Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory

Image Architectural rendering of a building with a wood exterior.
 

Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL)

The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) will be a state-of-the-art facility for conducting acoustics tests of mass timber assemblies to support the expansion of the mass timber industry.

Currently, lack of acoustics testing is widely recognized as a barrier to the development of affordable mass timber multi-family housing in North America. OARL will provide floor-to-ceiling testing chambers capable of delivering reliable and repeatable acoustical test results compliant with laboratory acoustic sound transmission, laboratory impact isolation and sound transmission, and for in-room impact sound. These new research and industry testing capacities will support increased utilization of mass-timber assemblies in low-, mid-, and high-rise housing and commercial buildings.

Mike Raley, Director