Investigation of Correlation between Aircraft Interior Noise Levels and Residential Building Construction Details

06.13.2016 | J. Eric Cox |

In this 2016 study, HMMH Director of Aviation Gene Reindel and Senior Consultant Eric Cox have endeavored to develop a more efficient method for determining the eligibility of residences for airport sound insulation programs in adherence to FAA order 5100.38D Airport Improvement Program Handbook, Appendix R. The intent of this study is to minimize the need to determine aircraft interior noise levels through measurements of building noise level reduction within 100% of homes, but rather test 10% to 30% of the units within each group to determine interior noise levels by category.

This paper explores the impact that a myriad of structural variables have on the perception of aircraft interior noise levels in residential buildings. Over the course of this study, Eric and Gene considered factors such as the architectural style, age and even window glazing characteristics of structures. These findings could have an impact on future materials science and engineering for both commercial and residential developments.

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About the Author

J. Eric Cox

Principal Technical Analyst

Eric Cox has more than 15 years of experience in environmental noise and vibration analysis across aviation, rail and transit, highway, wind energy, and industrial applications. Since joining HMMH in 2007, he has developed extensive expertise in noise and vibration measurement, data analysis, and instrumentation.

Eric has been heavily involved in airport sound insulation programs nationwide, supporting residential and non-residential facilities including homes, schools, hospitals, and other institutional buildings. His work includes acoustical measurements and modeling, evaluation of noise level reduction, and development of acoustic design criteria. He has also contributed to multiple FAA-funded research studies focused on improving sound insulation testing methods, evaluating mitigation effectiveness, and developing best practices for airport noise programs.

In addition to aviation projects, Eric has supported noise and vibration studies for rail and transit systems, highways, wind energy facilities, construction sites, and industrial operations. His experience includes On-Board Sound Intensity (OBSI) testing for quiet pavement studies, wind turbine compliance monitoring, and vibration mitigation assessments for rail and transit projects. He currently manages HMMH’s instrumentation laboratory, where he oversees measurement applications, analysis methods, and staff training, and has provided noise monitoring training for airport noise offices nationwide.

Eric holds a B.A. in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from Berea College and has completed graduate coursework toward an M.S. in Applied Physics at Northern Illinois University.

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