Product Updates Archives | Campbell Associates

CadnaB Overview

Noise

Datakustik Cadna

Calculation Standards

The following standards are implemented in CadnaB:

  • ISO 12354: Calculation of airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms as well as the airborne sound insulation against outdoor sound via the façade walls.
  • When using ISO 12354, following parameters can be calculated:
    • Performance parameters according to ISO 717-1 (airborne sound insulation) and ISO 717-2 (impact sound insulation)
    • ASTM-parameters (STC, OITC, IIC)
  • DIN 4109: Calculation of airborne and impact sound insulation between rooms as well as the airborne sound insulation against outdoor sound via the façade walls.

Handling and Modelling

CadnaB´s concept is based on the modelling of the whole building. Walls, doors, windows and other elements can be modelled in 2D while seeing the changes in 3D in realtime:

  • Numerous junction types are automatically detected by CadnaB depending on the geometry of the walls and the selected constructions.
  • In addition to the geometry of the walls and the assigned constructions, doors and  windows can be inserted with a few clicks. The construction of these elements is also selected via the construction browser.
  • Furthermore, airborne sound transmitting systems can be added.
  • Complete buildings can be imported, created from scratch or constructed by copying storeys.

Import of Bitmap floor plans

CadnaB supports the import of bitmap files, e.g. containing the floor map. Bitmaps can be comfortably calibrated within CadnaB. Afterwards, entire storeys with multiple rooms or even entire buildings can be easily modelled by drawing the elements on top.

Project Organization

The CadnaB workflow is organised in different modes. Each mode is suited for a certain group of tasks:

  • Project mode: used for entering new objects or modifying exiting objects. In this mode, any type of element can be filtered and displayed.
  • Constructions mode: This mode is used to assign constructions to walls, doors, windows or floors. When an object is opened, the construction browser appears showing all libraries.
  • Results mode: This mode allows to start the calculation, check the results and export a report.
  • Usage mode: In this mode you can assign different types of usage to the rooms within your project.
  • Noise levels: For defining sound levels for rooms or façade walls.

Import of BASTIAN worksheets

CadnaB provides an easy to use import of BASTIAN worksheets. The single room pair can be directly used for calculation (e.g. according to ISO 12354). If the user activates the compatibility mode to ISO 12354, series 2000, comparable results to BASTIAN can be generated.

Import of INSUL files

CadnaB also imports constructions generated by INSUL (Marshall Day Acoustics)*, as XML files. All data including the sketch are imported. For constructions with several parts, such as a slab with a screed, the user can select which one to import. 

*Option PRO required
*Requires exported XML files from INSUL version 9.0.24 or later

Interoperability with CadnaA

CadnaB-buildings can be placed in a CadnaA model with a few clicks to calculate the level in front of the façade. In case of ISO 12354, the interior level can be calculated based on the façade level with consideration of the building acoustic properties. When using DIN 4109, the “relevant exterior noise level” can be calculated and transferred to CadnaB.

Interoperability with CadnaR

  • Manage and organize CadnaR files for an entire building in CadnaB.
  • Use CadnaR in the sending and receiving room to consider the position of sources, receivers and obstacles inside the room. The transmission through the wall is calculated based on the building acoustic properties defined in CadnaB including selected constructions, doors or windows.
  • Automatic calculation of the spatially averaged reverberation time for all rooms which are linked to a CadnaR project.

The “Results” mode

The results mode allows you to check all calculated results, which are organized for every two adjacent rooms. This makes the fast-checking of any specific room pair within a building very intuitive.

  • Airborne and impact sound transmission results (single and 1/3 octave bands)
  • Partial results for separating element and flanks (single and 1/3 octave bands)
  • Information about junctions
  • Interior level results

The result types shown depend on the selected standard, the evaluation parameters and the transmission situation.

Auralization*

In CadnaB, the result of the calculation can be made audible with the help of binaural auralization. This allows the user to imagine the effect of a construc­tional measure. For this purpose, a source in the form of an audio file is sim­ulated in the sending room or in front of the facade, which is then reduced by the calculated sound reduction index.

*Option PRO required

Fulfillment of requirements

In addition to the numerical results, CadnaB allows the inclusion of requirements according to national or local standards. Many predefined requirements are available within the requirements browser. You can then check whether any room pair fulfills the requirement or not by means of comprehensive visual icons.

