scholarly journals Soundscape design guidelines through noise mapping methodologies: An application to medium urban agglomerations

Noise Mapping ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Vogiatzis ◽  
Nicolas Remy
Keyword(s):  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Mediterranean Country ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Mitigation ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Urban Forms ◽  
Urban Agglomerations ◽  
Urban Neighbourhoods ◽  
Sound Environment

Abstract In the framework of the European Directive 2002/49/EC, from 2012 to 2016, several cities in Greece have completed noise strategic maps with noise action plans that usually define the main strategies to reduce the noise residents are exposed to and introduce and preserve “quiet zones”. Several medium urban agglomerations in Greece (Volos, Larissa, Chania, Heraklion, Corfu, Agrinio, Thessaloniki) have been chosen to also analyse the sound qualities of the soundscapes of specific urban neighbourhoods in order to generate recommendations for the urban design of the soundscapes of these agglomerations in a manner that complements conventional noise mitigation measures. The general principle of this approach is to relate quantitative data (e.g., from measurements, acoustic simulations, urban forms, topography, and traffic model) with qualitative data (e.g., from type of sources, interviews, reports on environmental noise perception) by creating quantitative and qualitative maps. The aim of this study is to propose possible action tools to the relevant authorities aiming at diminishing noise levels in affected areas and also to provide solutions towards a sustainable sound environment both in space and time. This paper presents the main current methodology, selected important results proposed for the urban agglomerations of a typical Southeast Mediterranean country such as Greece.

scholarly journals Validation of large scale noise exposure modelling by long-term measurements

Noise Mapping ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Schlatter ◽  
A. Piquerez ◽  
M. Habermacher ◽  
M. S. Ragettli ◽  
M. Röösli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Noise Mitigation ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Sources Of Uncertainty

Abstract Large scale noise exposure modelling is used in epidemiological research projects as well as for noise mapping and strategic action planning. Such calculations should always be accompanied by an assessment of uncertainty, on the one hand to check for systematic deviations and on the other hand to investigate the sources of uncertainty to address them in future studies. Within the SiRENE (Short and Long Term Effects of Transportation Noise Exposure) project, a large scale nationwide assessment of Switzerland’s road, railway, and aircraft noise exposure was conducted for the year 2011. In the present follow-up study, we equipped 180 sleeping and/or living room windows with sound level meters for one week. The resulting dataset was used to validate noise exposure modelling within SiRENE. For the noise metric LDEN the comparison revealed a difference of 1.6 ± 5 dB(A) when taking all measurements into account. After removing measurement sites with noise mitigation measures not considered in the modelling, the difference to the calculation was reduced to 0.5 ± 4 dB(A). As major sources of uncertainty, the position accuracy and topicality of infrastructure and building geometries, the traffic modelling as well as the acoustic source and propagation models were identified.

scholarly journals Assessing the changing urban sound environment during the COVID-19 lockdown period using short-term acoustic measurements

Noise Mapping ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Tin Oberman ◽  
Andrew Mitchell ◽  
Huan Tong ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Urban Noise ◽  
Sound Environment

AbstractThe implementation of lockdown measures due to the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in wide-ranging social and environmental implications. Among the environmental impacts is a decrease in urban noise levels which has so far been observed at the city scale via noise mapping efforts conducted through the framework of the Environmental Noise Directive. This study aims to understand how lockdown measures have manifested at a local level to better determine how the person-level experience of the urban soundscape has been affected and how these affects differ across urban space typologies. Taking London as a case study, a series of 30-second binaural recordings were taken at 11 locations representing a cross-section of urban public spaces with varying compositions of sound sources during Spring 2019 (pre-lockdown, N = 620) and Spring 2020 (during-lockdown, N = 481). Five acoustic and psychoacoustic metrics (LAeq, LA10, LA90, Loudness, Sharpness) were calculated for each recording and their changes from the pre-lockdown scenario to the lockdown scenario are investigated. Clustering analysis was performed which grouped the locations into 3 types of urban settings based on their acoustic characteristics. An average reduction of 5.4 dB (LAeq) was observed, however significant differences in the degree of reduction were found across the locations, ranging from a 10.7 dB to a 1.2 dB reduction. This study confirms the general reduction in noise levels due to the nationally imposed lockdown measures, identifies trends which vary depending on the urban context and discusses the implications for the limits of urban noise reduction.

scholarly journals Variability in Anthropogenic Underwater Noise Due to Bathymetry and Sound Speed Characteristics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1047
Author(s):  
Svein Vagle ◽  
Rianna E. Burnham ◽  
Caitlin O’Neill ◽  
Harald Yurk
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Transmission Loss ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variability ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Mitigation ◽  
Cetacean Species ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Vessel Noise

Oceanic acoustic environments are dynamic, shaped by the spatiotemporal variability in transmission losses and sound propagation pathways of natural and human-derived noise sources. Here we used recordings of an experimental noise source combined with transmission loss modeling to investigate changes in the received levels of vessel noise over space and time as a result of natural water column variability. Recordings were made in the Juan de Fuca Strait, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a biologically productive coastal region that hosts several cetacean species. Significant variability in noise levels was observed due to changing water masses, tied to seasonal temperature variation and, on a finer scale, tidal movements. Comparisons of interpreted received noise levels through the water column indicated that vessel noise recorded by bottom-stationed monitoring devices might not accurately represent those received by whales in near-surface waters. Vertical and temporal differences of 3–5 dB were commonly observed in both the recorded and modeled data. This has implications in estimating the success of noise mitigation measures, and our understanding of the change in sound fields experienced by target species for conservation.

