Pioneering Acoustic Engineering: Collaboration and Innovation at the AAS Conference 2024
- Sydney Staff
- Dec 9, 2024
- 5 min read
At Renzo Tonin & Associates, collaboration, expertise, and innovation are the driving forces behind our commitment to advancing the field of acoustic engineering. Our active participation in the Acoustics 2024 Conference on the Gold Coast exemplified these values.
We were proud to contribute four groundbreaking presentations, showcasing the strength of our team and our dedication to solving complex acoustic challenges through teamwork and innovative solutions.
Showcasing Our Collaborative Expertise
Our engineers delivered four impactful presentations, highlighting our diverse expertise:
Tackling Cumulative Industrial Noise
Advancing Construction Noise Predictions
Evaluating the Acoustic Impact of Degraded Pavements
Redefining Acoustic Isolation with PUR Isolators
In addition to these presentations, we actively engaged with conference attendees at our exhibition stand, demonstrating our latest software offerings and laboratory services.
Tackling Cumulative Industrial Noise
Senior Engineers Angus Leslie and Rodney Phillips, addressed the complexities of managing cumulative industrial noise in compliance with the NSW Noise Policy for Industry (NPfI). Their research offers practical strategies to balance industrial development with community amenity, focusing on maximizing land use efficiency.
Key Findings
Strategic Noise Allocation: The study explored innovative methods to divide cumulative noise quotas among industrial lots, tailored to factors such as lot size, proximity to receivers, and operational characteristics.
Flexible Management Approaches: For clusters with a single managing entity, Noise Management Precincts offered dynamic solutions. For independent operators, noise quota allocation ensured equitable management.
Customized Solutions: Emphasizing site-specific factors like concurrent operations and receiver separation, the research highlights the need for tailored noise management strategies.
This presentation opens opportunities to enhance regulatory frameworks, ensuring practical and effective implementation of the NPfI.
Advancing Construction Noise Predictions
Senior Engineer Adrian Morris, with contributions from Principal Engineer Mattia Tabacchi, presented a comprehensive study on the challenges of predicting and verifying construction noise impacts. Their work delved into the variability of noise levels at sensitive receivers due to changes in construction activity footprints, offering new perspectives for urban noise management.
Key Findings
Sensitivity of Receivers: The study highlighted the significant range of noise predictions for receivers located near construction zones. The "red-arrow receiver" illustrated how minor shifts in construction activity can lead to substantial differences in predicted noise levels.
Validation of Prediction Methods: Building on findings from previous conferences, the research demonstrated consistent results between historical data and new simulations, reinforcing the accuracy and reliability of current noise prediction methodologies.
Innovations in Prediction
Footprint Sensitivity Analysis: Simulations assessed how the placement of construction activities affects noise impacts. This analysis aids planners and contractors in developing targeted mitigation strategies to minimize noise disturbances.
Enhanced Verification Tools: The use of histograms and advanced modeling tools improved prediction precision, supporting more effective noise management practices.
By applying these insights, stakeholders can better anticipate noise impacts and implement strategies to protect sensitive receivers in urban environments.
Evaluating the Acoustic Impact of Degraded Pavements
Director Michael Chung, with contributions from Principal Engineer William Chan, Engineer Aakash Sundar, and others, shared findings on the performance of degraded Open Graded Asphalt (OGA) pavements. The study examined tyre-pavement noise levels along Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway, comparing aged OGA to Dense Graded Asphalt (DGA).
Key Findings
Aging Reduces Effectiveness: OGA pavements not resurfaced since 1997 exhibited higher tyre-pavement noise levels compared to referenced DGA pavements, challenging the anticipated acoustic benefits of OGA pavements. Even OGA pavements resurfaced 10 or more years ago did not fully meet typical noise reduction benchmarks.
Noise Model Validation: The data collected was instrumental in validating and calibrating a traffic noise model, ensuring it accurately reflects real-world conditions and informs the acoustic design for major infrastructure projects.
Methodological Advances
Precision Measurements: Utilizing the RONDA CPX trailer, the team conducted measurements adhering to ISO standards, ensuring the integrity and reliability of their findings.
Measurement Insights: The research emphasized the importance of quantifying the real acoustic performance of existing OGA pavements to ensure the accuracy of established traffic noise models.
Redefining Acoustic Isolation with PUR Isolators
Engineers Arinah Rizal from EMM and Hilary Pearce from RTA, in collaboration with Kaiyi Ding from Getzner, presented a pioneering study comparing cube-shaped polyurethane (PUR) isolators, damped springs, and rubber mounts. This research marks a significant advancement in acoustic isolation technology, aligning with our mission to solve real-world engineering challenges.
Key Findings
Performance and Space Efficiency: PUR isolators matched the acoustic isolation of traditional spring mounts while requiring 40% less installation height. This innovation is crucial for space-limited applications, offering high performance without compromising design constraints.
Consistent Reliability: Rigorous testing under high-energy dynamic loading demonstrated the PUR isolators' consistent performance, positioning them as a compact and cost-effective alternative to bulkier spring systems.
Advanced Testing Methods: Utilizing techniques like pulley-assisted weight drops reflects our commitment to methodological rigor and cutting-edge research in acoustic engineering.
Collaboration: The Heart of Innovation
In-House Expertise: The testing and analysis were expertly led by Arinah Rizal whilst at RTA, with significant contributions from RTA colleagues Nick Peters and Renzo Pombuena.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with Getzner, who provided advanced PUR isolators and damped spring mounts, added precision and credibility to the research.
Cross-Regional Synergy: Seamless collaboration across our offices leveraged specialized knowledge from different regions, highlighting the strength of our collective expertise.
By integrating these findings, engineers and designers can optimize space utilization in modern construction projects while maintaining superior acoustic performance.
Showcasing Software Innovations and Laboratory Services
At our AAS Conference stand, we were excited to showcase the latest features of DataKustik software, including CadnaA, CadnaB, and CadnaR. As the Australia and New Zealand distributors of Cadna software, we were pleased to engage with our customers—both old and new—to demonstrate the workings of these state-of-the-art and world-class acoustic software tools.
Similarly, we were delighted to speak with clients and fellow consultants about how RTA's NATacoustics laboratory can assist them by providing prompt acoustic calibration certification at competitive pricing for their acoustic hardware. Our laboratory services are designed to support the industry in maintaining the highest standards of acoustic measurement and analysis.
Celebrating Collaboration and Innovation
The success of our four presentations at the AAS Acoustics in the Sun Conference 2024 reflects the depth of expertise within Renzo Tonin & Associates and the strength of our collaborative spirit. By uniting a diverse skill set across Australia—and globally—we continue to solve complex acoustic challenges and deliver exceptional results.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our team members and partners who contributed to these studies:
Leadership and Contributions: Arinah Rizal, Hilary Pearce, Angus Leslie, Adrian Morris, Michael Chung, Kaiyi Ding, and Rodney Phillips.
Testing and Analysis: Nick Peters, Renzo Pombuena, Mattia Tabacchi, William Chan, Aakash Sundar, Ima Fricker, Allan Angliss, and Ash Stevens.
Strategic Partnerships: Getzner and Eastern BTA for providing advanced materials and support.
Explore Our Acoustic Engineering Solutions
At Renzo Tonin & Associates, we are dedicated to delivering world-class acoustic engineering services that address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Contact us today to discover how our expertise can enhance your next project.
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