Export of results

CadnaB can export:

  • Full project reports to MS Word format (.docx).
  • List of constructions into MS Word (.docx)
  • Calculation protocol to MS Excel (.xlsx)
  • Object tables to text format (.csv)

Overview of CadnaA Industry

Noise

CadnaA Industry is especially designed for acousticians specialized in industrial installations. Applications range from the calculation of industrial sites, wind farms or mining plants to HVACs, PAGA systems or even open air events. In addition to the extensive functions for modelling, assessment and presentation of CadnaA, the product CadnaA Industry includes the following industry-specific features:

  • All calculation standards for noise type Industry included.
  • Input of sources as point, line or area with many options to define emission such as corrections, directivity, operating time and many more.
  • Easy import of emission data as .txt or .xlsx file, for example as sound power level (Lw) or indoor sound level (Li). The data is stored in a database and can be shared across multiple projects or users.
  • Extensive possibilities for project organization with the Object Tree. This enables the assessment of complex scenarios to determine relevant sources or source groups.
  • Definition of a 2D, 3D or rotationally symmetrical directivity, which is especially relevant for the calculation of loudspeakers used for PAGA systems or open air events.
  • Calculation of 1/3 octave band width (if supported by calculation standard).
  • Calculation of maximum levels for each receiver.
  • Convenient functions such as a calculator to add or subtract A/B/C/D weighting to an existing spectrum or to convert a 1/1 octave band spectrum to 1/3 (and vice versa).

Overview of CadnaR for industry acoustics

Noise

CadnaR provides powerful tools to efficiently manage any scenario, guiding you through the setup of your acoustic model and the assignment of appropriate absorption, scattering, and transmission properties. 

Whether optimizing an open-space office for a productive work environment or ensuring excellent speech intelligibility in a lecture hall, CadnaR enables you to assess acoustic quality using industry standards and advanced evaluation methods.

Key features of CadnaR include:

  • Cutting-edge calculation methods: particle model, image source model, hybrid model and more. Fast calculation times thanks to innovative technologies such the support of NVIDIA’s CUDA API.
  • Import and input of obstacle objects including barriers, box-type obstacles and polymeshes to allow any kind of complex room shape. Easy definition of the acoustic properties such as absorption, transmission and scattering.
  • Easy import of room geometries via DWG, DXF, SketchUp, IFC and from CadnaR.scan App.
  • Import your speakers in CadnaR, find their optimal position and alignment, calculate reverberation time, signal level, background noise levels and speech transmission index STI to ensure that these messages are intelligible in large public rooms.
  • Automatic calibration of absorption and scattering coefficients to achieve user-defined or measured target reverberation times.
  • Acoustic assessment of open-plan offices based on speech levels and reverberation time according to DIN 18041, ISO 3382-3 and VDI 2569 as well as innovative intelligibility-based approaches such as the STI-Matrix.
  • Extensive possibilities for project organization with the Object Tree and the use of variants. This allows to handle and compare different planning scenarios and therefore allows to find a tailored acoustic concept to improve the situation in your specific project.
  • Calculation of psychoacoustic parameters such reverberation time (T10, T20, T30), Speech Transmission Index (STI) and many more. Cutting edge auralisation techniques, including the effect of several sources at each receiver position. 

The ultimate off-grid power solution: solar power hub

Construction Resources

There is much discussion about clean energy on construction sites with construction managers keen to adopt newer, cleaner solutions. The default power source to date after mains, has been diesel generators but using these produces considerable CO2 which is a known greenhouse gas, NO2 and Particulate Matter which contributes to poor air quality in urban areas. Climate changing greenhouse gases and poor urban air quality are driving the shift from diesel to alternatives.

Campbell Associates supply environmental monitoring solutions for construction sites and are working with partners to reduce our carbon footprint and improve urban air quality with cleaner power options. Our latest innovation is the specially designed Solar Power Hub, model number CA-5546-SP.

Campbell Associates Solar Power Hub

The Solar Power Hub has a high-capacity Lithium Polymer (LiPO4) battery which is suitable for use with a continual draw from 12v environmental monitoring devices. Most batteries are optimised for high wattage use and short duration’s, which makes them unsuitable for powering environmental monitors.

The lithium polymer battery contained in the Solar Power Hub offers significantly reduced size and weight compared to lead acid batteries. It is also far more stable and robust than lithium-Ion batteries, which quickly lose efficiency over time if used outside optimum temperatures (10°C to 30°C), which are common for outdoor conditions where these systems are needed.

This battery is charged by the latest bi-facial 240-watt solar panel technology, and this is optimised for charging and powering the device in use, via a smart battery controller. The Solar Power Hub also includes an LCD display with the current battery status, and this can also be seen via Bluetooth on a smart phone app – The app includes solar charging data in real time at no extra charge.

