INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF HIGHWAY NOISE PREDICTION METHODS

The basic components of noise prediction methods are examined, areas of deficiency are noted and methods of improvement are considered. Equations representing the time-averaged overall sound pressure level developed in 1952 are presented, and later developments in 1968 (Johnson and Saunders) are outlined. Also reported in 1968 were Galloway's model which simulated a static array of vehicles distributed randomly along a roadway and summed their noise levels at specified points off the roadway. The National Cooperative Research Program (NCHRP) method 117 is the most widely used prediction method. The TSC method published in 1972 provides a computerized highway noise prediction method. Like the NCHRP 117, it calculates light-vehicle and heavy-vehicle noise levels separately and sums them to obtain the total noise. The TSC method also includes a third class of vehicles for which the octave band spectrum can be specified and the resultant noise added to the levels calcualted for light vehicles and heavy vehicles. Also in 1972, Delany published a model for calculating L10 levels from highway traffic noise. The NCHRP 117 (with subsequent revisions of NCHRP 144), TSC and Delany procedures include provisions for calculating the effects of barriers in the vicinity of the highways under study. The comparison of results using the NCHRP 117 and TSC procedures, indicate no logical pattern.

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  • 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.
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  Transportation Research Board

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• Authors:
  • Wesler, J E
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 9-13
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Circular
  • Issue Number: 175
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0097-8515

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Calculation; Equations; Forecasting; Heavy vehicles; Highways; History; Information processing; Noise; Noise barriers; Reviews; Simulation; Traffic noise; Vehicles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Comparative analysis; Computation
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; History; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131393
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 14 1976 12:00AM