Building acoustics

Building acoustics issues

Proper acoustic design helps limit noise pollution, improve the quality of space use, and ensure peace and quiet in the neighborhood. The issues encountered include sound transmission between rooms, noise generated by mechanical and electrical systems, noise propagation to the outside, and the internal acoustic behavior of spaces.
Acoustic engineering in building design aims to address these issues from the design phase onward to prevent non-compliance, costly rework, and situations that cause discomfort for occupants.

A powerful diagnostic tool for industrial sites

SIM Engineering uses acoustic imaging to analyze industrial sites, technical facilities, and noisy equipment. Measurements can be taken remotely, from up to 300 meters away, without requiring direct access to the sources.
This capability allows us to work in hard-to-reach areas during normal operations, while ensuring the safety of personnel and maintaining operational continuity. Acoustic imaging has thus established itself as an effective solution for rapid diagnostics and targeted assessments.

Eco-design and certification

In addition to indoor comfort, SIM Engineering also assesses the environmental impact of noise pollution generated by buildings, particularly that caused by technical equipment or amplified music. The studies include:

• Identification of the applicable regulatory framework
• regulatory noise measurement campaigns
• Characterization of ambient and residual noise
• comparative analysis against regulatory thresholds
• the regulatory report and related recommendations
• These initiatives are in line with the objectives of sustainable development and the preservation of neighborhood tranquility.

Acoustic studies

SIM Engineering is involved in all aspects of building acoustics, including :

• visit façade insulation against external noise
  
• visit airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation between rooms
  
• visit noise levels of technical equipment (HVAC, pumps, chillers)
  
• visit internal acoustic studies reverberation time, clarity, intelligibility, musicality, echo treatment
  
• the sound diffusion systems
  
• visit acoustic impact studies in the vicinity
  
• visit vibration impact studies
  
• visit ventilation and smoke extraction systems
  

These studies enable us to guarantee acoustic performance consistent with actual building use.

Building acoustics – Project management assistance (AMO)

SIM Engineering supports local authorities and project owners from the earliest stages of a project, to ensure that technical and regulatory choices are secure. Services include :

• the initial acoustic diagnosis of the project
  
• visit definition of acoustic objectives and expected performance levels
  
• drawing up technical recommendations,
  
• visit drafting acoustic specifications
  
• l’assistance with consultation and selection of service providers
  
• visit site supervision and final performance control
  

This mission enables us to integrate acoustics as a genuine design tool.

Building acoustics – Acoustic engineering studies

As part of its project management services, SIM Engineering carries out comprehensive acoustic studies to translate project objectives into concrete technical solutions. Actions include :

• the acoustic diagnosis and feasibility studies
  
• the acoustic design and modelling of buildings
  
• visit definition of compliant technical solutions
  
• visit drawing up technical documents and specifications
  
• visit site supervision and performance validation
  

This approach ensures consistency between architectural design, technical constraints and acoustic requirements.

Corrective studies and compliance

SIM Engineering also works on existing buildings facing acoustic problems: insulation defects, equipment nuisance, interior discomfort or regulatory non-compliance.

Corrective studies enable us to identify the precise causes of disorders and propose targeted solutions, whether they involve internal acoustic treatments, insulation improvements or modifications to technical installations.