Evaluating Acoustics and Vibration in Buildings

Noise and vibration can compromise the performance and comfort of critical spaces if not addressed early in the design process. This course provides a deep dive into acoustical criteria, isolation techniques, and HVAC-related sound control, with practical applications across commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. Participants will gain firsthand insights through lectures, technical discussions, and a guided tour of the acoustically engineered Hamel Music Center on the UW–Madison campus.

• Mechanical engineers, acousticians, and architects involved in building design and system integration.
• Facilities managers, construction professionals, and commissioning agents responsible for performance and compliance.
• Environmental health and safety professionals focused on occupant comfort and regulatory standards.

Day One

Welcome and Student Introductions

 Architectural Sound Control – Room Acoustics

• Source Path Receiver
• Size, shape, materials
• Size versus wavelength
• NRC and limits
• Reflection / Absorption / Diffusion
• Small rooms
• Large rooms

 Architectural Sound Control – Acoustic Isolation

• Transmission paths (airborne, structure-borne)
• STC, CTC, OSTC and limits
• Open plan
• Enclosed rooms
• Transmission theory
• Mass law
• Double walls

 Acoustic Site-Specific Cases

• Office environment
• Retail and hospitality
• Residential housing
• Other occupancies
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
• Worship facilities
• Factories and industrial
• Outdoor considerations
• Research and Development labs
• Music practice and performance

Day Two

 Vibration Isolation of Mechanical Systems

• Isolation efficiency
• Specifications
• Rubber in shear connections
• Spring isolation and pipe hangers
• Pipe risers and thermal expansion
• Inertia blocks and concrete pads
• Flexible pipe connectors
• Rooftop AHU isolation
• Floating floors
• Building isolation

Seismic Restraint of MEP and FP Systems

• Specifications
• Building codes
• Connection types
• Housekeeping pads
• Pipe and duct braces
• Floor-mounted equipment bracing
• Suspended equipment bracing
• Fire Protection system bracing
• Testing

 The Hamel Music Center           

• Acoustic principles used in the design
• Overall introduction to the building
• Performance spaces
  • Recital Hall
  • Concert Hall
  • Rehearsal room
• Vibration isolation features
  • Design and procurement
  • Operations and maintenance
• Tour of the Hamel Music Center

Day Three

                 HVAC Design Considerations

• Why building acoustics?
• Source-Path-Receiver (SPR) model
• HVAC equipment sound ratings
• Airside noise control
  • Fans
  • Packaged air-handlers
• Air path attenuation
  • Ductwork
  • Elbows and fittings
  • Silencers
• In-duct turbulence generated noise
• Duct breakout
• Terminal units
• Grilles, Registers & Diffusers (GRD)
• Mechanical equipment room design
• Outdoor noise control
  • Rooftops
  • Cooling towers
• Special equipment vibration topics
  • Multiple direct-drive fans
  • Internal vs. external isolation
  • Inertial bases

“I wanted an acoustics & vibration 101 type course and got it.  I feel I speak of the subject matter w/ more confidence & greater clarity … I got the overview I came for and plan to attend Libraries & Museums next year, when I can build on what was learned here.” 
—Sean, Heery International, Andover, Massachusetts

"Quality of the presenters was excellent. You assembled a great group, thank you...best course I've attended. Feel very fortunate to have the chance to learn from these individuals."
—David, UW–Madison FP&M, Madison, Wisconsin

"Improved knowledge base and gained more refined knowledge as well, re: sound waves, room acoustics, air handling units...broad and specific enough coverage of how the topics are related/interdependent was presented and supported."
—Angela, Kinetics Noise Control, Dublin, Ohio

“The topics learned here will help when troubleshooting noise concerns with customers, seeing whether vibrations traveling through the structure is the issue or if it’s through the air."
—Francois, The VMC Group, Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Curtis Eichelberger

Curtis Eichelberger, PE, is the Principal of Eichelberger Acoustics in Harrisburg PA, after working at the Johnson Controls Design Center where he was involved with the design and application of HVAC airside equipment. He has over 40 years experience in research, engineering and application of products relating to acoustic and vibration technologies. Before joining Johnson Controls, he was employed in a variety of positions with Emerson and Bruel & Kjaer instruments, where he was responsible for the application of acoustic and vibration measurement systems. Early in his career, he managed a noise control group with Gannet Fleming Consulting Engineers where he was responsible for over seventy projects relating to building noise and vibration control. Curt is a member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE), and ASHRAE where he is presently serving on the Research Administration Committee and is an instructor with the ASHRAE Learning Institute. Curt received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and M.S. in Acoustics from the Pennsylvania State University.

Richard Talaske

Rick Talaske, FASA, is the President and Principal Acoustics Consultant for TALASKE | SOUND THINKING in Oak Park, Illinois. During his 38+ years as a practicing acoustical consultant, he has worked nationally and internationally on the design or evaluation of hundreds of performance facilities. Rick is the acoustician of the new Mead Center on UW-Madison’s campus, that will be presented in the course and includes a concert hall, recital hall, and instrumental rehearsal room. Rick is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and a past Chair of ASA’s Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics. He is a graduate of University of Michigan (B.S. in Engineering, 1976) and Pennsylvania State University (M.S. in Acoustics 1979).

James Tauby

James R. Tauby, P.E. is Chief Executive Engineer for Mason Industries in Hauppauge, NY, a worldwide leader in the field of noise and vibration control products as well as seismic and wind restraint systems. He regularly lectures around the world on topics ranging from vibration isolation and seismic and wind restraint of mechanical systems to the use of elastomeric expansion joints for piping in seismic applications. Jim has been a featured speaker at ASPE and ASHRAE National Conventions numerous times, is an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, and has received the Distinguished Service Award from ASHRAE. He is a past chairman of ASHRAE’s Technical Committee TC-2.7, “Seismic and Wind Restraint Design,”and he is currently the chairman of ASHRAE standards committee SPC 171P, “Method of Test of Seismic Restraints for HVAC & R Equipment.” Jim is a registered professional engineer in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and in New Zealand, and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama.