SANTA MONICA, CALIF., May 21, 2013 – A towering and stout zig zag-shaped construction fence that spans nearly 800 feet long and is lined with Acoustiblok, Inc.’s Acoustifence soundproofing material at the Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) Science & Technology Building Project has helped reduce construction noise for students and the local community by 10 decibels each day over the past two years. A 10 decibel decrease in sound level cuts perceived loudness to the human ear in half, making this black colored acoustic fence very “green.”
If all sections of this acoustical construction fence were linked together in a line, it would span nearly two and a half football fields and be as tall as a two to three story commercial building in some sections. Why is this much fencing needed? This three year, $55 million improvement project entails reconfiguring a 5.2-acre northern portion of the existing 26-acre school campus. The school is located in a densely populated area of posh Santa Monica near businesses and residential dwellings.
An existing softball field was demolished and a new modern 97,000 square-foot science and technology building is being built in its place. Once completed, the old science and technology building will be demolished and a new softball field will be built in its place. The Acoustifence construction barrier will moved and reused to mitigate noise escaping to the nearby neighborhoods during various phases of the project. Additional outdoor site improvements are being constructed as well on the SAMOHI campus. The construction project began in December 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in winter 2014. It is approximately 48 percent complete at the time of the writing of this news article. More information about the project can be found at: http://fip.smmusd.org/santamonica.html
Acoustifence is a modern day acoustical soundproofing product developed by Tampa, Fla.-based Acoustiblok, Inc. It’s an advanced material sound barrier that is placed between a noise source and the noise receiver. The Acoustifence material easily attaches to chain link fences and comes in large sections and in custom made sizes, making it ideal for construction fence applications that require a soundproofing element at the construction site. Acoustifence material is extremely strong and was engineered to withstand harsh outdoor environments like construction sites and highway environments. Full exposure to dirt, grease, oil, mold or even being driven over is not a problem for the Acoustifence.
The word “green” refers to environmentally-preferable attributes of a product, service, and/or technology. The 1/8” thick Acoustifence is a unique proprietary formula. It is a heavy mineral filled viscoelastic polymer material that is made in the United States from all USA made material. Acoustifence is 100 percent made in the United States. It does not contain lead, asbestos, or barium and is UV-resistant and impervious to water and mold. Graffiti, a real consideration in a school area, is easily removed compared to other surfaces. Acoustifence has had proven success in many demanding applications and is an effective defense against outdoor noise pollution.
A construction project this large isn’t simple or easy. It’s messy, noisy and can disturb the usual flow for people around the construction site. The school district was committed to minimizing disruption to students, staff and nearby neighbors during the construction. Mitigating construction noise and dust going into the school and neighborhoods located directly across the street had to be addressed by project planners. The main high school building is located within very close proximity of the construction area. Single family homes, apartment complexes and businesses are located in areas across the street from the campus.
Project planners decided early on that acoustical barriers will be in place to reduce noise levels for classrooms and neighbors and that the construction area will be separated from the working campus by a safety fence and that
“This 5.2-acre construction site is very spread out. Controlling noise from heavy machines, demolition, and construction activities can be challenging at large construction sites located in densely populated areas,” said Glenn Nadalet, Senior Construction Manager for Parsons/CCM.
Two sides of the Acoustifence barrier are being used to protect the neighborhood and the other portion protects the school. Temporary chain link construction fencing is commonly used at construction sites to help prevent theft and damage to machinery, equipment, and property, as well as provide security for the construction crew.
Construction noise may negatively impact those around a construction site. The SAMOHI construction project Acoustifence ranges in height from 14-20 feet at different parts of the construction site and zigzags around the perimeter near the street and the existing school building. In addition to the construction fence, Acoustifence soundproofing material was draped over the side of the top portion of the school building to help make the second floor quieter for students during construction.
“Our heavy equipment machines emit between 90-100 decibels of noise while operating depending on the machine itself. Throughout the day, these machines are sometimes located 250-300 feet away from the school building making it virtually impossible to contain all the noise,” Nadalet said.
Heavy equipment machines are needed to build large buildings and rebuild a large area like at Santa Monica High School. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, noise from various construction machines can range from 70-95 decibels at 50 feet. One front loader can reach approximately 83 decibels; scrapers, graders and backhoes approximately 92 decibels; concrete mixers and cranes approximately 88 decibels, earth moving tractors can reach approximately 95 decibels. A single jackhammer can reach nearly 100 decibels and a pile driver reaches approximately 105 decibels. So a 10-decibel decrease in construction noise significantly helps to keep it within a more tolerable range.
