Acoustics, Noise and Vibration

Contact

Daniel Clare RSK Acoustics Director +44 (0)1928 726006 dclare@rsk.co.uk

Tom Zarebski Cole Jarman Director tom.zarebski@colejarman.com

Acoustics, by nature, is intrinsic to all aspects of life and the built environment, and our philosophy is based on the underlying principle that acoustic effects can be described and quantified scientifically. Services in this specialist field of engineering and applied physics are principally provided by RSK Acoustics and Cole Jarman.

Trusted and experienced

Our acoustics work is rooted in the planning, design and implementation aspects of the UK construction industry, where we employ acoustic design solutions and noise control strategies founded on robust analytical techniques, innovation and extensive experience. Our experience and scientific approach means that we are not limited to the environmental and architectural acoustic disciplines, however; we are also experts in solving a wide range of other complex acoustics, noise and vibration related issues. While we have our foundations in the UK, we also have significant experience throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Improved safety

Our experience and scientific approach means that we are can solve a wide range of complex acoustics, noise and vibration related issues outside of the environmental and architectural acoustic disciplines. If you have an acoustics, noise or vibration issue on almost any topic, we are likely to be able to assist.

Our Expertise

Noise and vibration surveys

We undertake long-term monitoring, including development of bespoke real-time online survey interfaces and non-standard measurement and monitoring conditions.
Acoustic testing

We conduct tests of sound insulation, speech intelligibility, noise at work assessments and other acoustic commissioning activities. We are an ANC-accredited sound insulation testing company with respect to Part E Building Regulations.
Environmental noise and vibration impact assessments

We undertake assessments for planning, environmental impact assessments, environmental statements, Section 61 applications, entertainment licence applications, and any other environmental acoustic noise assessment applications. Services may relate, but are not limited, to road, rail, distribution, industry, entertainment or construction sources, and may include local authority liaison, basic noise assessments, noise mapping, detailed atmospheric noise modelling, control of atmospheric noise propagation, ground vibration propagation analysis and prediction, specification of vibration mitigation measures and whole building vibration isolation; We can also prepare auralisations/audio demonstrations of environmental noise factors in support of planning or public consultation exercises.
Airport noise assessments

The assessment of noise from airports is a specialist field of the environmental noise discipline, requiring special knowledge of airport operational regimes/requirements and planning legislation and use of airport noise mapping software. Those contributing to these assessments hold high regard in the acoustics industry.
Sound insulation design

We provide sound insulation design at all stages and for all types and sizes of building. Detailed services include establishment of project acoustic requirements, acoustic specification of internal and external building fabric constructions and materials, preparation and development of proprietary and bespoke acoustic construction details, laboratory test management, site inspections, and development of remedial solutions following problem-solving site tests.
Mechanical services noise and vibration control

We prepare specifications for any type and size of mechanical and electrical installation, including establishment of project acoustic requirements, atmospheric and internal noise and vibration assessments, development of proprietary and bespoke noise and vibration control solutions, specification of noise and vibration control hardware, laboratory test management, site inspections, and development of remedial solutions following problem-solving site tests.
Room acoustic design

We undertake room acoustic design for all types of spaces including theatres, concert halls, recording studios, education spaces, offices and industrial facilities. Detailed services include establishment of project acoustic requirements, development of room geometry in support of requisite room acoustic conditions, room analysis using simple and advanced computational room acoustics modelling tools, specification of acoustic surface finishes including development of bespoke architecturally sensitive solutions, laboratory test management, site inspections, and development of remedial solutions following problem-solving site tests. We can also prepare auralisations (audio demonstrations of the room acoustic conditions) of design options and proposals.
Electro-acoustics

We can conduct analysis and review of electro-acoustic systems, including acoustic modelling of loudspeaker arrays and matrices, investigative tests of sound systems and speech transmission index compliance measurements, development of remedial solutions following problem-solving site tests, and specifications for white-noise masking systems.
Advanced investigative acoustics and vibration consultancy

Advanced investigative acoustics and vibration consultancy includes audio signal analysis, multichannel vibration analysis, coordination of finite element vibro-acoustic models, development of ultra-low vibration sensitive environments, and other vibro-acoustic troubleshooting.
Noise at work

We undertake predictive noise exposure assessments and personnel noise exposure monitoring, and develop of noise exposure mitigation options, all in accordance with the UK’s Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
Expert witness

We can provide expert witness support in any aspect of the above services. We have given evidence at public, local and structure planning inquiries; parliamentary committee hearings; high, county and magistrates’ courts; and licensing hearings. We prepare technical reports and develop these into proofs of evidence or legal statements. We participate in conferences and prepare rebuttal evidence; prepare briefing notes for counsel or legal advisors on technical matters relating to noise; and negotiate with interested parties on technical issues.

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