Evaluation of Traffic Noise Pollution in Amman, Jordan

The City of Amman, Jordan, has been subjected to persistent increase in road traffic due to overall increase in prosperity, fast development and expansion of economy, travel and tourism. This study investigates traffic noise pollution in Amman. Road traffic noise index L ₁₀(1 h) was measured at 28 locations that cover most of the City of Amman. Noise measurements were carried out at these 28 locations two times a day for a period of one hour during the early morning and early evening rush hours, in the presence and absence of a barrier. The Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) prediction model was employed to predict noise levels at the locations chosen for the study. Data required for the model include traffic volume, speed, percentage of heavy vehicles, road surface, gradient, obstructions, distance, noise path, intervening ground, effect of shielding, and angle of view. The results of the investigation showed that the minimum and the maximum noise levels are 46 dB(A) and 81 dB(A) during day-time and 58 dB(A) and 71 dB(A) during night-time. The measured noise level exceeded the 62 dB(A) acceptable limit at most of the locations. The CTRN prediction model was successful in predicting noise levels at most of the locations chosen for this investigation, with more accurate predictions for night-time measurements.     

Determination of Path Coefficients and Its Application in Road Traffic Noise Annoyance – a Theoretical Approach

This paper elucidates the basic approach of determining the path coefficients and its significance in the road traffic noise annoyance. Path model not only outline the direct effect of the traffic noise on the nearby residents but also indicate the indirect effect via other variables. In this study seven variables were considered for determining road traffic noise annoyance. However the same would be equally applicable for other situations like aircraft noise, rail noise, and industry noise with the different variables. At the outset a priori path model was designed and then on the basis of the partial regression coefficient values for the different paths, the revised path model was developed. The standardized partial regression coefficients known as path coefficients, determine the strength of the linkage among variables. Some of the paths in the model were not statistically significant. Revised path models were developed by deleting the insignificant paths whose values were found above 5% level. In the revised path model, thus the direct and indirect effect due to a particular variable causing the road traffic noise annoyance could be observed.     

海口市声环境影响因素分析及预测

噪声污染一直是海口市主要的环境问题之一。主要原因是城市纵深度太低，道路密度太高，交通布局不合理，1991年－2000年城市区域环境噪声和道路交通噪声的平均值分别为59．0dB（A）和69．5dB（A）。利用城市区域环境噪声预测方法和道路交通噪声预测方法对该市噪声进行预测，2001年－2005年该市的区域噪声昼间平均等效声级综合预测值在57．6dB（A）－56．7dB（A）之间；道路交通噪声昼间平均等效声级综合预测值在68．2dB（A）－68．3dB（A）之间。     

英国CRTN道路交通噪声预测模型在中国的适用性研究

基于道路交通噪声990 h监测数据,对英国CRTN模型中源强计算模型在中国的适用性进行了验证。试验结果表明,理论计算与实测结果之间平均仅相差0.57 dB（A）,CRTN源强预测模型在中国可以可靠地预测道路交通噪声。     

Dynamics of traffic noise in a tropical city Varanasi and its abatement through vegetation

Noise level monitoring and its reduction with different width and height of vegetation belt were studied in the Varanasi city. Noise level monitoring of the Varanasi city revealed the fact that area category A (without vegetation) was highly polluted as compare to area category B (with vegetation) having less fluctuation of traffic load. Four plant species Putranjeva roxburghi, Cestrum nocturnum, Hibiscus rosasinensis and Murraya peniculata were tested for noise reduction study at different frequencies. Experiment revealed the fact that H. rosasinensis reduced noise highest at both low and high frequencies (100-500 Hz, 22 dB and 2.5-6.3 KHz 26 dB), followed by M. peniculata (100-500 Hz, 18 dB and 2.5-6.3 KHz 20 dB), P. roxburghi (100-500 Hz 15 dB and 2.5-6.3 KHz 17 dB) and C. nocturnum (100-500 Hz 9 dB and 2.5-6.3 KHz 14 dB). Significance of vegetation belt in noise reduction was established with multiple regression models.     