Campbell Associates Solar Power Hub

The batteries themselves will power the monitoring system for many days/ weeks if Solar is not available and it can be charged overnight with the supplied external DC charger.

The system has rugged wheels and a handle so it can be deployed with ease. Once at the desired location the Solar panel is fixed with the supplied bracket and the wheels and handle can be removed for security purposes.

Benefits vs diesel:

• Reduction in greenhouse gas/CO2 emissions by up to 100% at point of use.

• Improves local air quality – Reduction in NOx and Particulate Matter emissions by 100%

• Zero noise emission

• Near zero running costs

The disadvantages vs diesel:

• Power produced by solar is not sufficient for power intensive applications.

• Requires panel to receive solar energy. Panel needs to point towards and have access to the sun for the duration of the project to charge the battery. (Battery can be charged by the supplied DC charger if required.)

Campbell Associates Solar Power Hub with SiteSens Dust Monitor

Summary:

Solar offers emission free, low-cost power for construction & demolition sites when matched with the intended devices in operation. To power other devices from the Solar Power hub or for systems with hydrogen backup please contact Campbell Associates to discuss your requirements. This system is available for hire with or without the solar panel option.

Comparison of power supply options for noise and dust monitors

Construction Resources

To power the 4 SiteSens – DM30N Noise and Dust Monitors on-site, we evaluated three power supply options: mains electricity, a diesel generator, and a solar power system with battery backup. Below is a comparison based on cost, noise emissions, and environmental impact.

Power SourceConsumed Power (kWh/year)Running Cost (£/year)Noise Emissions at 7m (dB)CO2 Emissions (kg/year)
Mains Supply877£219.15015
Diesel Generator (2.5kVA)877£2,350.36724,291
Solar PowerHub877£000

 

1. Power Usage and Costs:

  • Mains Supply:
    • Annual consumption: 877 kWh.
    • Cost: £219.15/year at £0.25 per kWh.
  • Diesel Generator (2.5kVA):
    • Annual consumption: 877 kWh.
    • Cost: £2,350.36/year at £2.68 per kWh.
  • Solar PowerHub (240W Solar Panel, 460Ah Battery):
    • Annual consumption: 877 kWh.
    • Cost: £0/year.

2. Noise Emissions:

  • Mains Supply: No noise emissions at 7 metres.
  • Diesel Generator: 72 dB(A) noise level at 7 metres, potentially disruptive to site operations and nearby communities.
  • Solar PowerHub: No noise emissions, providing a silent energy solution.

3. Environmental Impact (CO2 Emissions):

  • Mains Supply:
    • Carbon emissions: 15 kg CO2/year from the national grid.
    • No site emissions.
  • Diesel Generator:
    • Carbon emissions: 4,291 kg CO2/year.
    • Significant on-site emissions contribute to the carbon footprint.
  • Solar PowerHub:
    • Carbon emissions: 0 kg CO2/year.
    • No site emissions, offering a fully renewable solution.

Conclusion:

  • Cost: Solar power is the most cost-effective solution with no ongoing energy costs, while diesel is by far the most expensive.
  • Noise: Both solar and mains supply provide silent operations, but diesel generators create significant noise pollution.
  • Environmental Impact: Solar power and battery systems offer a zero-emission solution, making them the best choice for sustainability. Mains supply has minimal emissions, whereas diesel generators produce high CO2 emissions.

Based on the analysis, the solar power and battery system emerges as the most cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and quiet solution for powering the DM30N monitors on-site.

However, opting for a mains power supply could also offer advantages, as it would eliminate the need for hiring and maintaining a power generator on-site.

Campbell Associates Partner With Larson Davis

Noise

For 25 years, Campbell Associates has been dedicated to delivering exceptional service and top-quality products to our customers. In our continued commitment to meeting your needs, we are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Larson Davis.

This collaboration allows us to offer an expanded range of premium products at competitive prices, further enhancing the value we provide to you.

Larson Davis (LD) was founded in 1981, as a manufacturer of precision acoustic test and vibration measurement instrumentation. In 1999, Larson Davis became a division of the industry leader PCB Group, PCB Piezotronics, Inc.

With a range of acoustic and vibration equipment to serve all types of applications, Larson Davis monitors offer a premium experience at smart prices.

The SoundExpert® 821 is ergonomic & lightweight and offers users 40 hours of battery life! With USB and wireless charging you will never need to worry about power.

The SoundAdvisor™ 831 offers users a class 1 sound level meter with USB power & WiFi connection.

Campbell Associates are excited to partner with a company who is constantly innovating and expanding their product range to fulfil customers needs.