“The Acoustifence noise barrier wall is located about 10 feet from the school building so our machines are not always located within close proximity to the noise barrier fence. We work hard to keep construction noise as minimal as possible while moving the project forward to meet our deadlines,” Nadalet said.
Noise intensity is measured in decibel units. The decibel scale is logarithmic; each 10-decibel increase represents a tenfold increase in noise intensity. Human perception of loudness also conforms to a logarithmic scale; a 10-decibel increase is perceived as roughly a doubling of loudness and a 10-decibel decrease is perceived as half as loud. A typical conversation occurs at 60 decibels – not loud enough to cause damage. If a sound reaches 85 decibels or stronger, it can cause permanent damage to a person’s hearing with prolonged exposure. The amount of time a person listens to a sound affects how much damage it will cause.
“The Acoustifence is psychologically positive for the students, teachers and administrators at the school. It gives them confidence that we are taking care of their noise concerns. We believe we get about a 10 decibel decrease in construction-related noise for the neighbors and school with the Acoustifence barrier,” Nadalet said.
Acoustiblok now also produces beautiful landscape covers for its fences. Since the covers are an actual photograph of different scenery, such as foliage, flowers, brick, or stones, it is virtually indistinguishable and many say better than real life.
Marilyn Myers is Acoustiblok’s Chief Operating Officer who worked on the Santa Monica Fence project. “All our noise barrier products are affected by where they are positioned in reference to the noise source, the distance between the noise source and the noise receiver, the height of the barrier, and the type of environment they are in. The amount of noise Acoustifence reduces is also much related to other reflective structures in the area,” she said.
The Public Works Division of FenceCorp, a leading California fencing company based in Riverside, Calif., won the bid to install the large temporary acoustic fence for the project. Acoustiblok’s Acoustifence material was considered to be the best choice for its proven performance and ease of installation.
Ira Schechtel, Manager of FenceCorp’s Temporary Rental Fence Division at the Oceanside, Calif. Branch, helped oversee the work. He was heavily involved in the bidding and administrative aspects of the project. Schechtel is an experienced fence professional with 30 years experience in the fence industry. He is also the former president of the California Chapter of the American Fence Association.
“Because the cost and human effort associated with the acoustical fence is higher than a typical chain link fence, it was important that we not make mistakes when we built it. We have to do things right the first time to avoid costly mistakes with these types of fences. A mistake on an acoustical fence is much more substantial in terms of dollars per section than typical chain link fences.”
A fence of this magnitude would be a significant financial loss if it failed to adequately reduce noise. To ensure results, Acoustiblok Corporation’s engineering department uses acoustical outdoor modeling software to accurately predict the acoustical results in advance. The software, called Cadna A, was developed in Germany to create cities with reduced noise levels and is considered the most advanced of its kind.
Schechtel and vice presidents Perry Massie and Alan Kay, and Superintendent Kenny Kocek helped oversee the bidding and installation of the Santa Monica Construction Fence project. “The bidding and installation process for a large specialized fence like this takes more time and effort than people may think. Due to the height of the barrier walls, we engineered the large posts and cables to specifically hold the dense and flexible acoustical fence. Even the barriers on the existing building were specifically designed for Acoustifence. It truly takes a team effort to do these things right and be successful in the fencing business.”
“As we do more Acoustifence projects, we are learning what to look for in advance. Each Acoustifence project has its own unique set of environmental, noise and design challenges with our customers. This is not a one size fits all fencing application. There’s more science to them and to be effective, they have to be positioned in the right places around the noise sources. This just adds to our capabilities,” Schechtel added.
Acoustifence is an effective soundproofing solution because it’s a thin outdoor noise blocking material which acoustically performs precisely as lead does, but without the environmental hazard of lead said Myers. Acoustifence comes in 6 X 30 foot sections considered the most effective first step in reducing noise. It’s now being widely used in construction and building environments, at industrial facilities to quiet generator and motor noises, for mass transit rail lines, residential, and in many other outdoor applications where noise has been an unresolved problem she said.
Lahnie Johnson is President and founder of Acoustiblok, Inc. He drives new product development at Acoustiblok. “Acoustical soundproofing materials and products like Acoustifence, Acoustiblok material, Quietfiber, and our indoor and outdoor All Weather Sound Panels compete in specialized niche markets,” he said.
“People are becoming more aware of noise problems and the stress it causes them. Santa Monica High School is just one example. With greater population density and increasing noise pollution and noise control regulations being passed by local, state and federal governments, the soundproofing products and services market is continually on the rise and we’re here to help meet their needs.”
For more information about Acoustifence or other Acoustiblok products visit the Acoustiblok website at www.acoustiblok.com, send an Email to sales@acoustiblok.com, or call 813-980-1400.
About Acoustiblok
Acoustiblok Corporation, a NASA Spin-off company headquartered in Tampa, FL, provides acoustical soundproofing solutions for noise related issues. The company develops, manufactures, and markets acoustical products, earning the industry’s highest ratings from architects, builders, and consumers. Acoustiblok ships soundproofing products to 60 countries around the world.
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About FenceCorp
FenceCorp is a leading California fencing company headquartered in Riverside. The company offers all styles of fencing and has additional office locations in Anaheim, Palmdale, Santa Paula, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Fresno, and Manteca. For more information about FenceCorp, visit them on the web at: www.fencecorp.us
For Additional Project Information and To See Project Photographs
http://fip.smmusd.org/santamonica.html
YUMA, Ariz., April 3, 2013 - Acoustifence soundproofing material placed around a pickleball court reduced noise by 10-12 decibels in a sound meter test conducted by USA Pickleball Association president Bill Booth on April 17, 2012 at the Country Roads RV Village pickleball courts in Yuma, Ariz. This represents more than a 50 percent reduction in sound as perceived by the human ear the report concludes.
Even as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States continues to gain new participants and fans every day, pickleball is disturbing some neighbors and communities who don’t want the courts around because paddle noise has become a nuisance issue for some people living close to the courts.
In addition to being one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States today, pickleball has spread overseas into Canada, Singapore, India, Pakistan and other places. According to the USA Pickleball Association, the sport boasts an estimated 100,000 adult players in the United States now, more than triple the number in 2003. There are about 2,500 public courts, versus just 150 in 2003.
For decades, the game of pickleball was little known outside the Pacific Northwest United States. Since its inception in 1965 as a backyard pastime, it is now an organized sport represented by national and international governing bodies. While people ages 6 to 70-plus play pickleball and even compete in local, regional and national tournaments, the main driver of the recent growth is the 55-plus demographic who have taken a liking to the sport. They view it as a way to exercise, burn calories, socialize, and get outdoors. More and more pickleball courts are being built in community parks and especially into 55-plus housing developments. Some communities are converting sporadically used tennis courts into pickleball courts or painting additional lines on tennis courts so pickleball can also be played. Pickleball is played on a smaller court size than tennis but has a similar court design.
More courts, participants, tournaments, and attention to the game has brought on more public complaints and even noise or nuisance related lawsuits attempting to stop play on existing courts or stop construction of new courts.
Racquet and paddle sports like tennis, badminton, and table tennis (ping pong) each produce a unique sound when the racquet or paddle hits the ball. In pickleball, there is a “ping, ping” sound made when the paddle hits the ball because the sport uses medium-sized, solid faced wooden, composite or graphite paddles and a hard plastic perforated ball (resembles a Wiffle ball) that is larger, stiffer and less resistant than a tennis ball. The noise generated by the game is louder, sharper and at a higher pitch than tennis which generates a deeper “thwack” sound that registers far lower on a sound meter.
Pickleball paddle noise is in a sound classification called impact noise – noise that occurs when an object collides with another object. It is a high frequency noise that is at a frequency that our ears are most attuned to. Through Acoustiblok’s analysis and modeling efforts of various pickleball noise related projects, the company says there’s one limiting band of approximately 1.25 Khz (1250 hz) that spikes when the paddle hits the ball. Acoustifence blocks much of the noise and reduces it to below a nuisance level for nearby neighbors, becoming barely perceptible among other outdoor background noises such as automobile, airplane, human, and machine noise.
You can hear the pickleball paddle noise for yourself by watching the following YouTube video of a tournament match at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdVMcIDQJlA [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdVMcIDQJlA __title__ USA Pickleball Association nationals competition]
Unlike often tried natural sound barriers such as fences or shrubs, the Acoustifence material does extraordinarily well in not only blocking direct sound, but also has a tendency to reduce sound from reflecting off it. Acoustifence is a revolutionary heavy mineral filled viscoelastic polymer sound deadening material which is only 3mm (1/8 inch) thick. It’s made in the United States and compared to other soundproofing alternatives, is an economical way to reduce outdoor noise.