Degradation of natural habitats by roads: Comparing land-take and noise effect zone

Roads may act as barriers, negatively influencing the movement of animals, thereby causing disruption in landscapes. Roads cause habitat loss and fragmentation not only through their physical occupation, but also through traffic noise. The aim of this study is to provide a method to quantify the habitat degradation including habitat loss and fragmentation due to road traffic noise and to compare it with those of road land-take. Two types of fragmentation effects are determined: structural fragmentation (based on road land-take only), and functional fragmentation (noise effect zone fragmentation, buffer using a threshold of 40 dB). Noise propagation for roads with a traffic volume of more than 1000 vehicles per day was simulated by Calculation of Road Traffic Noise (CRTN) model. Habitat loss and fragmentation through land-take and noise effect zone were calculated and compared in Zagros Mountains in western Iran. The study area is characterized by three main habitat types (oak forest, scattered woodland and temperate grassland) which host endangered and protected wildlife species. Due to topographic conditions, land cover type, and the traffic volume in the region, the noise effect zone ranged from 50 to 2000 m which covers 18.3% (i.e. 516,929.95 ha) of the total study area. The results showed that the habitat loss due to noise effect zone is dramatically higher than that due to road land-take only (35% versus 1.04% of the total area). Temperate grasslands lost the highest proportion of the original area by both land-take and noise effect zone, but most area was lost in scattered woodland as compared to the other two habitat types. The results showed that considering the noise effect zone for habitat fragmentation resulted in an increase of 25.8% of the area affected (316,810 ha) as compared to using the land-take only (555,874 ha vs. 239,064 ha, respectively). The results revealed that the degree of habitat fragmentation is increasing by considering the noise effect zone. We conclude that, although the roads are breaking apart the patches by land-take, road noise not only dissects habitat patches but takes much larger proportions of or even functionally eliminates entire patches.     

Determination of roadside noise reduction effectiveness of Pinus sylvestris L. and Populus nigra L. in Erzurum, Turkey

This study was carried out to determine the noise-reduction effectiveness of the Pinus sylvestris L. and Populus nigra L. trees along the E-80 State highway in Erzurum-Turkey. Noise values were taken at three measurement points; open (without trees and taken as control), the urban forests of pure P. sylvestris L. and P. nigra L. areas, and at four different distances; 0 (near the noise source), 25, 50 and 75 m from the noise source. At the distance of 25 m from the source, the noise value was 78.5 dB(A) in the control area, which was reduced 75.5 dB(A) and 69.2 dB(A) in the P. nigra L. and P. sylvestris L. areas, with the reduction rates of 24.7 and 31% compared to the control, respectively. This value was 69.6, 67.1 and 64.3 at the distance of 50 m and 64.9, 62.5 and 59.2 at 75 m for the naked, P. nigra L. and P. sylvestris L. areas, respectively. From the results of the study, it was suggested that for the noise pollution from the traffic flow on the roads, in especially the big cities, noise reduction zones with suitable width and plant species should be formed along the main arteries of the cities.     

低噪声路面降噪效果研究

通过对公路交通噪声特征,低噪声路面的特点、结构、降噪机理及国内外研究现状的分析,对宁杭高速二期工程低噪声路面与普通路面噪声监测结果进行对比分析,确认低噪声沥青路面具有比较明显的降噪效果,路肩处噪声可降低3～4 dB(A),路外15 m处可降低1.1～3.5 dB(A).     

北京市黄标车禁行对市区道路交通噪声的影响分析

利用噪声自动监测系统中33个道路交通站点的数据,分析了北京市实行黄标车禁行措施后道路交通噪声昼、夜间均值的总体变化趋势.在计算夜间噪声下降量的基础上归纳了噪声降幅大的道路等级,进一步分析了噪声改善最大的时间段,并在结论的基础上为决策者提出了相应的建议.     

Inclusion of Noise in Environmental Assessment of Road Transportation

In life cycle assessment (LCA) of road transportation systems, limited attention is given to noise as an impact category. This paper presents a method in order to include the environmental effects of noise in the LCA of road transportation. Life cycle inventory is developed based on the IMAGINE road vehicle noise emission model. Life cycle impact assessment is based on cause-effect chain including fate, exposure, effect, and damage analysis. The health effects of road traffic noise are evaluated in terms of acute myocardial infarction, annoyance, and sleep disturbance. The corresponding health damages are quantified using disability adjusted life years (DALY). A case study evaluating the health effects of road transportation noise for the nine municipalities of Istanbul using the proposed method is also presented. It was shown that transportation noise has significant adverse health effects and therefore should be accounted for in the LCA of road transportation along with other environmental interventions.     

Evaluation and analysis of noise levels in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria

Evaluation and analysis of noise pollution levels have been carried out to determine the level of noise and its sources in Ilorin metropolis. Noise measurements have been done in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and at night to determine noise pollution all over the city. The selected areas of study are commercial centers, road junctions/busy roads, passenger loading parks, and high-density and low-density residential areas. The road junctions had the highest noise pollution levels, followed by commercial centers. The results of this study show that the noise levels in Ilorin metropolis exceeded allowed values at 30 of 42 measurements points. There is a significant difference (P?<?0.05) in the noise pollution levels and traffic noise index in all the locations. From the measured noise values, a map of noise pollution was developed for Ilorin. Many solutions proposed for noise abatement in the city are set out.     

