Project Background
This 85,000 sq ft hyperscale data center in Northern Virginia houses server racks, cooling systems and equipment corridors. Continuous broadband noise from server fans, cooling units and ventilation systems exceeded OSHA workplace noise limits, interfered with on-site technician communication and put operations staff at risk of over-exposure. The project required modular industrial-grade acoustic solutions that could be installed around live equipment without full data center shutdown.
Acoustic Solution
Modular mass loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barriers from the Insulation Series are installed along high-noise cooling units and equipment corridor perimeters. The 3kg/m² ultra-dense polymer barriers deliver up to 27dB STC per single layer, blocking direct airborne noise transmission to technician workstations. The modular design supports reconfiguration as rack layouts change. High-density inorganic fiberglass acoustic panels from the Ceiling Series are fully laid across equipment halls to control overall ambient reverberation. The dense, non-shedding surface resists data center dust and supports regular cleaning, meeting technical facility hygiene requirements.
Project Outcomes
- Workstation noise levels reduced by 41%, meeting OSHA occupational health exposure limits
- On-site verbal communication clarity improved by 43%
- Installation completed during rolling maintenance windows with zero operational disruption
- All products meet ASTM E84 Class A fire safety standards for data facilities
