New Hampshire Department of Transportation Statewide Noise Barrier Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (24) ◽  
pp. 144-153
Author(s):  
Jason C. Ross ◽  
Mark Arnoldy ◽  
Jonathan Evans
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
The State ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Noise Barrier

This paper presents the results of a statewide noise barrier study for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). The feasibility and reasonableness of noise barriers throughout the state has been evaluated according to NHDOT acoustical and cost-effectiveness criteria. The study has provided the DOT with an estimate of the potential noise barrier material costs associated with a newly implemented Type II noise barrier program. The study also has identified municipalities that the DOT can coordinate with for enacting noise-compatible planning regulations. The paper describes the methodology used to develop the screening-level noise barrier evaluation. Highway noise levels throughout the state and the distances from the highway where noise levels exceed the noise abatement criteria were determined. A method to predict the noise reduction of barriers (insertion loss) based on a simple geometrical relationship of receptors and potential noise barriers was established and has been shown to correlate well to detailed traffic noise models using actual roadway and terrain geometry. The simplified prediction method was used to evaluate over 300 miles of highway, 300 candidate noise barrier study areas, and over 30,000 receptors. This screening-level modeling approach is critical to the practicality of using the Traffic Noise Model across the entire state given the significant number of receptors and noise barrier study areas. The results of the study including information about all 30,000 receptors and 300 noise barrier study areas were collected in Google Earth™ data files for easy access when the DOT responds to noise complaints from the public.

Perception of Traffic Noise Barrier Effectiveness: Public Opinion Survey of Residents Living near I-71

1997 ◽  
Vol 1601 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd A. Herman ◽  
Michael A. Finney ◽  
Craig M. Clum ◽  
E.W. Pinckney
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Opinion Survey ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Noise Abatement ◽  
Public Controversy ◽  
Public Opinion Survey ◽  
Project Area ◽  
Noise Barrier

The completion of the largest Ohio Department of Transportation traffic noise abatement project in 1995 was met with public controversy over the effectiveness of the noise barriers. A public opinion survey was designed to obtain the perceptions of the residents in the project area. In a departure from most surveys of traffic noise barrier effectiveness, the coverage was not limited to the first or second row of houses, but was extended to 800 m on each side of the roadway. It was found that the larger survey area was needed to avoid misleading conclusions. Overall perceptions of noise barrier effectiveness were found to vary with distance from the roadway and with noise barrier configuration.

Performance of Noise Barriers with Absorptive Edge Treatments

2003 ◽  
Vol 1859 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64
Author(s):  
Sanghoon Suh ◽  
Vincent J. Badagnani ◽  
Luc Mongeau ◽  
J. Stuart Bolton
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Vertical Edge ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Shadow Zone ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Noise Barrier

The installation of sound-absorptive materials near the edge of a noise barrier is known to increase its insertion loss. First, scale-model experiments were performed to compare the performance of barriers that have absorptive edge linings with that of linearly extended, rigid uniform barriers and T-shaped barriers. The issue of effective positioning of the sound-absorptive material was also addressed. It was found that in terms of material use, an absorptive treatment was the most effective treatment for reducing the sound level in the shadow zone for a given barrier height. It was concluded that absorptive edge treatments may offer the opportunity to design effective treatments that could be retrofitted to existing barrier installations to improve their effectiveness. Preliminary field measurements were performed near South Bend, Indiana. The performance of an existing barrier was evaluated. Predictions of its performance made using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model were verified. An acoustical treatment was added to one vertical edge of the highway noise barrier. The results for the performance of the acoustical treatment measured in the field confirmed the trends of the scale-model laboratory measurements.

