the company we have been in close proximity with architects and engineers that design the facilities and the companies that build it.
After hundreds of finished projects we have acquired the experience that allows us to be trusted by the most renowned architects, which allow us to learn a continue innovating the solutions we present.
Despite the usual association to the design of auditoriums, concert halls and theatres, Acoustics is ever more relevant and required in all types of facilities, from offices, hospitals, museums, schools and even multi-family or isolated housing. This relevance springs not only from legal or normative bindings, but particularly the demand for improved conditions of comfort, quietness and intelligibility.
To guarantee that the construction of a building abides these criteria, the intervention of Acoustical Engineering in the project has to occur at different levels, exchanging experiences with all specialties involved, besides architecture. If the acoustic coating, isolation or its relative positioning has a significant interference in the architecture, noise and vibration control passes through the specialties of structures, hydraulic, electrical and mechanical installations. The complexity in the work of an acoustic consultant lies precisely in finding the potential incompatibilities of the projects with the acoustic requirements and providing solutions that, in accordance with the whole team, satisfy the proposed objectives.
These aspects as relevant for the construction of new building as they are for the rehabilitation of old ones. In the latter, as typically rehabilitation occurs in old buildings with poor isolation treatments and in the most cases unknown, the participation of Acoustics is fundamental to guarantee comfort conditions that are compatible and adequate to the necessities of or day to day.
InAcoustics has a long experience in the design and rehabilitation of buildings, particularly in the hospitality industry. The main challenge presents itself when there is a need to maintain the majority of the existing structures and elements, and hence it is necessary to find non-intrusive solutions that bring to antique buildings the demands of quality and comfort of the modern days.
An important part of InAcoustics’ experience in the construction market is associated to school buildings. Both in the design and construction of schools and in the rehabilitation of exiting schools, these projects are the most fulfilling because the acoustic conditions, particularly relating to intelligibility of speech, are fundamental to the students learning and the teachers rest.
Throughout our career we have been creating, alongside Architecture, inovative solutions for the acoustic conditioning of these types of facilities, having today several schools built in which we have significantly contributed to the improvement in the conditions for teaching.
Modern building that host offices, shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, need to meet the demands of the workers and costumers that use them. In more critical cases such as buildings dedicated to scientific investigation there are facilities in which the acoustic and vibration conditions must obey highly demanding criteria, such as for example, the instalations MRI equipment in places with excessive vibration.
It is implied in our work the conciliation of the architectural needs with the acoustic and vibration requirements. The success in our work comes when the Acoustics are not perceived as intrusive, remaining invisible and diluted in the Architecture but always manifesting itself in the quality, comfort and sense of well-being perceived by the user of that space.
If you have any issues you which to resolve don’t hesitate in consulting us, without commitment so we can aid you in solving your problem.
Industry is still today one of the largest contributors to noise pollution in developed countries. Despite the efforts to isolate from areas where sensitive construction is not allowed, there are still many sectors operating near urban conglomerates.
In these cases, the propagation of noise from industrial facilities to neighbouring buildings many times give rise to pertinent complaints that demand a quick intervention, but above all an efficient one. This is an aspect in which InAcoustics is an expert: finding the best solution for the minimization of noise or vibrations that, for the lost cost, provides a lasting and conciliatory action in the surrounding environment.
However, even in the cases where the propagation of noise to the exterior is not a problem, the requirements for health and safety at work imply the appreciation for quality and preservation of the workers hearing. In industries of both large and small scale, excessive noise levels are responsible not only of hearing problems but also in the productivity of labor and the increase of stress and tiredness.
Industry recognizes these influential factors in its activity, which has allowed InAcoustics to develops various noise and vibration control projects from the development of noise maps and large scale plans of action to punctual interventions in manufacturing equipment. With the introduction of regulatory elements and environmental certificates, we have aided several companies in maintaining high levels of productivity, securing both the health and comfort of their workers as well as the relations with neighboring dwellers.
Our experience embraces the most diverse sectors of industrial activity, from the transformation of cork to plastic and food industries.
One of the problems associated noise control in industry is the difficulty and cost of interrupting in the manufacturing activities which is sometimes necessary to carry out the acoustic measurements. In the particular case of sound source identification, InAcoustics has acquired a 360 degrees “Acoustic-Camera” that provides an immediate visualization of the sound sources that most contribute to the noise generated in a specific sensitive location. In this way, we intervene only in the equipment that generates the problem and only to strictly necessary degree.
