Bespoke Noise Control Solution Supplied for Woking Town Centre Regeneration Project

Project Overview

As part of a town centre regeneration programme for Woking, a major international contractor needed to remove an existing tiled floor and screed bed in a busy shopping arcade and thoroughfare without disrupting trade. Local businesses included two coffee shops, banks, travel agents, opticians and estate agents.

Challenge

Earlier works on drainage diversions at one end of the arcade had resulted in noise complaints from those in close proximity, so contractors were under pressure to ensure adequate noise control measures were put in place and to improve relationships with those around them.

Solution

RVT Group were called in to assess the project with a view to providing a conventional, temporary sound screen around the works. But with smooth, hard surfaces forming the floor and ceiling of the arcade there was concern that noise could be reflected from the ceiling and into public areas. Our expertise and innovation, especially in challenging situations, meant we were able to deliver a solution.

• Bespoke SOUNDEX™ Acoustic Enclosure with a roof that completely encapsulated the work area and prevented noise resonating off the ceiling of the shopping arcade.
• Use of high performance acoustic material for maximum sound absorption.
• Use of flame retardant materials to meet stringent requirements imposed by the client for any products that were brought into the shopping centre.
• Real-time monitoring carried out by the contractor confirmed to the client that they were meeting the noise limits imposed on them.

The noise control solution recommended by RVT was a major success with noise levels significantly reduced. Customers sitting at tables in the coffee shop less than three metres away were able to have normal mobile phone conversations and pedestrians passing within two metres of the breaker were unaffected by noise.

No further noise complaints were recorded by the contractor, and the site operatives using our solution found it simple and effective to use.