The ultraviolet (UV) tolerant Acoustifence is hung via grommets onto the top line of existing chain link, panel, security or support pole fencing systems. It comes in 6 X 30 foot-sheets and can be easily cut and shaped into custom sizes with a craft knife. On solid structure fence surfaces, Acoustifence can be installed by nailing, stapling or gluing. Acoustifence is one of the most effective first steps in reducing outdoor noise. The amount of noise Acoustifence reduces however is much related to other reflective structures in the area. More details on Acoustifence can be seen at: http://www.acoustiblok.com/acoustical_fence.php
Country Roads RV Resort is a 55-plus gated community which boasts 150 acres of lavish, mature landscaping and 1294 privately owned home sites. The Acoustifence testing was conducted by USA Pickleball Association president Bill Booth. Tests were made using a Sper Scientific Digital Datalogging Sound Meter (model 840013), a S-Type Composite Extreme Paddle, and New Dura Fast 40 outdoor balls. Tests were made with the tester attempting to hit the ball with maximum force for a worse-case scenario. A series of readings were taken both through the Acoustifence sound curtain and with no sound curtain. Readings were recorded with the meter at 50 feet from the point of impact. In the first case, the reading was even taken through the sound curtain next to a nearby home at a point 42 feet from the sound curtain. The paddle was 8 feet inside the court for a total of 50 feet. The second set of readings was recorded inside the court at a distance of 50 feet from the point of impact.
With no sound curtain, readings ranged from 64.2 – 71.8 decibels for an average of 68 decibels. Through the Acoustifence sound curtain, the meter readings were between 54.7 – 59.2 decibels for an average reading of 56.7 decibels. The report concluded that an 11.3 decibel reduction in sound was achieved. This represents more than a 50 percent reduction in sound as perceived by the human ear by nearby homeowners. That reduction in sound takes the pickleball noise from being annoying to someone to being just barely perceptible, the report conclusion stated. The report also recommended that the Acoustifence product be installed on the inside of the pickleball court if the fence posts are outside the court. The report went on to say that homeowners near the Country Roads RV Village pickleball courts who had the most complaints and lived closest to the courts reported a significant reduction in sound level from having the Acoustifence material up. He said that his wife often does not realize that they are playing on the court. At times, ambient noise significantly exceeded paddle noise.
Lahnie Johnson is president and founder of Acoustiblok, Inc., a NASA spinoff listed company in Tampa, Fla., that invented and manufactures the Acoustifence product.
“Acoustifence serves as a barrier and blocks high frequency sounds very well. The material actually flexes with certain frequencies. In the process of sound waves physically moving it, the product transforms sound wave energy into inaudible internal friction energy. It’s Underwriters Laboratories listed and has attained an STC (Sound Transmission Class) of 28 decibels in independent laboratory tests,” said Johnson.
“Like all our products, Acoustifence is made in the USA with all USA materials. Besides the primary benefit of reduction in perceived noise levels, there are many reasons why Acoustifence is being used not only in the United States, but across the globe for many applications,” he said.
Paul Getts, is an Acoustiblok sales associate who has worked with various pickleball related customers.
“There are many reasons why Acoustifence is a good solution for pickleball noise. For homeowner associations and developers, Acoustifence easily attaches to existing fencing found around most existing pickleball courts and complexes and can be put up in a matter of hours with a few minor hand tools. It is easily configurable to add height and length so it can be used on fences of any size. The material is paintable to meet the needs of the environment,” said Getts.
“There are vinyl photographic coverings for the fence called Acoustiblok landscapes. Hundreds of different unbelievably realistic landscapes are available, from vines and flowers to even antique brick wall, or stone fence photographs. So real one of our customers drove right by their home forgetting they had it installed,” he added.
“Acoustifence is also one of the best priced first response soundproofing solutions in the industry,” Getts added.
Melissa Wood is community association manager at Country Roads RV Village. In a related World Fence News article about pickleball and Acoustifence, she said, “I can attest that Acoustifence material is not difficult to install, can be easily blended into the aesthetics, particularly if you have existing wind screens.” She added that Country Roads RV Village is located near Phoenix and other communities have seen the installation and have inquired about it.
Besides pickleball, Acoustifence is commonly used to quiet generator and motor noise at industrial sites, highway and construction related noise on bridges, mass transit rail line noise, shooting/gun range noise, and even dog kennel noise. It is also being used at college sports complexes and athletic parks and on private backyard residential fences to create a quieter and more peaceful environment.
