Low-Frequency Noise Effects in Residential Buildings Along a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Route

This paper summarizes an investigation of low-frequency noise effects that was conducted in residential buildings along the Sliver Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route in Boston, MA. Soon after a new fleet of Neoplan buses began operating on the line, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) received complaints about rumbling noise and vibration from residents who live along the route. The complaints were primarily related to noise and vibration that occurred inside homes when the buses were idling at stops along the line. The Neoplan bus that operates on the Silver Line is an 18.3 m (60 ft) long, articulated, low-floor unit that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). The bus is powered by a six cylinder, 4-cycle engine that idles at a rotation speed of 700 rpm. In response to the community complaints, an investigation was undertaken to diagnose the problem and develop noise control solutions. Initially, noise and vibration measurements were conducted at affected residences to document the problem, and field tests of a representative bus were performed for diagnostic purposes. Based on the outcome of the initial tests, modifications were made to one of the buses and additional tests were performed. The interim results of this investigation are described below.

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Noise Control Engineering

  Iowa State University, 210 Marston Hall
  Ames, IA  United States  50011-2153

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Towers, David A
  • Ross, Jason C
  • McDowell, Jim
• Conference:
  • Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering
  • Location: Baltimore Maryland, United States
  • Date: 2004-7-12 to 2004-7-14
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 942-947
• Monograph Title: Noise-Con 04. The 2004 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus rapid transit; Bus routes; Compressed natural gas; Dwellings; Engine idling; Low frequency; Noise control; Noise sources; Sound level meters; Sound transmission
• Geographic Terms: Boston (Massachusetts)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Public Transportation; Terminals and Facilities; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01054367
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jul 27 2007 7:06AM