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Rutgers Noise Technical Assistance
Center (RNTAC), Department of Environmental Sciences

Octave Band Analysis

Many jurisdictions set permissible sound level limits in octave bands in their code, in addition to the limits set on the A-scale (dBA). New Jersey is one of those jurisdictions. While no certification is required for an officer to conduct octave band analysis, beyond the basic certification course Community Noise Enforcement, it is a more involved measurement method. Several years ago we developed this course at the request of the enforcement community, and it is now offered annually. Completion of the certification course is a prerequisite for this course.

Community Noise Enforcement – Octave Band Analysis Course Outline

  1. The Fundamentals of Sound (Review)
    • Intensity
      • Units of Measurement and Reporting
    • Frequency
      • Units of Measurement and Reporting
      • Range of Human Hearing
      • Most Annoying Frequencies
      • Relative Response to Frequencies and Weighting Systems
  2. Octave Band Analysis – When is it Indicated?
  3. Octave Band Measurement
    • Operation of Precision Sound Level Meter
    • Measurement of Total Sound Levels in Octave Band
    • Measurement of Neighborhood Residual Sound Levels in Octave Bands
  4. The Mathematics of Octave Band Sound Level Measurement
  5. Calculation of Source Sound Level from Measured Total and Neighborhood Residual Sound Levels
  6. Field Exercise to Familiarize Students with Operation of Octave Band Analyzer
  7. Octave Band Analysis Noise Measurement Report Form
  8. Regulation of Sound Levels in Octave Bands in New Jersey
    • Relevant portions:
      • New Jersey Administrative Code – Title 7, Chapter 29, Subchapter 1 – Noise Control (“NJAC 7:29”)
      • NJAC 7:29 Subchapter 2 – Procedures for the Determination of Noise from Stationary Sources
      • Model Ordinance for the State of New Jersey
  9. Field Exercises

Rutgers Noise Technical Assistance Center (RNTAC)
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551
Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences Bldg (ENRS) | 848-932-5782
Questions? Contact Carol Broccoli at carolbr@njaes.rutgers.edu