TRAFFIC NOISE IN URBAN AREAS

Compared with rural roads, sound propagation conditions in urban traffic are more complicated. The distance between source and affected surface is small, and the influence of the ground and its attenuation are insignificant. Reflection is very important. It is found however that the mathematical model can be simplified and approximations used. These have acceptable accuracy. While traffic on rural roads usually has an even rhythm, factors which reduce speed, such as traffic lights, junctions, exits, roundabouts, bus and tram stops etc, are significant in towns. The distribution of heavy and light vehicles and the presence of trams also make a difference. Traffic noise measurements by dose meters, accompanied by traffic counts, were made on streets representing various speeds, types of buildings, junction frequency, etc. Details are given of results and calculation models, and the corrections due to junctions, attenuation of sound level in side streets and vertical sound level variation are described. A simplified calculation method based on street classification is described. Measures which will reduce noise levels are traffic restrictions, introduction of quieter buses, barriers, facade insulation and design, modifications to vehicles. /TRRL/

  • Corporate Authors:

    Ingemanssons Ingenjoersbyraa AB

    Box 53037
    Gothenburg,   Sweden 
  • Authors:
    • Benjegaard, S O
  • Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: 17 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00147921
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Traffic Research Institute
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 4 1977 12:00AM