Acoustic Imaging on Buildings and Structures

In modern architecture, building acoustics play an increasing role. Not only the noise level is important but also the direction where the sound is coming from and the distribution of sound sources in the building have to be considered. For concert halls, sports stadiums and the like, acoustic properties are an integral and important part of their overall design. The Acoustic Camera is a valuable tool to measure, optimize and verify the acoustic properties of any building. Another important aspect of building & structure acoustics is condition monitoring and maintenance. With increasing traffic, adverse environmental conditions and more extreme weather, buildings and structures like bridges have to be closely monitored to maintain their stability and save function.

Application of Sound Imaging in Building Acoustics

While buildings like concert halls and convention centers have always been built around and optimized for their acoustic properties, the use of the Acoustic Camera now presents the opportunity to easily and accurately obtain acoustic maps of such buildings. Other measuring techniques for room and building acoustics are often cumbersome and lengthy processes and the results often lack the intuitive understandability of an acoustic image. The sphere arrays used for building acoustics have been especially designed for accurate and reliable sound localization in rooms and buildings. The results are mapped on a 3D model which can be easily imported in the evaluation software. While the importance of building acoustics is obvious in buildings like concert halls, the Acoustics Camera also helps to better understand the sound environment in sports stadiums. Recently, the influence of the noise environment generated by visitors of sports events on the performance of the sports teams is more closely researched. The Acoustic Camera helps in this research by providing acoustic maps of the very complex acoustic environment in sports stadiums where each of the up to 100.000 visitors is a separate sound source.

  • Room and building acoustics
  • Condition monitoring
  • Operational Modal Analysis (OMA)

Sound Imaging in Building and Structure Acoustics

The Acoustic Camera is used for condition monitoring of safety relevant parts of buildings and structures like bridges. With ever increasing traffic and extreme weather and other environmental conditions the close monitoring of those structures become more important. The Acoustic Camera is used to detect sound sources generated by strain on the structure under normal operating conditions. Detailed follow-up measurements on the identified parts with vibration measuring instruments for operational modal analysis are ideally supported by the modal analysis software WaveSim. This way, weakening parts of the structure can be identified and repaired before they break and accidents and further damage are prevented. 

Examples of Measurement

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ACOUSTIC CAMERA: Leakage Detection on Windows and Doors

The all-in-one soundcam Octagon can be used to identify energy-saving potential by detecting thermal bridges and leaks on buildings.
In the video, the Acoustic Camera Octagon identifies leaks and leakage at a window as well as at a garage door. The power beamforming method used generates extremely accurate measurement data and acoustic images.
Similar to measurements with thermal imaging cameras, the results are displayed in color. The advantage of the Acoustic Camera is that the measurement is independent of temperature and can therefore also be carried out in summer.

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WaveCam – Video Vibration Analysis of a Large Office Building in Tokyo

During a visit in Japan, a video of these large office building in Tokyo was taken.
Using motion magnification with the WaveCam software, the vibrations were quickly made visible to the human eye. An easy solution for quick vibration analysis on buildings.
Changes in the vibration pattern can indicate damage to the structure. Analyze your vibration data in the time and frequency domain to monitor machines, buildings and structures. 

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WaveCam – Video Vibration Vibration Analysis on Bridge Model

By studying a bridge model's dynamic behavior under different forces like traffic loads and wind gusts, we gain crucial insights into its structural integrity and resilience.
Using our advanced vibration analysis software WaveCam, even the tiniest fluctuations in the bridge's response can be detected.

This innovative approach not only allows for a more thorough understanding of a bridge's natural frequencies and mode shapes but also facilitates early detection of structural anomalies or damage.
With this knowledge, engineers can implement timely maintenance strategies, ensuring the safety and longevity of our vital infrastructure. Vibration analysis also plays a vital role in optimizing bridge design.