An optical scale model of traffic noise propagation in an urban environment

This paper describes principles of modelling traffic noise using an optical scale model. The main difference between this model and the widely used ‘acoustical’ scale model is that it makes use of light instead of sound. There were four phases to the study. The first of these involved the propagation of single vehicle noise over ground and its dependence upon distance and vehicle velocity. The second phase was concerned with light emitted by a small lamp, which imitated a single vehicle. The third part of the work dealt with the principles of the optical model, its construction and use in predicting the equivalent level, $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>eq</mtext>}}$, of traffic noise. Finally, a model of a part of a residential area of Poznań, Poland, was built and values of $\text{L}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>eq</mtext>}}$ computed. These results were compared with field measurements.     

The prediction of traffic noise using a scale model

This paper describes the development of means of using a scale model of a road and its surrounding urban environment to predict L_eq, L₁₀ and other measures of traffic noise. The model described is that of the Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment, Grenoble, France. The problems involved in the development include allowance for relative sound absorption between real life and the model situation, the constraints on the accuracy of the results due to noise source variations on the model and the effects of the finite size of the model.     

A mathematical model for noise propagation between buildings

Noise propagation in residential areas and similar environments is characterized by multiple scattering of sound between buildings. Approximate solutions to this problem are obtained by modelling this type of propagation as diffusion of incoherent sound particles. These solutions describe the gross dependence of sound energy density on the distance from the noise source(s); the relevant parameters of the environment are the (average) height, scattering cross section and absorption of the buildings. Particular consideration is given to the propagation of noise from freely flowing traffic, for which not only average values of the energy density but also expressions describing the range and frequency of fluctuations are presented.     

A spread spectrum technique for the study of outdoor noise propagation

This paper describes field measurements to assess innovative correlation techniques for the study of meteorological and topographical effects on sound propagation. To take advantage of the properties of coded signals in a time-varying system, the correlation signal is produced by the modulation of a code sequence onto an acoustic carrier. An established method of increasing signal-to-noise ratio is to use correlation techniques with maximum length sequences. However, this standard method is restricted in its use outdoors because of the time-variant nature of the atmosphere. On the other hand, the correlation properties of a directly carrier-modulated code sequence modulation signal may be exploited in a time-varying environment. An experiment is described in which the correlation properties of the spread spectrum signal are demonstrated and are used to calculate accurate times of flight that compare well with sonic anemometer measurements of speed of sound. The results illustrate that an acoustical spread spectrum system can provide significantly improved ways of measuring sound propagation outdoors.     

Motorway noise modelling based on perpendicular propagation analysis of traffic noise

A model for motorway traffic noise has been obtained from measurements along the the Bangkok-Chonburi motorway. The model’s parameters include traffic volume and combination, the average spot speed of each type of vehicle and the physical conditions of the motorway in terms of right-of-way width, number of lanes, lane width, shoulder width, and median width for both of the main carriageways and frontage roads. The noise level that is generated by each type of vehicle has been analyzed according to the propagation in the direction perpendicular to the center line of motorway’s carriageway. The total traffic noise is then analyzed from traffic volume of all vehicle types on both sides of carriageways and frontage roads. The basic noise levels used in the motorway traffic noise model are modified according to the effective ground effect along the propagation path. The final result of this study is that a motorway traffic noise model based on the perpendicular propagation analysis technique performs well in a statistical goodness-of-fit test against the field data, and therefore, can be used effectively in traffic noise prediction for related or similar motorway projects.     

A GIS based road traffic noise prediction model

A road traffic noise prediction model has been developed suitable for use in China. This model is based on local environmental standards, vehicle types and traffic conditions. The model was accurate to 0.8 dBA at locations near the road carriage way and 2.1 dBA within the housing estate, which is comparable to the FHWA model. An integrated noise-GIS system was developed to provide general functions for noise modeling and an additional tool for noise design, where a new interaction mode in “WHAT IF Question/Explanation” format was used. Application of this system offered improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of traffic noise assessment and noise design.     

