Collins & Aikman Technical Centre

The Collins & Aikman Technical Centre in Plymouth Michigan contains over 1800 square meters of laboratory space dedicated to the design and development of cost effective solutions to vehicle noise and vibration problems.

The facility houses North America's first indoor test facility capable of undertaking vehicle passby noise testing in accordance with both federal and international standards. It also houses a transmission loss testing suite capable of accommodating a full size van, a Quiet Room with under vehicle pit access for engine noise simulator testing and modal analysis, a conference room for sound quality/jury testing, a workshop, a prototyping area and a vehicle wash.

This fast track design build project offered many acoustical challenges requiring innovative solutions to meet both schedule and budget. These included

• environmental noise and vibration site assessment
• the development of practicable design criteria
• acoustical modelling of feasible design concepts
• technical specifications for competitive bids
• review of bid submissions and shop drawings
• inspections/problem solving during construction
• audit testing for commissioning

The facility was dedicated in May of 1995 on schedule and within budget.