Reducing Noise in Sydney’s Tunnel System

Tunnels can be an important part of any transportation infrastructure. But they create a challenging environment of loud traffic noise, corrosive exhaust fumes, unique airflow and high pressure.

To combat these factors, Axial fans are installed which can bring with it its own noise challenges. The integration of noise control systems is an important consideration during the initial design phase of any transportation infrastructure project. 

Here at IAC we can help, offering a wide range of field proven products, aiming for a balance between necessity and keeping noise at bay.

In this article, we will take a look at one such case. 

The challenge

 How can you reduce distracting echoes and reverberation inside a noisy fan room? 

Sydney’s Transportation Infrastructure

The city of Sydney has recently undergone a large-scale transportation infrastructure project.

Part of the project included a tunnel construction with fan rooms that house large axial fans,  which comprise the tunnel system. These fans play a vital role in reducing exhaust polluted air and fumes in case of tunnel fires, but they also circulate fresh air inside the tunnel. 

IAC Acoustics were called to reduce the reverberant noise within these rooms, which posed further challenges as the noise cancellation had to stretch the entire room – floor to ceiling. 

The Solution 

The Varitone™ sound absorption system from IAC was proposed. The panels can be suspended from ceiling and attached to walls, making them perfect to offer a full noise coverage solution. 

This modular system is easy to construct and fit for any space. With panel lengths of up to 3660mm and two standard thicknesses to choose from, allows scope to be tailored to any specification. The Varitone™ sound absorption panels are also very hardwearing- manufactured from rugged, abuse and fire resistant 0.76 stainless steel. 

 IAC provided a full acoustical evaluation service for Sydney’s transportation project, to determine the correct position, size and quantity of panels needed to achieve effective reverberation control. The panels were manufactured at IAC’s Sydney works and supplied to site for installation by the fit-out contractors.

Require Tunnel Noise Control Solutions? We can help

At IAC Acoustics, we place the health and safety of workers and the general public at the forefront of what we do. With over 75 years of global experience, our team of expert engineers can help with any noise control obstacles. 

If you’d like to know more about our transport noise-control solutions, get in touch today.