Great Falls International Airport Residential Sound Insulation

CSDA provided acoustical design services for the Great Falls International Airport (GFIA) Residential Sound Insulation Program as a sub-consultant to KLJ Engineering. The Program is the result of recommendations made in the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and consists of consulting services necessary to modify approximately 340 residences within the projected DNL 65 decibel (dB) contour to achieve an interior noise goal of DNL 45 dB.

Sound insulation modifications incorporate replacing windows and doors with acoustically rated products, including the installation of rated storm doors, adding insulation to attics and wall voids, installing new central air conditioning where none exists, or replacing existing heating systems if they cannot support air conditioning.

CSDA assisted KLJ and the Airport representative with the initial development of their program. Tasks included the development of program materials such as the program participation agreement and avigation easement, the Policies and Procedures Manual and homeowner/community outreach materials. CSDA assisted with the identification of parcels for pre-construction acoustical testing, acoustical treatment and the development of a phasing plan, based on projected FAA and matching grant funds.

Early in the design process, CSDA worked with the local Building Department to identify areas where the installation of acoustical treatments would interface with local code requirements. This was instrumental in the development of design guidelines and code compliance policy.

CSDA provided design services for the Pilot Phase and three subsequent phases for a total of 126 designs. CSDA also assisted with the initial development of the specifications and provided details for the bid packages. CSDA provided bid assistance, answering bidders’ questions and issuing addenda as required and construction support.

Additionally, the local State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) identified several properties that had historic significance. CSDA worked with KLJ, the Building Department, SHPO and impacted homeowners to develop designs that met the acoustic, as well as preserved the historic integrity of the properties.