Transformers in the built environment
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Abstract
Tonal noise in the built environment can be distracting, annoying, and at times make it practically impossible to live or work in a building. One of the worst offenders of tonal noise in buildings is electrical transformers. Whereas the airborne sound output of transformers is not particularly high, the vibration and subsequent structure-borne noise can be extreme. In large commercial buildings, transformers are typically installed directly on structural concrete floors. When these same transformers are located on upper floors of buildings, structure-borne sound transmission can be significant on the occupied floors below. For the most part, the transmission loss of the concrete floors is more than sufficient in attenuating airborne sound but structureborne sound can carry throughout the floors below for large distances from the transformer location. The best way to truly solve the problem is by isolating the transformer. So, how easy is it to elevate and isolate transformers that weigh as much as a truck...