A multiple regression model for urban traffic noise in Hong Kong

This article describes the roadside traffic noise surveys conducted in heavily built-up urban areas in Hong Kong. Noise measurements were carried out along 18 major roads in 1999. The measurement data included L10, L50, L90, Leq, Lmax, the number of light vehicles, the number of heavy vehicles, the total traffic flow, and the average speed of vehicles. Statistical analysis using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (p<0.05) reveals that the total traffic flow and the number of heavy vehicles are the most significant factors of urban traffic noise. Multiple regression was used to derive a set of empirical formulas for predicting L10 noise level due to road traffic. The accuracy of these empirical formulas is quantified and compared to that of another widely used prediction model in Hong Kong--the Calculation of Road Traffic Noise. The applicability of the selected multiple regression model is validated by the noise measurements performed in the winter of 2000.     

公路交通噪声预测模型探讨

对公路交通噪声预测模型进行了分析推导,指出美国联邦公路局FHWA模型为近似表达式,并给出了精确表达式。对FHWA模型与精确表达式在硬地面、软地面、混合地面几种条件下的值进行了比较分析。结果表明,两者在硬地面条件下的形式和计算结果相同;在混合地面,即公路的实际情况下,两者存在差异,差值等于10lg(r1/r0)α。在用于高速公路交通噪声预测计算时,当r0取15m,该差值较小,当r0取7.5m,该差值增大;在一般情况下,r0取15m时的差值为±0.3dB(A),r0取7.5m时的差值为1.2—1.8dB(A),后者约占交通噪声预测值的1.5-4%,是不应忽视的。说明我国在引用FHWA模型时,对参考点距离的更改,会造成用于高速公路交通噪声预测的误差增大。建议我国使用本文推导给出的修订模型。     

Computer simulation model for the prediction of traffic noise levels

This paper describes a computer simulation model capable of predicting the noise levels generated by traffic passing through road intersections controlled by roundabouts where departures from free-flow traffic conditions occur. The model depends for its operation on the acoustical and flow characteristics of single vehicles travelling on a road from which the overall noise generated by traffic streams can be deduced using a sampling/integration technique. Distance effects, ground cover, vehicle type, velocity and headway characteristics, etc. are taken into account in the model and the simplest possible input parameters are used deliberately to facilitate the eventual use of the model by highway and planning authorities. Good agreement has been achieved between measured and predicted L₁₀ values for freely flowing traffic negotiating roundabouts. Further applications of the model involving road intersections controlled by traffic lights and the effect of traffic queues are nearing completion.     

A method of traffic noise prognosis

This paper describes a simple method for the calculation of changes in noise levels generated by the vehicle population of a country as a whole in future time related to present population. The changes of the total number of vehicles, the introduction of quieter vehicles and the condition of wear of the running stock are taken into account in the model and the change in L_eq level is used as the output parameter. The calculated changes in L_eq values are about the same as those of L₁₀. The application examples of the model show that this simple method seems to be helpful for decision makers. The examples also allow conclusions for noise control strategy to be developed.     

A computer model to predict traffic noise in urban situations under free flow and traffic light conditions

A computer model is presented for predicting traffic noise indices in built-up situations for free flow traffic conditions and for a flow interrupted by a traffic light. The stream of vehicles is simulated by a given time headway distribution, and a transfer function obtained from a 1 : 100 scale model is used to simulate the specific built-up situation. Different time headway distributions result in only very small discrepancies; even the simple “equally spaced” distribution is adequate for predicting noise indices with high accuracy, unless L₉₀ has to be predicted. In eight built-up situations along a road with freely flowing traffic only minor mutual differences are found when L₁ ? L_eq and L₁₀ ? L_eq are compared, but L₅₀ and L₉₀, and consequently TNI and L_np, show discrepancies of the order of 10 dB(A). If a traffic light is introduced the value of L_eq rises compared with the free flow case, and the values of L₁ and L₁₀ increase, especially at higher traffic intensities, while L₅₀ and L₉₀ decrease. If the noise indices are calculated as a function of the distance along the road to the traffic light increases in L₁, L₁₀ and L_eq are found at about 50 m beyond the traffic light. The principal cause for this increase appears to be the differences between the peak levels of an accelerating car and the sound level at the ultimate speed. More in situ measurements are required to test the accuracy of the model, especially for accelerating vehicles.     

