Acoustics and Noise Control

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Know and understand the basic terminology and metrics used to quantify and assess noise
• Perform basic acoustic calculations such as the addition of noise sources, distance sound attenuation, and room acoustic parameters
• Read and understand an environmental noise impact assessment report, including the terminology and methods
• Understand acoustical criteria and ratings associated with various architectural specifications
• Know and understand the importance of hearing conservation and methods to reduce hearing loss for workers

Description
Acoustics and noise control play a critical role in industrial and architectural projects. Whether you’re an engineer, technical professional, or someone working in related fields, you are likely to encounter challenges involving sound and noise at some point in your career. This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in acoustics and practical strategies for managing noise effectively.

 You’ll learn the fundamentals of acoustics, key terminology, and measurement techniques, while exploring how engineers tackle issues like environmental noise, building acoustics, HVAC systems, and occupational health.

Through interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and open discussions, you’ll develop confidence in assessing and controlling noise. Whether you’re advancing your technical expertise or enhancing project outcomes, this course delivers the insights and tools to make sound decisions.

Who Should Attend
Engineers • Architects • Technologists • Health and Safety Officers • Environmental Scientists • Oil and Gas Practitioners and anyone else who has encountered noise issues as part of their work.

Day I

Overview

• Introductions
• Review of the content of the seminar

Fundamentals of Acoustics

• Noise and definitions
• Units of measurement
• Noise and generation
• Noise propagation
• Sound and hearing

Basic Acoustics, Terminology and Background

• Physics
• Sound Measurement (dB sound levels)
• Physiology, Weighting Networks (dBA, dBC)
• Addition of Sounds and Sound Power
• Examples

Analysis of Sounds

• Fluctuating Sounds
• Measurement Times Averaging
• Broadband, Octave Bands, 1/3 Octave Bands; with example
• Examples

Sound Sources

• Point / Line / Area
• Road noise sources
• Effects of traffic composition
• Rules of thumb

Environmental Noise

• Various Types of Sound Sources
• Sound Propagation
• Environmental Effects
• Road Noise barriers
• Noise Modeling Software

Day II

Environmental Noise Regulations

• Federal Noise Guidelines
• Provincial Noise Guidelines
• Municipal Noise Guidelines
• Other jurisdictions & useful background information

Architectural Acoustics

• Sound Absorption(absorption coefficients reverberation time)
• Indoor Noise Levels(NC / RC)
• Sound Transmission, Sound Transmission Class (STC) measurements and lab results
• Impact Insulation Class (IIC),
• Building noise isolation techniques
• National Building Code (NBC) Acoustics

HVAC Noise

• Building mechanical noise sources
• Sound transmission, absorption, and re-generation in duct work
• Noise mitigation methods
• Industry Standards (ASHRAE)

Occupational Hearing Conservation

• Principles of hearing loss
• OHS regulations

General Noise Control Methods

• Control of building mechanical noise and sources
• Control of industrial noise sources
• General Sound Level Meter discussion