Unwanted sound is more than an annoyance. The health issues associated with both the noise we hear and the sounds we feel are very real. Research is constantly being conducted to determine how sound travels and to discover new ways to block, absorb and deflect noise.

Each month ATCO Structures & Logistics will feature an article highlighting how these new and interesting advancements in acoustical science are incorporated into our noise reduction solutions.

Our first feature article concerns the quantification of low frequency noise.

Practical Considerations For Modeling Low Frequency Noise Propagation

ABSTRACT
Low frequency noise (LFN) generated by industrial and oilfield applications is generally recognized as having the potential to cause annoyance, particularly in rural residential locations. The recent revision of Alberta's Utilities Board (AUB) Directive 38 quantifies sound levels which may be symptomatic of an LFN annoyance condition and recommends that the dBC-dBA level be determined through modeling of new plants and expansions. This paper examines the reliability and limitations of current noise propagation modeling methods with respect to low frequency noise predictions. Topics of discussion include the importance and prospective availability of noise emission levels in the 16 Hz Octave Band, limitations imposed by the prediction accuracy of LFN in software modeling tools and standards, and potential supplementary analysis of noise sources which may help to anticipate an LFN problem. A case study involving dBC-dBA level predictions is presented as practical example. Click here to read the article.