A model for streamer propagation

A model is presented to describe the propagation of positive corona streamers in the low field region of a non-uniform field gap in atmospheric air. It has been assumed that the growth is a property solely of the streamer tip, uninfluenced by the channel conductivity. Calculations from the model indicate that the criterion for propagation of a streamer in zero external field is that the number of ions in the tip be 10⁸ and the radius about 3×10^?3 cm. It is proposed that the streamer ceases to propagate as a result of the loss of energy of the tip due to the formation of ion pairs in the channel. The results of previous experimental observations of streamers are compared with calculations derived from the model, and a prediction from the model of the lifetime of streamers after voltage removal is discussed.     

An empirical model for the noise propagation in open cast mines - A case study

Data obtained from 312 measurement stations of sound propagation in panel 48 of the Tuncbilek open cast mine, Western Lignite Corporation, Turkey have been used to create an empirical model for such propagation. As well as the noise level recorded at these stations, atmospheric conditions were recorded also by the meteorological station located at the same panel. A total of 95,000 noise values were recorded at these stations. In addition the distances of the measurement stations to the effective source of noise and to the working slope, the meteorological effects and the number of noise sources were defined for each of 312 measurement stations. Using these data, the proposed model was tested against the noise measurements.     

New vehicle noise emission for French traffic noise prediction

Traffic noise prediction models in France are based on vehicle noise emission values defined by the French Guide du Bruit des Transports Terrestres (Noise Guide for Ground Transport - Noise levels prediction). These emission values are suited for models addressing the noise assessments of road infrastructures and the dimensioning of acoustic protections, needing traffic noise estimations in terms of ?_Aeq over a long period of time (an hour or more).The values, obtained from measurements collected in the 70s, are updated in the publication of a new guide (Methodological Guide, Vehicle noise emissions, to be published), which addresses the road surface influence on tyre/road noise. The emission values are now expressed through the contributions of a power unit component, function of traffic speed, traffic flow type and road declivity, and of a rolling noise component, function of traffic speed and road pavement.The paper outlines the procedures followed to determine the components, gives their numerical values, and illustrates some vehicle noise emissions.     

Honking noise corrections for traffic noise prediction models in heterogeneous traffic conditions like India

In developing countries like India, the nature of the composition of traffic is heterogeneous. A heterogeneous traffic flow consists of vehicles that have different sizes, speeds, vehicle spacing and operating characteristics. As a result of the widely varying speeds, vehicular dimensions, lack of lane disciplines, honking becomes inevitable. In addition, it changes the urban soundscape of developing countries. In heterogeneous traffic conditions, horn events increase noise level (L_den) by 0.5–13 dB(A) as compared to homogenous traffic conditions. Therefore, the traffic prediction models that are used for homogenous traffic conditions are not applicable in heterogeneous traffic conditions. To increase the accuracy of noise prediction models, in depth understanding of heterogeneous traffic noise is required. Understanding the real traffic noise characteristics requires quantification of some of the basic traffic flow characteristics such as speed, flow, Level Of Service (LOS) and density. In a given roadway, the noise level changes with density and LOS on the road. In this paper, a new factor for horn correction is introduced with respect of Level Of Service (LOS). The horn correction values can be incorporated in traffic noise models such as CRTN, FHWA, and RLS 90, while evaluating heterogeneous traffic conditions.