“People are discovering that there are a lot of great uses for this modern day soundproofing product,” Johnson said.
Johnson went on to say, “We’re not just a soundproofing products company, we’re a noise solutions company. Sometimes, prior to the sale of Acoustiblok’s products, we perform computer-based sound propagation modeling when customers are unsure if Acoustiblok’s materials will work in their specific application.
“We use advanced software called Cadna-A, a top acoustical software made by DataKustic used in the prediction of environmental outdoor noise. It calculates sounds through mediums and different barriers and terrains. We have used it for pickleball-related customers who all have a different set of circumstances associated with their noise. We also use DataKustic’s Cadna-R software for prediction and presentation of inside noise in industrial facilities, rooms and workplaces.”
“We use this acoustical modeling to say to the potential customer ‘here’s your noise level now without Acoustiblok’s material and here’s the noise level with our material based on the noise information we have available to us right now.’”
For more information about Acoustiblok Inc., or Acoustifence visit the Acoustiblok website (www.acoustiblok.com), send an Email to sales(at)acoustiblok(dot)com, or call 813-965-4373.
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About Acoustifence
http://www.acoustiblok.com/acoustical_fence.php
About Acoustiblok – “Quieting the World”
Acoustiblok, Inc, a NASA Spinoff listed company headquartered in Tampa, Fla., provides acoustical soundproofing solutions for noise related issues. The company develops, manufactures, and markets lab tested and certified acoustical products around the world, earning the industry’s highest ratings from architects, builders, and consumers.
Primary products include Acoustiblok® viscoelastic polymer based soundproofing material, Acoustifence® outdoor noise barrier, All Weather Sound Panels®, QuietFiber® insulating material, Quiet-Cloud® industrial sound absorption panels, Acoustiblok WALLCOVER®, and Thermablok® nanotechnology insulation. The company also sells a line of acoustical soundproofing accessory products. Acoustiblok products are used every day primarily in industrial, residential, commercial, building and construction/architectural, and marine sectors worldwide. The company’s products are made and sourced in the United States.
Acoustiblok, Inc. ships products to approximately 60 countries around the world and has a network of stocking distributors both in the United States and internationally. The company operates a wholly owned subsidiary, Acoustiblok Mideast, in Saudi Arabia to augment our distributor network.
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About Country Roads RV Village, Yuma, Ariz.
Country Roads RV Resort is a 55-plus gated community which boasts 150 acres of lavish, mature landscaping and 1294 privately owned home sites.
http://www.countryroadsyuma.com/
TAMPA, FL, January 16, 2013 – An Acoustifence barrier recently installed near a noisy exposed aerator motor at the Hillsborough County Northwest Regional Facility resulted in an immediate and significant reduction in noise pollution for neighboring residents.
The facility is part of a 1,500-acre multi-use tract owned by Hillsborough County. It is a Type 1 advanced wastewater treatment facility built to process five million gallons of wastewater per day. The facility is located on a 67-acre parcel of land 10890 South Mobley Road in Hillsborough County Florida. A residential community called Highland Park is located near the county facility.
Last year, members of the Highland Park Residential Community voiced their complaints about loud whining noises coming into their community from the nearby county facility. The facility took action to find a solution to the noise issue. In residential areas, road traffic noise is usually the major source of noise, with air conditioning/heat pumps, generators, construction, and industrial noises also problems typically.
Wastewater is sewage, storm water and water that are used for various purposes around the community. Unless properly treated, wastewater can harm public health and the environment. It is not uncommon across the United States for wastewater treatment facilities like Northwest to be located within hearing range of residents living in a particular area.
The wastewater treatment facility noise source was a 200-HP Carrousel vertical, high efficiency aerator drive motor located on top of the facility’s 24-foot Oxidation Aeration Basin structure according to Flint Seth, general manager of bio solids production and maintenance at the Hillsborough County Northwest Water Reclamation Facility.
Doug Fisher of the Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department worked with Acoustiblok to devise an economical solution consisting of an L-shaped frame barrier with four 6 X 30 foot-Acoustifence outdoor noise reduction panels secured to it. Acoustifence is a product of Acoustiblok Corporation. Witt Fence Company of Riverview, Fla., was contacted by Hillsborough County personnel to install the barrier.
