Acoustics and Vibration

Environmental Acoustics, Vibration and Air Quality

Our acoustics practice is one of the largest in the industry and is passionate about noise control applied to protection of natural environment and health and safety for mining, maritime, industry, energy and infrastructure projects. Our clients include state, local and national government agencies, as well as private developers and corporations. Our staff performs the investigation, measurement, analysis, and modeling of project-generated changes in pollutants, greenhouse gases, and noise-, ground- and structure-borne vibration. Our specialists develop regulatory plans, mitigation measures and engineered approaches for controlling this pollution as well as enhancing air-quality and acoustical performance. Utilizing a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art acoustics, 3-D and air quality modeling tools, our team provides accurate and realistic information about project effects to decision-makers, stakeholders and the general public.

In addition, we prepare and support Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments, testify on behalf of clients, lead professional organizations and committees, develop nationally accepted models and help develop local regulations. Our in-depth technical knowledge, coupled with our problem-solving approach, helps guide clients through the necessary regulatory processes needed to successfully plan, build and operate their projects. 

Building Acoustics

WSP’s team of building acoustics professionals helps our clients develop cost-effective measures and approaches for minimizing noise and vibration impacts. Our broad experience and knowledge of various codes, guidelines, and industry standards, allows us to effectively resolve complex acoustical challenges.

Every building type is unique, and we customize our approach for all of them. Markets we serve include educational facilities, laboratories, corporate real estate and tenant improvements, mixed-use residential, hospitality, healthcare, performance spaces, mission critical, government, and historic structures as well as complex buildings that require careful, strategic design to address the acoustics for a multitude of functions.

Trends evolve and we embrace changes and innovate accordingly. Whether for the rise of mass timber construction, sustainability certification systems such as LEED or WELL, designing with neurodiversity in mind, or local jurisdictions adopting updated code requirements that include new acoustic goals, our team is ready to adapt.

Acoustic Services

• Exterior noise control
• Sound isolation/transmission
• Acoustic finished and room shaping
• Speech intelligibility for PA and/or AV systems
• HVAC noise and vibration control
• Sound making
• Site Assessments
• Interior existing space benchmark testing
• Future site interior noise and/or vibration surveys
• Exterior noise surveys - ambient noise and/or vibration
• Interior and exterior three-dimensional acoustic modeling
• LEED or WELL documentation
• Lease language reviews
• Owner acoustic standards development
• Commissioning/Post-construction field verification measurements

Standards and Regulations

• Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) for Healthcare
• LEED / WELL
• ASHRAE
• ANSI and DOE EDSPECS
• CALGreen
• HUD
• IBC
• Federal standards (PBS-P100, ICD ICS 705, UFC Codes, etc.)
• Local noise ordinances at adjacent property lines
• Specific client and operator design standards