Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Consultancy - Noise & Vibration Impact Assessment

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Over the years this country has built a vast network of motorways and recently increasing importance is being given to the construction of modern high-speed rail links. All existing, improved or new transport corridors can inevitably lead to environmental concern and these have a potential to cause adverse noise and vibration impact on local buildings and residents. This concern is recognised at local and national level.

Overview of Our Services

We offer a wide-ranging consultancy service for environmental, transportation, industrial and housing developments and the built environment.

• Environmental impact assessment of noise and groundborne vibration due to road and rail transportation, both existing and proposed road and rail schemes.

• Evaluation and optimisation of alternative scheme proposals.

• Recommendation and assessment of ameliorative measures.

• Assessments are undertaken in accordance with recognised national calculation guidelines, e.g. CRTN 1988, CRN 1995, DMRB, NATA and PPG24.

• Undertake background, basic noise level and source specific noise surveys including broadband, octave and third octaves data with resolution down to 20 milliseconds.

• Monitoring and assessment of groundborne vibration resulting from construction and demolition operations in accordance with guidelines contained in British Standards: BS7385 for possible damage to buildings (ppv) and BS6472 for human discomfort and annoyance (vdv).

• Undertake airborne and impact sound insulation testing of partition walls and floors in accordance with the new Building Regulations and, where necessary, recommend suitable measures for compliance.

• Preparation of Proof of Evidence and representation at Public Inquiries and Lands Tribunal Hearings.

• Assessment of eligibility under Noise Insulation Regulations and assessment of appeals.

• Independent audit of computer noise prediction models, particularly WS Atkins’ NoiseMap.

A noise survey of the existing conditions close to the area is essential for many reasons:

• A survey gives a baseline condition against which any future changes can be judged

• Measurements may be used to validate the accuracy of the computer model

• Pre-existing levels are used in consideration of planning applications for residential development as required in Planning Policy Guidance Note 24

• The background levels may be used to set noise control limits at selected locations during the construction period

• The information may later be used by the District Valuer in assessing Part 1 claims under the LCA.

• And, the Environmental Pollution Dept. of the Local Authority simply likes our pro-active approach!

Computer prediction of noise levels in accordance with CRTN 1988 and BS5228

A computer model, using WS Atkins’ NoiseMap 2000 computer software, is made of the area adjacent to the scheme proposals. This would include design details of the route including traffic flow forecasts, earthworks, any natural or purpose built noise barriers, ground topography, details of all nearby noise sensitive receivers and, for construction sites, details of plant and duration of the activity. This software is well proven and highly respected in the industry.

Assessment of alternative development options and optimisation of noise mitigation measures

Details of each proposed route are input into the model and the benefits and dis-benefits are assessed by changes in noise levels compared with the existing or the preferred scheme, in accordance with NATA and DMRB. Various mitigation measures can be quickly evaluated in the same way and ranked, eg using HA guidelines that include cost. Results can be presented by coloured contours of noise levels and/or noise changes. Output is tailored to project requirements, i.e. PPG24, NIR report, etc.

Audit of traffic noise predictions

We will undertake an independent audit of noise calculations, particularly those prepared on Atkins’ NoiseMap, for third parties and consultants requiring independent QA check prior to final assessment.

Noise levels and groundborne vibration.

Noise and groundborne vibration from construction and demolition works is becoming very important, particularly in relation to damage to buildings and human disturbance and annoyance. We liaise with the local EHO and undertake short-term, long-term, manned and/or unmanned surveys. We use state of the art equipment and methods for cost-effective solutions. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of claims for compensation.

Proof of Evidence and representation at Public Inquiries

We can prepare a Proof of Evidence embodying the results of a full assessment of the scheme proposals and alternative route options and present it at Public Inquiries, Land Tribunals and consultation meetings.

Assessment of Eligibility under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975

Assess eligibility for offers of noise insulation under traffic noise (Reg. 3 and 4) and construction noise (Reg. 5). Prepare a Statutory List of properties and an illustrative map. In addition, we can provide an independent assessment of appeals and prepare the Noise Insulation Contract and manage the process of installing the noise insulation package into each eligible building.

Land Use and Housing Development

Assess a site for potential housing or any noise sensitive development in accordance with guidance in PPG24 and, where necessary, recommend and optimise mitigation measures.

Sound Insulation Testing

We will undertake airborne and impact (wall and floor) sound insulation testing for residential conversions in accordance with the new Building Regulations ADE 2003. Also, provide appropriate recommendations for compliance, where necessary.