scholarly journals Noise Pollution in Nigeria’s Institutions of Higher Learning: A Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-21
Author(s):  
Cornelius Ogbodo Anayo Agbo
Keyword(s):  
Noise Pollution ◽  
School Management ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Noise Mitigation ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Learning ◽  
The Government ◽  
Higher Institutions

Education is the cradle of development and must be properly guarded. Higher institutions are citadels of learning engaging in high intellectual discourse that require quiet ambience. The high noise level in Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning has become a growing concern. This paper reviewed the studies done concerning noise pollution vis-à-vis the noise sources, its effects and abatement measures put in place if any. Modular mini electric generators, road traffics and religious organization’s activities were found culpable to the majority of noises produced both inside the institutions and their neighbourhoods. More than 90% of the institutions' community are exposed to disturbing noise levels. The review showed that most of the institutions’ measured noise levels range between 50 dB(A) and 110 dB(A). Also, the majority of the exposed persons feels helpless while hoping to habituate with the conditions. There is a need, therefore, for the school management to collaborate with the government to ensure that sustainable noise mitigation measures are put in place in the institutions to avert its negatives consequences on students’ performance and staff output.

scholarly journals Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining and Industrial Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha: a Comprehensive Approach Using Noise Mapping

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish K. Lokhande ◽  
Satyajeet A. Dhawale ◽  
Samir S. Pathak ◽  
Rakesh Gautam ◽  
Mohindra C. Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Sensitive Areas ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Directorate General ◽  
Open Cast

Abstract Noise mapping is a well-established practice among the European nations, and it has been follow for almost two decades. Recently, as per guidelines of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), India, noise mapping has been made mandatory in the mining expanses. This study is an effort to map the noise levels in nearby areas of mines in the northern Keonjhar district. The motive of this study is to quantify the existing A-weighted time-average sound level (LAeq,T ) in the study area to probe its effects on the human dwellings and noise sensitive areas with the probability of future development of the mines, roads, and industrial and commercial zone. The LAeq,T was measured at 39 identified locations, including industrial, commercial, residential, and sensitive zones, 15 open cast mines, 3 major highways, and 3 haulage roads. With the utilisation of Predictor LimA Software and other GIS tools, the worked out data is mapped and noise contours are developed for the visualisation and identification of the extent and distribution of sound levels across the study area. This investigation discloses that the present noise level at 60% of the locations in silence and residential zone exposed to significantly high noise levels surpasses the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed day and night time LAeq, T level of both zones ranged between 43.2-62.2 dB(A) and 30.5-53.4 dB(A), respectively, whereas, the average Ldn values vary between 32.7 and 51.2 dB(A). The extensive mobility of heavy vehicles adjoining the sensitive areas and a nearby plethora of open cast mines is the leading cause of exceeded noise levels. The study divulges that the delicate establishments like schools and hospitals are susceptible to high noise levels throughout the day and night. A correlation between observed and software predicted values gives R2 of 0.605 for Ld, 0.217 for Ln, and 0.524 for Ldn. Finally, the mitigation measure is proposed and demonstrated using a contour map showing a significant reduction in the noise levels by 0-5.3 dB(A).

scholarly journals Experimental study of noise mitigation measures on a slab track

2021 ◽  
Vol 172 ◽  
pp. 107630
Author(s):  
Xianying Zhang ◽  
Hongseok Jeong ◽  
David Thompson ◽  
Giacomo Squicciarini
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Noise Mitigation ◽  
Slab Track

scholarly journals Understanding the Legendary Sound Environment in the Lobby of Hotel Okura Tokyo

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 4552
Author(s):  
Ryoko Nojima ◽  
Natsuko Sugie ◽  
Akira Taguchi ◽  
Jun Kokubo
Keyword(s):  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Good Reputation ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Hotel Lobbies

The main lobby of Hotel Okura Tokyo has a good reputation for its sound environment, which affects the conversations of its users. We assumed that the lobby’s reputation was related to its speech intelligibility. In this study, first, the sound during hotel operations was measured to see if there was a difference in the sound environment between the lobby and the entrance hall. As a result, we clarified that the difference in noise levels affected by the degree of crowdedness of the room was smaller in the lobby than in the other rooms. Subsequently, the indoor noise and speech intelligibility were measured to clarify the correspondence of intelligibility with the lobby’s reputation. As a result, the indoor noise was found to be at a level suitable for hotel lobbies and the intelligibility was good. A comprehensive evaluation that included the results of other acoustical surveys revealed that the lobby of Okura is a space that is suitable for conversations, corresponding to the opinions of users.

scholarly journals Soundscape approach integrating noise mapping techniques: a case study in Brighton, UK

Noise Mapping ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Sound Maps

AbstractIn the guidelines about the management of areas of good environmental noise quality recently published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) it is suggested to combine different methodologies, like noise mapping, sound level measurements and the soundscape approach. Such a recommendation has started to be recognised by a number of local authorities in Europe that are gradually integrating a holistic concept into their environmental noise policies. This research aimed to explore and demonstrate the possibility to integrate conventional noise mapping methods and soundscape methods in an actual urban redevelopment project. A case study was made using the Valley Gardens project in Brighton & Hove (UK). Different scenarios of sound-pressure level distributionswere simulated for both traffic sound sources (i.e. noise maps) and natural sound sources (i.e. sound maps). Additionally, individual responses about the sound environment of the place collected during an on-site question survey were used to implement soundscape maps.The overall picture revealed that the road traffic noise should be reduced, but also it is feasible that preferred sounds likewater features or birdsong could be introduced to make the sound environment more appropriate for the place. Generally, within the framework of this research, noise maps, sound maps and soundscape maps were used together to "triangulate" different layers of information related to the acoustic environment and the way it is perceived, providing a possible working procedure to consider for planners and policy-makers in the future.

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.

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