From a technical standpoint, Acoustifence is an advanced sound barrier. A sound barrier, by its own named definition, is put between the noise source and the listener. Some barriers can be made of virtually anything that sound does not penetrate. There are however, differences and distinct advantages in some over others. Unlike a concrete block wall, which in one respect is a good sound barrier, the Acoustifence actually flexes with certain frequencies, especially very low frequencies. In the process of sound waves physically moving it, the product transforms sound wave energy into inaudible internal friction energy. A concrete block wall would not do this. As the Acoustifence is only 1/8 of an inch thick, it is very easy to position it closer to the noise source. The closer a barrier is to the noise source the more restricting it becomes to the initial sound waves.
Acoustiblok Corporation’s Acoustifence product is a unique proprietary formula. It is a heavy mineral filled viscoelastic polymer material that is 1/8 inch thick and made in the United States. It comes in 6 X 30 foot-sheets. It is one of the most effective first steps in reducing noise for many applications including industrial, commercial, and residential. The amount of noise it reduces however is much related to other reflective structures in the area.
Sound pressure is measured in decibels. The average person can hear sounds starting at 0 to 1 decibel. A typical conversation occurs at 60 decibels – not loud enough to cause damage. An idling bulldozer (not bulldozing) is loud enough at 85 decibels that it can cause permanent damage after only 1 work day (8 hours). If a sound reaches 85 decibels or stronger, it can cause permanent damage to a person’s hearing with prolonged exposure. The amount of time a person listens to a sound affects how much damage it will cause.
A noise meter was used to measure the difference in sound before and after the installation of the noise barrier fence at the wastewater facility. Typical noise from these Carrousel vertical aerator motors ranges from 80-83 decibels from three feet away according to the manufacturer. From 10 feet away, the noise measured 79 decibels before installation of the Acoustifence began and registered 69 decibels immediately after the fence was in place. In a 10 decibel decrease in sound level, perceived loudness is cut in half to the human ear.
"While we were pleased with the reduction in sound decibels picked up by the meter, the most significant difference that we noticed was the reduction in noise heard by the ear. The reduction in noise felt significantly higher than what registered on the sound meter," said Seth.
According to OSHA, typical engine noise, mainly caused by mechanical and combustion forces, can typically range from 100 - 121 decibels measured at approximately 10 feet.
Besides the proven and tested sound reduction qualities of Acoustifence, another beneficial quality of the product is that it is quick and easy to install. "Once we determine the technical solution to a noise issue, the installation of our products is not time consuming or labor intensive," said Lahnie Johnson, President and Founder of Acoustiblok.
Installation of the sound barrier at the Hillsborough County facility was fast and they encountered no unexpected problems. "It took only one day to install the barrier and it resulted in an immediate decrease in directional noise for our facility," Seth said.
"Acoustiblok’s success is not just about the products we have invented but more about the innovation of the products in finding solutions for people’s noise problems. For advanced problems, we incorporate state-of-the-art acoustical prediction software modeling. This allows us to really tie down what the results will be in advance of someone’s purchase and of course can result in huge financial savings to the customer," Johnson added.
While the solution to the noise issue at the wastewater treatment facility was not a complex one, it was an effective one for Hillsborough County. "The Acoustifence barrier made a difference and we are very pleased with it. We have not received any new complaints about the motor noise since the installation of the barrier fence so that’s a good sign so far. We are currently planning to build additional barrier fences for some of the other vertical aerator motors we have on site," Seth added.
While Hillsborough County is happy with how the small amount of Acoustifence quieted the large pump, Johnson sees this as the first of literally thousands of similar pumps around the country and overseas hat may need a similar noise abatement solution.
About Acoustiblok – "Quieting the World"
Acoustiblok Corporation, a NASA "Spin-off" company headquartered in Tampa, FL, provides acoustical soundproofing solutions for noise related issues. The company develops, manufactures, and markets lab tested and certified acoustical products around the world, earning the industry’s highest ratings from architects, builders, and consumers.
Primary products include Acoustiblok® viscoelastic polymer based soundproofing material, Acoustifence® outdoor noise barrier, All Weather Sound Panels®, QuietFiber® insulating material, Quiet-Cloud® industrial sound absorption panels, Acoustiblok WALLCOVER®, and Thermablok® nanotechnology insulation. The company also sells a line of acoustical soundproofing accessory products. Acoustiblok products are used every day primarily in industrial, residential, commercial, building and construction/architectural, and marine sectors worldwide. The company’s products are made and sourced in the United States.
