Noise & Vibration Testing

We love to measure! Testing has been an essential element of our engineers’ work across their 50 years of combined experience in acoustics and vibration. We provide precision noise measurements of a variety of sources including transportation, HVAC, mechanical noise, and voices through walls. We also deploy our sophisticated equipment and highly trained staff to identify problem spots in existing buildings and to help architects and other construction professionals ensure new structures are comfortable for their occupants. When remediation is required, our engineers always deliver solutions informed by accurate, precision measurement.

Our Noise Testing Services Include:

  • Field STC (ASTC or NIC) testing
  • Field IIC (AIIC) testing
  • Sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) testing
  • Acoustic measurements
  • Transportation noise and vibration measurements
  • Monitoring to ensure compliance with noise ordinances

All of our on-site noise testing services conform to ANSI, ASTM, BOCA, ISO and IBC standards.

SCIF and Secure Facility Testing:

Secure or sensitive information facilities often have design specifications which help ensure that the project meets the intended level of privacy. These specifications are typically defined with the use of Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings for wall partitions, floor/ceiling assemblies, door assemblies, and other elements enclosing a secure facility. Compliance with the design specifications can be determined through field testing according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard E336. ASTM standard E336 defines test methods to determine a field rating for an acoustically rated partition, either noted as Apparent Sound Transmission Class (ASTC) or Noise Isolation Class (NIC).

Phoenix Noise & Vibration has multiple years of experience in helping clients meet secure and sensitive facility requirements by designing spaces to meet SCIF requirements, developing test plans, deploying engineers to sites to conduct field measurements, and providing recommendations for remediation. Common things to look for when determining if your secure or sensitive project requires field testing:

  • Field STC (ASTC or NIC) testing
  • Door assemblies with STC rating requirements
  • Project Specification Section 08 34 73 – Sound Control Door Assemblies
  • National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) Tech Spec ICD/ICS 705
  • Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Directive No. 6/9 – Physical Security Standards for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities
  • Joint Air Force – Army – Navy (JAFAN) 6/9 Manual – Physical Security Standards for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities

Measuring HVAC and Environmental Noise:

Most solutions for environmental noise begin by asking “how loud is it?” We use professionally calibrated equipment to provide a precise answer through 24-hour site surveys or smaller-scale testing, as appropriate. Whether the issue is HVAC equipment, generators, construction activity or other common challenges, we can quantify noise from any source. Sound transmission class and impact insulation class represent the most common building code issues related to noise transmission. In our work, we frequently assess both, providing measurements that confirm compliance with all local and national standards.

Measuring Vibration

Our testing services extend to vibration, as well. When buildings house sensitive equipment, Phoenix Noise & Vibration provides surveys to gauge the existing level of vibration in the floor system. We can assess the feasibility of using a space for extremely sensitive equipment, such as an electron microscope or medical imaging technology, and our team offers remedial engineering to help rooms meet demanding specifications.