Mitigating HVAC Related Noise and Vibration Problems in Building Design

When reviewing HVAC systems in a building, the acoustical engineer is typically faced with some common design aspects that need to be considered – the sound insulation value of the walls and floor/ceiling assemblies of the mechanical room; the noise transmitted through ventilation ductwork; and ensuring that appropriate vibration isolation devices are applied on installed source equipment.

However, there are several more unusual cases in which the design of the HVAC system may have other less obvious impacts on the design of the building.

The four cases presented in full in the pdf below (which can also be download by clicking here) outline several scenarios in which special acoustical considerations may be warranted during the design of a building HVAC system.

Case #1: Sound Masking Technology for Quiet or Silent Distribution Systems

Case #3: Equipment Vibration Isolation for Lightweight Ceiling Structures

 

Case #2: Acoustically Lined Ductwork for Common General Exhaust Systems

Case #4: Partitions or Isolation Joints for Curtain Wall Buildings

 

 

These considerations often arise from initiatives presented by the multi-disciplinary design team, to achieve Green Building (LEED™) goals related to energy efficiency, sustainability, or reduced subsystem costs, or to achieve a desired modern design aesthetic.  However the design implications related to acoustics (and the costs to address the resulting issues) are not often well understood.   Fortunately, it is more and more common to include an acoustical engineer on the multi-disciplinary team, to seek out and address these issues during design, and help develop the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

HVAC-Noise-and-Vibration

This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Canadian Consulting Engineer Magazine