Acoustic Cameras (TG 23/2023)

Acoustic Cameras (TG 23/2023) was written by Rebecca Hogg and published by BSRIA in July 2023.

This topic guide provides a broad overview of acoustic cameras – a technology which can be used to visually identify noise sources. It explains how an acoustic camera works, some of the applications of acoustic cameras, and the advantages and disadvantages of using acoustic cameras over other technologies.

Traditionally a sound level meter is used to measure noise levels, in decibels. Investigating noise sources can be achieved by systematically turning on and off noise sources and by using other investigation techniques. When troubleshooting building services systems, there are other investigation techniques that can be used such as vibration monitoring, air and water flow rate measurements, and pressure measurements. When using these, it may also be necessary to turn off systems and dismantle components. The advantage of using an acoustic camera over such investigation techniques is that an acoustic camera does not require systems to be broken into or sensors to be physically attached to a system.

An acoustic camera incorporates an array of microphones. It builds up an image by processing the information received at each of the microphones in the array, which all receive sound waves from the same source at slightly different times. The image produced uses colours to represent sound pressure levels. Typically, bright colours such as yellow are used to represent areas producing the most intense sound whereas darker colours such as purple are used to represent areas producing the least intense sound. The specific colours used, and the range of sound pressure levels represented by these colours, can be selected in the software used by acoustic cameras.

You can download the guide at: https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rgooar/acoustic_cameras_tg_232023_a15d25e1/

--BSRIA

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Acoustics.
• Airborne sound.
• Approved Document E.
• BSRIA articles.
• BSRIA definitions.
• BSRIA.
• Flanking sound.
• Impact sound.
• Pre-completion sound testing.
• Reverberation.
• Room acoustics.
• Sound absorption.
• Sound insulation.
• Sound v noise.
• Structure-borne sound.