At TICE, as specialists in acoustic and anti-vibration solutions, we work every day to solve real problems that affect people's quality of life. In this case, we tell you how we tackle a problem of Lift noise in a community of neighbours in the centre of Valencia, in compliance with the Noise pollution regulations and achieving a significant improvement in the acoustic comfort of a property affected.
The problem: Noise and structural vibrations from a lift
It all started with a claim filed by a neighbour of a property in Valencia. The Lift machine room was located directly above his bedroom, and the noise produced by the operation of the lift, particularly at night, exceeded the limits allowed by the Municipal Ordinance for the Protection against Noise Pollution.
The initial measurements taken by the Town Hall confirmed the resident's complaint: the corrected noise levels during the lift descent reached 34 dBA during the night period, exceeding the limit of 30 dBA permitted for bedrooms between 23:00 and 07:00. Additionally, the presence of emerging tonal components at 160 Hz, which involved additional penalties.
Technical diagnosis: accelerometer and sound meter measurements
Upon receipt of the Municipal notice and the requirement to implement corrective measures, the Residents' Association He/She contacted our technical team at TICE.
We carried out a complete acoustic study«in situ», focused on detecting how noise was transmitted within the building's structure. Through Acoustic measurements with an accelerometer, we identified that the main cause was transmission vibrational structure originating from the lift shaft and the electrical control panel, directly affecting the flat situated directly below.
Through the analysis of excitation frequencies, we were able to determine the critical points and design a solution adapted to the structural conditions of the building.
Solution executed: installation of low-frequency dampers
Our technical proposal consisted of Installation of low-frequency spring shock absorbers, both in the lift bench as in the electrical panel. These types of shock absorbers are specially designed for to interrupt the transmission of mechanical vibrations through structural elements such as beams, columns or slabs.
In the case of the electrical panel, the rigid supports were replaced with retaining dampers, which also eliminated the effect of Contactor hammering, another of the elements generating perceptible noise in the lower dwelling.
✅ Results: A 9dB reduction and regulatory compliance
Following the implementation of these measures, the Local Council requested a new measurement. The official technical report confirmed the effectiveness of the solution:
Reduction of up to 9 dB in the affected bedroom.
Removal of penalties for tonal and impulsive components.
Compliance with regulations across all time zones, including the most restrictive ones at night.
The overall outcome following the intervention showed corrected levels of 26-27 decibels (dB), well below the legal threshold and, more importantly, without causing a nuisance to the neighbour affected.
Importance of a professional acoustic study in Valencia
This case exemplifies the importance of acting professionally and technically when faced with problems of structural noise in buildings. In many cases, especially in communities with old or poorly insulated lifts, the Noise from vibrations can be transmitted without any obvious structural solution.
In TICE, we apply acoustic engineering knowledge combined with advanced measurement technologies to:
Identify the exact origin of the noise.
Study the resonance frequencies.
Evaluate effective and lasting corrective solutions.
Furthermore, we guarantee the Compliance with lift noise regulations, avoiding administrative sanctions and offering healthier coexistence.
More information about noise in residents' associations
If you manage a residents' association or are a property manager and are dealing with similar situations, we invite you to consult our specialised article:
👉 Noise and vibration control in residents' associations
In it, you will find detailed information on legal limits, legal responsibilities and technical measures to mitigate the effects of noise in homes.
