TUNNEL PORTAL NOISE

In this paper the method, analysis, and results are presented of a study to determine the traffic noise field near and surrounding a highway tunnel portal. The purpose of the study was to determine how the increase in noise due to reverberations in a tunnel affects noise levels immediately outside a tunnel. An array of sound-level meters measured the traffic noise simultaneously at various locations near a tunnel portal. The results are given in terms of the statistical noise descriptors L10, L50, and L90. Graphic plots of distance from the tunnel portal versus decibel level are presented. Measurements were taken on top and in front of the tunnel portal. The results indicate that for measurement sites on top of the tunnel, the drop-off in sound level is very abrupt and at 30 to 40 ft (9 to 12 m) behind the portal the traffic noise has diminished to the ambient noise levels of the surrounding area. For sites in front of the tunnel portal, the drop-off rate is less abrupt than that for the sites on top but still rapid and reaches normal free-field traffic noise levels at 60 to 70 ft (18 to 21 m) from the portal.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1986/1058/1058-003.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TUNNEL+PORTAL+NOISE&author=J.+O%27Connor&publication_year=1986
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309040523
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Transportation-Related Noise and Vibration. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • O'Connor, Jim
• Publication Date: 1986

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 14-17
• Monograph Title: Air-quality and noise issues in environmental planning
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1058
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Building entrances; Distance; Reverberation; Sound level; Traffic noise; Tunnels
• Old TRIS Terms: Entrances (Other than doors)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00460101
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309040523
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Nov 30 1986 12:00AM