Florida Noise Barrier Evaluation and Computer Model Validation

2003 ◽  
Vol 1859 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Wayson ◽  
John MacDonald ◽  
Ahmed EI-Assar ◽  
Win Lindeman ◽  
Mariano Berrios
Keyword(s):  
Insertion Loss ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Barrier Method ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Zone Length ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Noise Barrier ◽  
Source Level

The results of a project that investigated the effectiveness of in situ noise barriers in Florida are presented. The prediction accuracy of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is compared with STAMINA 2.0 and 2.1 (Florida-specific). A total of 20 barrier sites were visited during a 3-year period that resulted in 844 discrete 20-min equivalent sound level (Leq) measurements behind the barriers. Barrier insertion loss was determined using the ANSI indirect barrier method. A methodology was developed to estimate shadow zone length created behind highway noise barriers. All of the barriers tested were effective (>5 dB:LAeq insertion loss at distances equivalent to the first row of homes, where LAeq is the A-weighted Leq) except one site because of marginal additional shielding from a berm–barrier combination. Only three sites had an insertion loss of less than 5 dB at distances representative of the second row of homes. Overall, measurements indicate that the barriers provide substantial sound level reduction for residents along the highway. TNM was the best prediction model when considering all test sites; however, the STAMINA models were more accurate at predicting source level. TNM predictions using the Average pavement input overpredicted the reference sound levels measured at these sites. TNM predictions using the OGAC (open-graded asphalt concrete) input were improved (under 2 dB:LAeq of error) over those using the Average pavement type input. This result is expected because Florida uses an open-graded asphalt friction mix.

scholarly journals Croatian Experience in Road Traffic Noise Management - Concrete Noise Barriers

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Saša Ahac ◽  
Ivo Haladin ◽  
Stjepan Lakušić ◽  
Vesna Dragčević
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Innovative Product ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Waste Tyres ◽  
Noise Barrier ◽  
Recycled Waste ◽  
Absorptive Layer

Abstract The paper gives an overview of concrete noise barrier application in several EU countries and in Croatia. It describes a process of introducing different noise protection solutions on Croatian market in the phase of intensive motorway construction in recent years. Namely, an extensive motorway network has been constructed in Croatia in the last 10 years. Following the process of motorway construction, noise protection walls have also been erected. Usage of different building materials and installation processes as well as variations in building expenditures has led to a comparative analysis of several types of noise protection solutions (expanded clay, wood fibre) including a new eco-innovative product RUCONBAR, which incorporates rubber granules from recycled waste tyres to form a porous noise absorptive layer.

scholarly journals Protection against traffic noise in urban areas in relation to noise control plans

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 075-082
Author(s):  
Janusz Bohatkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Noise Control ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Land Acquisition ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Control Solution ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Traffic Calming ◽  
The Eu

Exposure to traffic noise belongs to the most harmful impacts affecting people who live in towns. Nearly one third of residents of big towns in Poland suffers from permanent exposure to traffic noise, which may have adverse effects on health. The same refers to most European cities. The problems of noise is regulated by identical legislation in the EU and in Poland. Noise control in big towns arises from regulations related to obligatory provision of noise mapping and noise control plans. The plans contain, among other things, site-specific methods of protection against traffic noise. Those sites are defined by means of the “M” index, whose value is the higher the more people live in the area and the more permissible noise levels are exceeded. The noise control plans prepared to-date contain a range of methods and measures aimed at ensuring protection against traffic noise. In many cases those methods are nothing but improvised response and are not effective enough in towns, for example noise barriers. Results of pilot research indicates that comprehensive physical traffic calming measures may prove to be an effective and long lasting noise control solution in the surrounding of streets in urban areas. Physical traffic calming may be more effective than the measures commonly used so far which does not require additional land acquisition.

Analysis on Traffic Noise Attenuation by Using Sound Barrier

2014 ◽  
Vol 584-586 ◽  
pp. 776-779
Author(s):  
Xian Feng Huang ◽  
Chen Hui Zhu ◽  
Quan Shi
Keyword(s):  
Sound Source ◽  
Insertion Loss ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Attenuation ◽  
Noise Barriers ◽  
Sound Barrier ◽  
Noise Barrier ◽  
Significant Attenuation ◽  
Infinite Line ◽  
Insertion Losses

By applying noise insertion loss predicting model of the noise barriers, influencing factors on insertion loss of the sound barrier are investigated for achieving the significant attenuation effects. In term of the infinite line sound source and the finite length of the barriers, the sound insertion losses with varying parameters are calculated and compared. Finally, the meaningful results indicate that the economic and reasonable height and length of the noise barrier are gained to be beneficial for barrier design.

scholarly journals Modeling the Influence of Roundabout Deflection on Its Efficiency as a Noise Abatement Measure