Association between road traffic noise and prevalence of coronary heart disease

There is an established evidence that exposure to high levels of road traffic noise is associated with elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The results however have been heterogeneous and mostly inconclusive. The present investigation aimed to examine this association in adult subjects, with a secondary aim of identifying potentially vulnerable sub-populations. Similar studies have never been reported from Indian population. For exposure assessment, the time-weighted road traffic noise indicator, L _den, was used as a continuous and categorical predictor. A cross-sectional study was designed, and sociodemographic and lifestyle- and health-related characteristics were recorded for 909 (533 females and 376 males) subjects aged 18–80 years. The respondents living in areas with L _den?<?60 dB(A) were designated as the reference group. Odds for self-reported CHD in relation to traffic noise exposure were estimated by univariate and multifactorial logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounders and effect modifiers. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for self-reported CHD was 1.72 (95 % CI 1.36–2.19) per 5 dB(A) increase of L _den (range 55–80 dB(A)). A gender-related risk difference was observed among male (OR 1.47 (1.07–2.02)) and female (OR 1.83 (1.27–2.65)) respondents. A stronger effect for subjects in the age group 55–64 years old was found, with age, residence period, body mass index, and self-reported stress being significant confounders. This study suggests epidemiological evidence that exposure to road traffic noise of L _den?>?65 dB(A) may be associated with occurrence of CHD in adult subjects. A trend was observed indicating increasing risk with higher exposure levels. The study results are also suggestive of higher risk of outcome among those with other chronic ailments (diabetes, pulmonary, or renal issues) and residing in the same location in excess of 15 years. Orientation of bedroom windows was identified as a significant effect modifier.     

A comparative study of noise pollution levels in some selected areas in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

The noise pollution is a major problem for the quality of life in urban areas. This study was conducted to compare the noise pollution levels at busy roads/road junctions, passengers loading parks, commercial, industrial and residential areas in Ilorin metropolis. A total number of 47-locations were selected within the metropolis. Statistical analysis shows significant difference (P < 0.05) in noise pollution levels between industrial areas and low density residential areas, industrial areas and high density areas, industrial areas and passengers loading parks, industrial areas and commercial areas, busy roads/road junctions and low density areas, passengers loading parks and commercial areas and commercial areas and low density areas. There is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in noise pollution levels between industrial areas and busy roads/road junctions, busy roads/road junctions and high density areas, busy roads/road junctions and passengers loading parks, busy roads/road junctions and commercial areas, passengers loading parks and high density areas, passengers loading parks and commercial areas and commercial areas and high density areas. The results show that Industrial areas have the highest noise pollution levels (110.2 dB(A)) followed by busy roads/Road junctions (91.5 dB(A)), Passengers loading parks (87.8 dB(A)) and Commercial areas (84.4 dB(A)). The noise pollution levels in Ilorin metropolis exceeded the recommended level by WHO at 34 of 47 measuring points. It can be concluded that the city is environmentally noise polluted and road traffic and industrial machineries are the major sources of it. Noting the noise emission standards, technical control measures, planning and promoting the citizens awareness about the high noise risk may help to relieve the noise problem in the metropolis.     

北京市典型道路交通噪声排放特征

采用北京市道路交通噪声自动监测系统2013—2017年采集的等效连续A声级数据,对城市快速路、城市主干线、城市次干线、城市支路的代表性站点噪声排放情况进行了统计分析,结果显示,北京市不同等级的道路噪声排放具备一定的特征,排放水平从大到小依次为城市快速路城市主干线城市支路和城市次干线,道路噪声随时间变化存在较为一致的周期性排放特征,24 h变化特征比较明显。个别道路排放特征存在特异性,如城市主干线道路的一个代表监测站点噪声监测值出现了逐年下降趋势,分析发现,北京市非首都功能疏解对其噪声值的下降有一定贡献。采取一定的规划和管理措施有助于减少道路交通噪声的排放。     

Assessing the effects of noise abatement measures on health risks: A case study in Istanbul

In recent decades, noise pollution caused by industrialization and increased motorization has become a major concern around the world because of its adverse effects on human well-being. Therefore, transportation agencies have been implementing noise abatement measures in order to reduce road traffic noise. However, limited attention is given to noise in environmental assessment of road transportation systems. This paper presents a framework for a health impact assessment model for road transportation noise emissions. The model allows noise impacts to be addressed with the health effects of air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from road transportation. The health damages assessed in the model include annoyance, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular disease in terms of acute myocardial infarction. The model was applied in a case study in Istanbul in order to evaluate the change in health risks from the implementation of noise abatement strategies. The noise abatement strategies evaluated include altering pavement surfaces in order to absorb noise and introducing speed limits. It was shown that significant improvements in health risks can be achieved using open graded pavement surfaces and introducing speed limits on highways.     