Acoustiblok Corporation ships products to approximately 60 countries around the world and has a network of stocking distributors both in the United States and internationally. The company operates a wholly owned subsidiary, Acoustiblok Mideast, in Saudi Arabia to augment our distributor network.
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PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release
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For more information about our Acoustifence or other Acoustiblok products, or to speak to a knowledgeable Acoustiblok sales representative, call 813-965-4373. Learn more about Acoustiblok products on the Sound Solutions Products page of our website or click here to send an Email inquiry.
PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION AND AVAILABLE PHOTOS
If you are a media representative and would like additional information about this article, have questions, or would like high-res photographs electronically sent to your publication, please contact:
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AIBONITO, Puerto Rico, May 23, 2012 – Installation of an 18-foot noise barrier utilizing Acoustifence sound blocking material has resolved a noise problem caused by truck traffic to and from the To-Ricos, Ltd. chicken processing and distribution facility in Albonito, Puerto Rico.
A common problem at industrial plants across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, trucks at the To-Ricos facility arrive day and night to be loaded and unloaded, and are often left idling for hours. The loud noise created by the trucks bled into the neighboring residential community, and unable to escape it whether they were indoors or outdoors, neighbors began to complain. Exposure to continuous industrial noise can cause sleeplessness, elevated blood pressure, depression and other health problems.
To-Ricos officials took action by contacting Tampa, Florida-based Acoustiblok, Inc., a manufacturer of residential and industrial noise abatement solutions. Acoustiblok consultants recommended the 18-foot Acoustifence barrier to block the truck noise from escaping into the neighboring community without interfering with the trucks’ ability to perform their functions and keep the plant operational.
Acoustifence is a thin outdoor noise blocking material which acoustically performs precisely as lead does, but without the environmental hazard of lead. It is now widely used in industrial environments, highways, construction sites, mass transit rail lines and in many other outdoor applications where noise is a problem.
Plant personnel constructed an 18 foot metal frame to support the Acoustifence sections, which was easily attached thanks to anodized brass eyelets installed along the top and bottom edge of each section, using heavy duty nylon ties included with the product.
“Acoustifence is becoming more popular for industrial applications like this one, where truck and traffic noise is bleeding into the surrounding communities and literally disrupting people’s lives,” said Lahnie Johnson, founder and president of Acoustiblok, Inc.
“To-Ricos has proven itself to be a good neighbor by addressing the noise problem as soon as they became aware of it, allowing us to help them design and fulfill a noise barrier solution that works and can last for years in their tropical island environment.”
To-Ricos is a division of the Pilgrim’s Corporation, the world’s second largest chicken producer headquartered in Greeley, Colorado.
About Acoustifence:
Acoustiblok, Inc., a NASA spin-off company, has been providing high quality noise abatement products since 1998, earning the industry’s highest ratings from architects, builders, consumers, and even the British House of Commons. Acoustifence is a 1/8-inch (3mm) thick unique sound deadening material measuring 6 feet (1.82 meters) high by 30-feet (9.14 meters) long with black anodized brass eyelets along the top and bottom edge for easy attachment to any existing fence or structure.
Heavy-duty nylon ties are included with each roll. Easily installed or removed in less than one hour, impervious to mold, mildew, and UV, Acoustifence is virtually indestructible. The soundproofing material in Acoustifence is a proprietary formula of the Acoustiblok Corporation, developed and refined over a 10-year period.
Acoustifence has proven performance and is easily suspended from a chain link fence, eliminating the need for expensive permitting or structural requirements. Any height can be obtained by simply overlapping the sections. To store, Acoustifence sections simply roll up like carpet into less than a 12-inch diameter. Independent lab tests of the U.S.-made Acoustifence material show a sound transmission classification (STC) of 28, which represents to the human ear an approximately 85-percent sound reduction. However, results will be less, relative to surrounding sound reflective objects such as buildings or trees and the amount of Acoustifence installed.
Acoustiblok, Inc. also has available high quality landscape attachments which fit directly over the Acoustifence to provide a realistic landscape appearance. A variety of landscape attachments are available to choose from, including floral gardens, green meadows, English garden walls, and other scenic illustrations to blend into any natural backdrop or enhance an unfinished yard or property.
For more information on Acoustifence, visit the Acoustiblok website, call 813-980-1400, or E-mail sales@acoustiblok.com.