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5407
Author(s):  
Saša Ahac ◽  
Maja Ahac ◽  
Josipa Domitrović ◽  
Vesna Dragčević
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Design Phase ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Abatement ◽  
Early Design ◽  
The Road ◽  
Abatement Measure

Challenges that emerge in roundabout design are mostly related to space constrictions and provision of appropriate deflection around the central island. This can result in speed profiles on roundabouts that might reduce their potential as a noise abatement measure. Because of this, the impact of a roundabout on noise levels and its applicability as a traffic calming device and a noise abatement measure should be investigated in the early design stage, by modeling noise levels. In this paper, the following hypothesis is tested: vehicle movement trajectories, defined during the fastest path performance check in roundabout early design phase, can be used as the road traffic noise sources when modeling noise at roundabouts using static noise model. This procedure (1) simplifies the preparation of the noise model, (2) results in a model that is closer to the real-world in terms of traffic flow conditions, (3) allows the noise calculations in the early stages of roundabout design, and (4) includes the influence of roundabout deflection on calculated noise levels. The abovementioned simplifications of the road traffic noise modeling process should encourage the optimization of roundabout geometry in terms of its noise reduction capabilities in the preliminary design phase of these intersections.

Investigation of Tire-Road Noise Levels for Ohio Pavement Types

2000 ◽  
Vol 1702 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd A. Herman ◽  
Matt J. Ambroziak ◽  
Elvin Pinckney
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
The United States ◽  
International Organization ◽  
Noise Prediction ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Road Noise ◽  
Prediction Modeling ◽  
Noise Measurements

Tire-road noise levels for Ohio Department of Transportation pavement types were investigated to provide an additional criterion for pavement selection in noise-sensitive areas. Tire-road noise measurements were conducted in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s statistical pass-by method (ISO 11819-1)—the first use of this standard in the United States. A statistical pass-by index (SPBI) was determined for each pavement test, which enabled the ranking of the pavement types according to tire-road noise levels, as well as a means of comparing results with other studies conducted according to the standard. There was a difference of 6.7 dB between the lowest (open-graded asphalt) and the highest (random-transverse-grooved concrete) SPBI for all of the pavements measured. Additionally, the data were analyzed to produce reference energy mean emission levels for future use with traffic-noise prediction modeling.

Investigation of Ways to Reduce Road Traffic Noise of Apartment Complexes Using Computer Simulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 851 ◽  
pp. 673-679
Author(s):  
Jun Oh Yeon ◽  
Kyoung Woo Kim ◽  
Kwan Seop Yang
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
The Road ◽  
Apartment Complex ◽  
Noise Barrier ◽  
Continuous Noise ◽  
Apartment Complexes

In the present study, computer simulations were carried out using Sound Plan in order to investigate whether road traffic noise levels in two apartment complexes were less than the outdoor noise criteria [65 dB(A)] The sound isolation tunnel was found to be most effective way for noise reduction in the two apartment complexes, although they each have different building arrangements and road traffic. A noise barrier with a height of more than 12 m was required to meet the outdoor noise criteria in apartment complex A. The continuous noise barrier with a height of more than 10 m and enough distance from the road traffic were required in apartment complex B.

scholarly journals Technical Approaches to Developing a Highway Noise Programmatic Agreement

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Alexander ◽  
Ahmed El-Aassar ◽  
John MacDonald ◽  
Anjoli Martin
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Graphical User Interface ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Traffic Volume ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Traffic Volumes ◽  
Technical Study ◽  
Noise Impacts

There are many instances in which noise studies were completed for projects that were not likely to result in noise impacts. In this paper, the authors provide an analysis from their conducted study, validating a programmatic agreement (PA) intended to reduce the need for unnecessary noise analyses. The technical study considered a range of average daily traffic volumes between 500 and 28,000. The parameters of the PA rely solely on calculated noise levels at specified traffic volume, mix, speed, and roadway designs using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM®) version 2.5 to develop a series of TNM cases, testing impact thresholds at various speed and slope conditions. Using this data, the authors developed a regression model to enable the PA expansion and provide answers for a finer grid of traffic volume. Using the regression model results, the authors will develop a graphical user interface to assess project eligibility for the PA.

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