Analysing and mapping spatial and temporal dynamics of urban traffic noise pollution: a case study in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

This study aimed at quantifying noise pollution from urban traffic in the city of Kahramanmara?, Turkey. A total of 114 measurements for the equivalent noise level (L _Aeq) were made at 38 urban locations classified as “residential areas”, “residential and commercial areas” and “industrial areas” according to the national regulations, during morning, mid-day and evening hours. Our findings tabulated and mapped revealed that mean noise level in “residential and commercial areas” was highest relative to the other land-use types. Minimum and maximum values of noise pollution were recorded during the mid-day and evening hours, regardless of the land-use types. Noise limit values were exceeded at two locations only out of 38 based on the national regulation criteria and at over half of the locations based on the international criteria.     

基于异质人群响应特征的交通噪声暴露评估研究

考虑异质人群不同声功能需求和时空分布,对异质人群交通噪声暴露特征进行评估。通过集记人口高斯分解和噪声预测,获取特征人群分布数据和交通噪声数据;基于特征人群年龄和声功能需求,标定各年龄段人群噪声响应函数并进行归一化处理,构建异质人群噪声响应曲线;构建交通噪声暴露评估模型,结合获取数据及噪声响应曲线进行噪声暴露评估。结果表明,3类声功能区中人群噪声暴露与年龄变量均呈现类抛物线趋势,40岁左右人群暴露影响较儿童和老人低59.9%左右。人均噪声暴露在夜间明显偏高,尤其在声功能需求较高的第1类声功能区,其人均噪声超标值比昼间高7 d B。特征人群的空间分布对噪声暴露影响显著,工作时段学校区域适学人群集中,其总噪声暴露风险为同等状况住宅区的1.2倍。综合考虑人群特征和时空分布等因素,可更科学地进行区域交通噪声污染评估。     

Selection of suitable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of road traffic noise using a fuzzy multi-criteria decision model

Road traffic noise is one of the most significant environmental impacts generated by transport systems. To this regard, the recent implementation of the European Environmental Noise Directive by Public Administrations of the European Union member countries has led to various noise action plans (NAPs) for reducing the noise exposure of EU inhabitants. Every country or administration is responsible for applying criteria based on their own experience or expert knowledge, but there is no regulated process for the prioritization of technical measures within these plans. This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision methodology for the selection of suitable alternatives against traffic noise in each of the road stretches included in the NAPs. The methodology first defines the main criteria and alternatives to be considered. Secondly, it determines the relative weights for the criteria and sub-criteria using the fuzzy extended analytical hierarchy process as applied to the results from an expert panel, thereby allowing expert knowledge to be captured in an automated way. A final step comprises the use of discrete multi-criteria analysis methods such as weighted sum, ELECTRE and TOPSIS, to rank the alternatives by suitability. To illustrate an application of the proposed methodology, this paper describes its implementation in a complex real case study: the selection of optimal technical solutions against traffic noise in the top priority road stretch included in the revision of the NAP of the regional road network in the province of Almeria (Spain).     

测点高度对道路交通噪声监测数据的影响

通过在4城市对132条道路进行了道路交通噪声测点高度试验,系统分析了测点高度从手工监测的1.2 m向自动监测的4.5 m转化后,在不同道路情况对道路交通噪声监测数据的影响。结果表明,测点高度提高后监测结果变化在±3 dB(A)以内。待测道路的车道数和测点与机动车道的距离是其主要影响因素。对两测点高度进行对比,4.5 m高度噪声值随水平距离增加衰减较小,测量结果更稳定。     

广州市昼夜道路交通噪声的监测与分析

对广州市的昼夜交通噪声污染现状进行了分区域分道路等级的实地监测,得到共53个监测点位白天和夜晚的等效声级及其统计声级,同时对每个监测点展开了交通流调查,并分析交通流特征对交通噪声的影响。监测结果表明, 白天快速路、主干路、次干路及支路的平均等效声级分别为74.2、72.2、67.8、65.1 dB,快速路及主干路沿线的交通噪声污染比次干路及支路的严重。夜晚所有测点的噪声值均超过55 dB,快速路、主干路、次干路及支路的平均等效声级分别为72.2、72.3、66.3、64.5 dB,广州市夜晚的交通噪声污染较为严重。