How to Quieten a Concrete Cutter

And that’s just one of the noises going on there could also be noisy generators, tile cutters, trucks, power tools and all sorts of construction noises all happening simultaneously.

There is no denying the fact that concrete cutters are very loud – loud enough for the Environmental Protection Agency to come down on you hard.

The good news is that peaking at around 3,000 hertz, and it’s a high-frequency noise and more comfortable to control and contain than a powerful low-frequency noise such as a jackhammer or pile driver.

How urgently do you need to quieten a concrete cutter?

There are two reasons why you need to know how to quieten concrete saws.

1. Either someone has recently complained, and you need to take quick action, or
2. it’s part of a tender document.

If an individual or group has complained, you might very well have a pressing problem with the EPA.

Fortunately, as you’ll see when you download our Site Noise Mitigation Handbook, Flexshield has the experience and the proven soundproofing products to make your noisy concrete saws compliant. You can read more about our noise control products in the upcoming section; for now, let’s concentrate on tenders.

Flexshield can assist you with your tendering strategy, as well as supply you with valuable information for your tender documentation, demonstrating how you would proactively solve potential problems before they arise.

Information will help you:

• think everything through in advance
• pre-empt complaints from the public
• eliminate costly delays
• eliminate grief for the contractor and sub-contractor
• enjoy peace of mind
• and establish your construction company as a good corporate citizen.

Furthermore, if you allow for concrete cutting soundproofing in advance, you won’t run up any additional costs that weren’t in the existing budget.

How easy is it to quieten concrete cutters?

Low-frequency noises at high amplitude are especially damaging because they carry more energy and are far harder to manage. As outlined earlier, high-frequency sounds such as those emitted by chainsaws and concrete cutters are also dangerous; however, the high-frequency bandwidth is comparatively easier to soundproof.

It all comes to containing the cutter’s noise leakage (also called breakout).

There are two proven ways to do this quickly and easily, either using Noise Barriers or Acoustic Tents.

Both of these at-source solutions are ideal for controlling high-frequency noises.

The noise barriers, also known as sonic curtains, noise blankets, noise mats and a host of other names, provide maximum noise reduction by incorporating sound barrier and noise absorption properties in the one curtain.

Fully portable, they reduce noise by a substantial number of decibels – up to 26dB reduction at 1000Hz – to help you comply with government legislation and to keep on working, without disturbing the environment.

The acoustic tents (or sonic tents) take just moments to erect, take down and re-position.

Using state-of-the-art noise control technology and materials, they enable you to measurably quieten concrete cutters – preliminary testing shows 14-18 dBA (L90) transmission loss.

Concrete cutting soundproofing applications

There are many applications for concrete cutting soundproofing, from new builds to cutting in expansion joints in underground car parks.

What works best, an Acoustic Tent or Noise Barriers?

That really depends on the situation.

If it is an occupied facility such as a refurb in a shopping centre, your best option would be to employ temporary noise curtains because you already have the fence on hand.

Whereas if you are working on a new build, with lots of potential noise conflict with nearby residences, it’s likely there won’t be adequate fencing on-site particularly during the early stages, so an acoustic tent would be easier.

The tent is conveniently mounted on wheels, so it will be a simple job following the concrete saw around.

The benefits of quietening concrete saws

Reduce the high-frequency noise of circular saws to acceptable levels, and as well as enjoying favourable public perception, you’ll increase productivity.

Once you sort the industrial noise problem out, your team will be able to cut for long hours and get the job done more quickly.

You’ll be able to get on with the job, without complaint or affecting local business.

Other ways to reduce concrete saw noise

Noise attenuation products such as sonic tents and noise blankets are an excellent last line of defence.

Other ways to solve the noise problem and control the risk include:

• Using noise-reduced saw blades (if suitable).
• Choose saws with the lowest possible noise output.
• Keep blades as wet as safely possible.
• Repositioning those not directly involved in the concrete cutting away from the area.
• Ensure operators and nearby workers always use hearing protectors under AS/NZS 1270, Acoustics – Hearing Protectors.
• Work with atmospheric conditions. For example, if at all possible, avoid concrete cutting when the humidity is high as the sound will travel further.

For more information and advice about how to quieten a concrete cutter or any other construction equipment, please call 1300 799 969.