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Our world is heating up. Climate change has led to a worsening challenge for engineers who are involved in construction projects.
The hotter it becomes the greater the need for air conditioners to cool down building interiors. As AC systems on rooftops increase in number and size this has led to a rise in the range of unwanted noises such as mechanical, airborne, breakout and aerodynamic which occur at the same time and spread out in different directions.
Con-form Group, a partner of Engineers Australia, addressed this topic at the first Thought Leader Series webinar for 2024 – Overcoming Acoustic Challenges In A Heating World. Managing Director Nigel Cro explained that buildings with the largest systems – shopping centres, hospitals and data centres featuring rows and rows of big and noisy chillers – are being placed close to built-up areas. Because the matter of unwanted noise leakage is often left until the end of the construction process there are building companies failing their acoustic audits. They urgently seek a solution which adds more cost to the project than if it had been included at the start.
Mr Cro said when people with an understanding of acoustic behaviour/control are included in the early stages of projects they can contribute to a reduction in costs and a much smoother handover to tenants.
Con-form Group created Australia’s only tuneable acoustic barrier, Acoustic+. With a Noise Reduction Coefficient of .75 (which can be increased), Acoustic+ absorbs and reflects sound. Its absorptive barrier is moisture/UV resistant and 100% recyclable. It is available in five densities from 7-31 kg per m2. From an aesthetic point of view this modular screen is available in popular Colorbond colours.
Sometimes a rooftop requires a combination of a noise barrier whilst allowing air flow through to AC plant equipment. In these situations, Con-form offers an Acoustic Louvre which is also tuneable.
