Building Services
Building services represent a signi
ficant source of noise and provide pathways for sound transmission. Noise should be a core consideration when locating and specifying services.Noise considerations when designing and fi tting building services include:
-
design ventilation ducts such that air velocities are below the thresholds that would cause regenerative noise in internal areas
-
select fans for optimum efficiency. When fan noise levels are above the room design noise level, attenuators should be added to the inlets and diffusers
-
select variable speed drives for larger fans. Speeds can be reduced at commissioning stage if over sized
-
size fans and ducts for a low overall system pressure drop
-
include silencers or acoustic louvers as necessary to reduce noise emissions on external exhausts
-
use antivibration mounts on larger plant to avoid vibration transfer through the structurre
-
be aware of pipework installations which transfer pumping noises
-
easy access to plant and equipment to allow required maintenance should be included in outline designs
Regular maintenance of plant and equipment can reduce vibration and noise and optimise energy effi ciency.
An effective way to manage noise from building services is to locate the services outside the building. The Lloyds Building in London is an example of this; building services are located outside, enhancing available interior space as well as addressing internal noise issues.
However, as external building plant (e.g chillers, ventilation etc) can be a major source of complaint, its location should ensure it does not adversely impact on surrounding buildings.