Prediction of noise reduction through vehicle path rerouting

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2010, Vol.127 (1), p.216-222
• Main Author: Makarewicz, Rufin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Noise: its effects and control; Physics
• ISSN: 0001-4966; 1520-8524
• DOI: 10.1121/1.3257229

Traffic noise, produced by moving vehicles, is described in terms of the day-night average sound level L dn and the day-evening-night level L den . Both levels depend on the path of noise sources, such as road vehicles or aircraft. Usually, noise source path is rectilinear. Substituting a circle arc of radius R for the straight path segment yields noise reduction Δ L = Δ L dn = Δ L den . Assuming that noise propagation is governed by geometrical spreading, air absorption, and ground effect, relationship between Δ L and R is derived. For example, replacement of a straight road at the distance of 100 m with the road of radius R = 270   m and the angle Φ = 68 ° yields the noise reduction of 4 dB. In the case of road traffic noise, the presented results seem to be a viable alternative to barrier construction.