Despite the existence of other methods to achieve these goals, this technology is the only one capable of providing fast and efficient results, without halting production.
Given the diversity of equipment in the various branches of industry, the degree of complexity of the sound radiation in and out of the facilities is very high. This demands the use of sophisticated monitoring equipment and simulation software as well as the indispensable presence on the ground and the deep knowledge of the field.
Despite the existence of other methods to achieve these goals, this technology is the only one capable of providing fast and efficient results, without halting production.
If you have any issues you which to resolve don’t hesitate in consulting us, without commitment so we can aid you in solving your problem.
The infrastructures of transport are the main sources of acoustic discomfort in today’s society. Despite the various mechanisms for the regulation of noise produced by the means of transport, the centralization and population growth is leading to an increase of the number of infrastructures in close proximity to urban conglomerates.
Given its wide scale of impact, the noise from transport infrastructures is one of the most important environmental factors in decision making process for the development of society at local, national and even continental level.
Road transport is the closest one to the population and the one in which more attention has been given recently with the construction of acoustic barriers and traffic planning taking
into consideration its acoustical impact. However, aeronautical and train noise, are also elements of great relevance and it is therefore important that the construction of new airports and train tracks is accompanied by an evaluation of its noise impact and the corresponding proposals for noise minimization.
If the noise generated in the passing of vehicles is the most concerning one to the general population, the discomfort occurring near stations is of major importance. Passengers’ terminals, be that train station, metropolitan, airports or cruse terminals, concentrate a large number of people that not only need acoustic comfort but also need speech intelligibility of the useful information and potential warnings as well as evacuation warning in emergency scenarios. This component, of speech intelligibility, carries a huge role and is of fundamental importance in the design and acoustic treatment of these facilities.
In the particular case of underground transport, the vibration transmission component is extremely important.
When tracks are built under sensitive buildings such as houses and hotels, it is common that the transmission of vibration occurs mainly structurally to the building where it is then transformed into sound by the surfaces that cover it. Anti-vibration control, both at the source and the transmission paths, is an option for noise minimization that generates a better acoustic environment. The problem of noise and vibration generated by the transport infrastructures is one of the largest influential factors in the health of populations.
InAcoustics is prepared to conduct studies of noise and vibration impact using both experimental and numerical simulation methods and recommend the adequate solutions to minimize it. Allied to comfort and intelligibility of speech in transport stations, the reduction of noise and vibration contributes to a better travelling experience and an general urban involvement.
Noise maps are a tool to support the decision of very important urban and territorial interventions. These instruments quantify parameters, standardised at European level, in order to allow urban planning of road, rail and aerial infrastructures for the decisive influence they have on the acoustic environment of population agglomerates. The setting of acoustic zoning by municipal entities and their confrontation with noise charts allows the preparation of conflict maps that serve as a basis for the establishment of municipal and national noise reduction plans. Municipal plans and environmental impact studies should always be supported by noise and conflict maps for decision-making and public consultation.
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A small component of the energy utilized in this sector is dissipated in the form of noise and vibration. Despite small it is sufficient to generate, in many cases, high levels of sound pressure near even the pain threshold of the human hearing system.
The mechanisms of energy generation are typically very noise, be it due to the action of combustion engines, turbines, boilers, wind turbines or the transport of vapor and fuel through conducts, among others. Our experience of noise control in these scenarios comes from the resolutions of problems in diverse fileds, from thermo-electric power generation plants to investigation on the noise generation mechanisms in turbines.
In this sector, InAcoustics provides services of prevision, scaling, monitoring and control of noise and vibration, from the designing of facilities to the identification and resolution of problems during construction and its posterior assessment.
Most requests due to problems of noise and vibration occurs during the operating period of the energy generation facilities. In these situations, not only the identification and solution to the problem is more complex but the cost associated with it is considerably higher. Indeed, this applies to most sectors of industry so that we recommend contacting our consultancy in the early stages of the project, whether in wind, solar, cogeneration or hydraulic facilities.
InAcoustics has the capacity and technology to predict the problems that will arise in the operation stage so that situations of acoustic discomfort and high exposure to noise and vibration can be prevented, in both the exterior and interior of the facilities.
If you have a problem with your business that you want to resolve, please contact us without commitment so we can assist you in resolving your situation.