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PRESS RELEASE
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For Immediate Relase
Contact: Liz Ernst, Director of Public Relations
Lizernst@acoustiblok.com
813.980.1400 x 210
TAMPA, FL – The Tampa-based manufacturer of soundproofing material has signed a joint 50-year agreement with a Saudi Arabian plastics manufacturer to produce and market its noise abatement product in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East.
The new joint Saudi Arabian venture, “Acoustiblok Mideast,” is the result of more than two years of research and negotiations, the value of which is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok USA, and Acoustiblok USA Vice President Shawn Saathoff were in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in March to meet with Arabian Plastics Compound
(APC) President Fawaz Z. Al-Kaaki, and owner Prince Hussam Bin Saud Bin Abdul-Aziz to finalize the agreement.
Acoustiblok is an environmentally friendly sound-proofing material widely used in the United States and throughout the world to provide serious noise control in new and existing commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
The thin, 1/8-inch (3 mm) flexible sheet material, added to a wall before drywalling, is engineered not to stop or absorb sound as others attempt to do, but to actually transform the sound energy into inaudible friction energy as the material flexes from the sound waves. Just one thin layer of Acoustiblok in a standard metal or wood stud wall will result in more sound reduction than 12-inches (305 mm) of poured concrete.
The initial cost of setting up production of Acoustiblok in Saudi Arabia is approximately 30 million US dollars (100 million Saudi riyals). According to the agreement, the Riyadh manufacturing facility will be operating by late 2009. Acoustiblok Mideast will target building projects in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East.
Johnson recognized the potential of the Mideast market after he and Saathoff first visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the U.S. Saudi Arabian Business Council and the US Commerce Department two years ago.
“Clearly our product will improve the lives of people in Saudi Arabia and the Mid East where privacy is considered a very important part of their culture.” Johnson said.
Acoustiblok also allows for much lighter (compared to concrete) wall assembly, which increases the potential height of a building and the speed of construction.
With noise pollution now being recognized as a source of serious health issues, Johnson’s Acoustiblok material is being sought by people all over the world.
In Saudi Arabia, Arab News stated “Acoustiblok will revolutionize building technics throughout the Mid East, while allowing a more harmonious lifestyle as people are living ever closer together.”
Available internationally, Acoustiblok was awarded the John Connell Award for Technology by the United Kingdom’s Noise Abatement Society. Judges hailed Acoustiblok as “A revolutionary step in noise abatement for both the workplace and the home.”
The award was presented at the British House of Commons by Lord Whitty of Camberwell, parliamentary under secretary for the Department for Environment, who stated, “Tackling noise pollution is a priority for [our] government and also for the public. I believe that we should do all we can to encourage and reward innovative approaches, such as this one, to better control noise.”
With more than 35 years experience in the aerospace and audio industries, Johnson’s passion for inventing solutions for acoustical and environmental problems led him to develop Acoustiblok, which is manufactured in the USA.
“Expending acoustic energy, as Acoustiblok does, is vastly superior to conventional methods and more economical,” Johnson said. “It’s also easier to install than sound abatement products that attempt to stop or block sound with a rigid material.”
Johnson’s commitment to research and development of environmental problems has produced leading-edge noise abatement and energy conservation solutions recognized by the building and construction industry throughout the world.
During the signing ceremony, Acoustiblok also introduced its innovative new US made thermal insulation product, Thermablok®. Launched specifically for the incredibly hot
Arab climate, Thermablok is now available for use in building construction and energy efficient retrofits in the United States.
Developed in conjunction with NASA, Thermablok aerogel technology is the highest insulating material known to exist. According to United States Department of Energy tests, adding just one, ¼-inch (6.35 mm) strip to each stud before installing the drywall can prevent thermal bridging, increasing the wall R-value more than 40-percent.
Aerogel technology, recently featured on the Science Channel’s Ecopolis program, is expected to be a prime energy conservation component in cities of the future.
“The future is here now,” Johnson said about Thermablok. “This is the ultimate in energy conservation. It doesn’t get any greener, and the timing is perfect”
For more information on Thermablok, go to www.thermablok.com.
Acoustiblok, a pioneer in sound-proofing and thermal technologies for commercial, institutional, and multi-family construction is a member of the AIA, AES, ASA, and CEDIA.
For more information, visit www.acoustiblok.com, call 813.980.1400, or e-mail us at info@acoustiblok.com.
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PRESS RELEASE
Download PDF
For Immediate Release
Contact: Liz Ernst
Lizernst@acoustiblok.com
813.980.1400 x 210