Construction acoustics in Big 5 spotlight

Paul Richards of Energy International a HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) equipment supplier says noise pollution is becoming a growing issue facing the Gulf's construction industry.

"In the past some acoustics problems have been ignored, as the time and difficulty posed by post-project resolution made the exercise an exceptionally costly one, but this is rapidly changing," said Richards who manages Energy International's Sharjah office.

"Previously the acoustics field was not so high on the agenda in the UAE construction industry, however environmental perceptions have changed and so the demand for comprehensive acoustic solutions in new developments has increased as a result."

It is this change in attitude that has resulted in the introduction of acoustic analysis in the design and construction phases of infrastructure projects in major UAE developments.

Richards says the lack of market awareness regarding noise pollution solutions has allowed unscrupulous elements to take advantage of companies seeking to ensure projects are environmentally sound.

"There have been cases of totally unqualified people posing as acoustic specialists and specifying inferior materials and selling these at highly inflated prices. These elements are able to getaway with this due to a lack of industry knowledge in the field of acoustics.

"Our in-house market research reveals some recently constructed
buildings and those still under construction are sometimes over
specified on acoustic items. Contractors and consultants realize the requirement of acoustical treatment to tackle noise pollution problems."

Richards said some consultants and contractors are also adding in their own safety factors to recommendations laid out by so-called third party acoustic specialists.

"In the end the client can lose out by paying up to three times the amount necessary to achieve the required noise level. This can be brought about by a misunderstanding of acoustical problems" explained Richards.

Energy International's is now expanding its acoustics business with a major push at the Middle East's largest annual show for the contracting industry, the Big 5 trade show, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from October 26-30.

"Recently we have brought on board a dedicated acoustics engineer to lead our acoustics analysis team, we hope to increase market awareness of our specialist service at Big 5 2002, as well as general industry awareness on acoustic challenges within the building sector," explained
Richards.

"As a company we adhere to the standards outlined by ASHRAE, allowing us to present a clear set of guidelines specifying international standards for noise and vibration problems and solutions."

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers, through its worldwide membership of 50,000, writes standards that set uniform methods of testing and rating equipment and establishes accepted practises for the HVAC&R (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration) industry across the globe.

"The Big 5 has always acted as a barometer to emerging regional industry trends. Last year, water conservation was a hot topic and this year the industry is paying particular attention to the challenges of noise pollution," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director of Big 5 organisers dmg World Media Dubai Limited.

Big 5 2002 will feature 22 national pavilions - three more than in 2001 - and for the first time will have Portuguese, Cypriot and Maltese pavilions and exhibitors from Japan, Latvia, Poland and the Ukraine.

On its first day, the Big 5, a trade-only show, will run from 10.00 hrs until 19.00 hrs and then daily from 09.30 hrs - 13.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs - 21.00 hrs at DIEC, formerly the Dubai World Trade Centre.