Projections and measurements of vibration and noise

Three disciplines of consulting firm involved in creation of residential tower

Consulting firm Alcedo was engaged to make various calculations and take measurements during the construction of residential tower 70LUX in Zoetermeer.

Alcedo specializes in three disciplines, says director Robert Schram. "We advise from the first sketch to the final completion of the building. Within the Environmental Department, we perform measurements and calculations of environmental noise. We do this in the context of spatial procedures required to enable housing developments. In this way we know what effect environmental noise has on the new building and advise on the measures to be taken to make the new building possible. In addition, our Buildings Department tests whether a building design meets the requirements for fire safety, energy performance, daylight/ventilation/spouting, acoustics and installation noise. We check this against an architect's construction drawings. Finally, our Construction Department deals with noise and vibration calculations prior to and unmanned monitoring during the construction phase."

Forecast noise pollution

All three of these disciplines worked together on project 70LUX in Zoetermeer. First, a noise study had to be done to test against the Noise Abatement Act and the municipal noise policy. Schram: "With mathematical models we made a prognosis of the noise. Based on the traffic data, digital information of the surroundings and plan drawings, we made a 3D model that calculated the noise level on the facades. This showed that this building could not be realized without taking measures. These included, for example, higher balcony screens, additional sound insulation and specific grilles in the dwellings to provide noise-reducing ventilation." 

Acoustic and thermal comfort

An important aspect of project 70LUX was ensuring acoustic and thermal comfort in the homes. The Buildings Department played a crucial role in this by testing the design against the requirements of the Building Decree (now: Building Works Decree/Bbl). "We worked intensively with the design team to achieve a functional and comfortable building," Schram explains. "The design was assessed for thermal insulation, energy performance and acoustics, among other things. We always work with an integral approach. We not only meet the requirements, but also contribute solutions that aesthetically and practically match the architect's design." Thanks to this approach, the design team succeeded in creating a residential tower that meets all the legal requirements as well as providing a high level of comfort for residents. 

Monitoring vibration and noise

During the realization of the cofferdam, Alcedo conducted noise and vibration monitoring. "The vibration (and later the vibration again) of the sheet piles is accompanied by noise and vibrations," Schram said. "The purpose of the unmanned measurements is to prevent noise and damage to surrounding buildings. A noise survey was carried out before the finishing (flattening) of the concrete floor in the evening period, so that possible nuisance to local residents could be understood." Schram looks back on the project with satisfaction. "Often we work with one of our disciplines on a project. What is special here is that we worked with all three disciplines."