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ACOUSTICS
AKRF’s Acoustics Department offers a broad
range of services for the analysis and abatement of noise and vibration.
Our acoustical staff includes industry leaders with impressive teaching
and publishing credits, as well as experienced professionals who perform
all of the requisite tasks for noise and vibration analysis--from field
work and data gathering to state-of-the-art computer modeling and
development of noise and vibration attenuation and mitigation measures.
As a testament to the firm's leadership in the field, the Acoustics
Department helped revise the New York City Noise Control Code, wrote the
noise methodology for the New York City Environmental Quality Review
(CEQR) Technical Manual, and served as advisor for
updates/revisions/clarifications to the New York City Department of
Buildings Code and the New York City Mechanical Code. The department's
regulatory expertise and technical knowledge are unmatched in the field.
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AKRF uses state-of-the-art instrumentation and
industry-approved methods for noise and vibration measurement and
inspection. This includes calibrating equipment before and after
taking measurements, using windscreens, and accounting for outdoor
weather conditions to ensure accurate results. AKRF has the in-house
noise and vibration equipment for all types of assignments--from
short-term measurements to continuous long-term monitoring. |
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AKRF utilizes advanced computer modeling
techniques to predict noise levels from a variety of mobile and
stationary sources. These include CadnaA, the Federal Highway
Administration Traffic Noise Model (TNM) and Roadway Construction
Noise Model (RCNM), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit
Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, and other industry-standard models. |
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These analyses are performed for existing and
projected increases of noise and vibration resulting from proposed
transportation projects, including impacts from cars, trucks, buses,
subways, trains, helicopters, aircraft, nautical vessels, etc. Based
on these impact analyses, the firm also develops and evaluates
mitigation measures if necessary. |
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These studies assess construction noise and
vibration impacts from on-site equipment as well as the movement of
equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from construction sites.
AKRF also prepares programs to reduce impacts by the use of
site-specific mitigation measures, including source controls, path
controls, and receptor controls.
- New York City Noise Control Code Related Services
- Develop a site-specific Construction Noise Mitigation Plan that satisfies NYCDEP requirements, and oversee its implementation;
- Provide on-site noise monitoring to determine compliance with the Noise Control Code or in response to noise complaints; and
- Recommend site-specific mitigation measures to reduce noise levels at a construction site
- Construction Protection Plan
- Long-term vibration monitoring for construction sites as part of the Construction Protection Plan.
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This type of analysis assesses noise sources such
as power plants, wastewater treatment facilities, water purification
facilities, manufacturing plants, HVAC and mechanical systems, and
wind farms, among others. |
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AKRF performs a variety of specialized noise
studies for uses such as schools and at-grade/rooftop school
playgrounds, sports facilities and athletic fields, dog kennels,
amusement parks, raceways, recycling facilities and transfer stations,
and others. |
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AKRF performs a variety of architectural acoustical design analyses. These include:
- Composite Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class.
This type of study analyzes a building's design to ensure that
window/wall attenuation requirements, established by an (E)
designation or Negative Declaration, will be satisfied.
- Architectural Acoustics.
AKRF can design the layout of building interior spaces and outdoor
areas to achieve optimum acoustical performance.
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This type of study often examines noise issues
related to the following sections of the Noise Code:
- Circulation Devices (§24-227)
- Commercial Music (§24-231)
- Commercial or Business Enterprise Octave Band Limits (§24-232)
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These assessments examine whether exterior
mechanical equipment is in compliance with Mechanical Code Section 926.
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This type of assessment includes examining
whether the Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Impact Insulation Class
(IIC) requirements of a building satisfy the requirements listed in
the DOB Code.
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AKRF provides expert technical assistance on
public hearings and approvals; noise and vibration-related complaints;
and litigation, including expert testimony, preparation of affidavits,
and independent review of noise and vibration data.
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