Effects of Variable Vehicular Age and Classification Distributions in Mobile Source Modeling

Jackson Hole Airport is the only air carrier airport located entirely in a National Park, that being Grand Teton. Concerns over noise impacts led to an Airport/Park agreement setting allowable levels, restricting flights and flight paths, and calling for compliance monitoring in the noise sensitive areas. This study documented seven days of continuous noise level measurements made at four sites in the Park during four consecutive seasons in 1985-86. Individual sound exposure level measurements at B-737/200 jets, Swearingen Metro turboprops, and general aviation aircraft permitted computation of “aircraft-only” day/night levels (DNL) at each site for each day. Measurement of half-hourly average sound levels permitted computation of “total” DNL for comparisons. Results showed general compliance with the DNL limits, except when winds necessitated northerly departures, in which case a single B- 737 could cause an exceedance. There were no statistically significant differences in mean aircraft DNL for each site over the seasons, largely because of high variances. At the more remote sites, the total DNL was generally not established by airport activity, but by the 10-dB nighttime DNL penalty added to background levels generated by wind or water. The newer B- 737/300 aircraft, introduced to Jackson in the winter of 1986, were observed to be noticeably quieter on departure.     

Association between long-term occupational noise exposure and obesity

Noise exposure has been linked to several health outcomes including obesity. This cross-sectional study examined the association between occupational noise exposure and body mass index as a measure of general obesity in 913 textile workers (totally from nine factories) in Yazd city, Iran, from winter to summer of 2018. The sound pressure level (dBA) at each working station was measured by a calibrated sound level meter. The long-term noise exposure score of each worker (as dBA.year) was calculated by multiplying the working history in each unit to its corresponding noise level. Models were adjusted for personal, behavioral, environmental, and family history factors. In total, 81.05% (n?=?740) of the participants were exposed to noise levels higher than 85 dBA. The direct association was found for the fully adjusted model (β?=?0.002; 95% CI: 0.001: 0.004). For the model with past year noise exposure, a 10.6% increase in odds was observed for each 5 dBA increase in noise exposure (95% CI: 1.005: 1.216). We found a 0.1% increase in the odds of being overweight in mixed-gender analysis (95% CI: 1.001:1.002) for each 5 dBA.year in the fully adjusted model. Occupational noise exposure should be regarded as a risk factor for cardiometabolic outcomes in industrial workers.

     

天然气引射调峰系统的噪声形成及其治理研究

采用天然气引射调峰技术,能使上海某储配站10台天然气高压球罐的储气调峰能率提高68%,大大有助于解决天然气用气高峰时的供需平衡问题,并能节约初投资人民币1亿元.但使用超音速引射器后,当球罐压力下降到某一值时会产生高频噪声,影响管束区操作环境.本文分析了噪声产生的原因,提出了合理的噪声治理方案,并进行了方案的实施.实践证明:噪声治理效果良好,降低了管束区噪声污染,达到了国家"工业企业噪声卫生标准".     

天然气引射调峰系统的噪声形成及其治理研究

采用天然气引射调峰技术，能使上海某储配站10台天然气高压球罐的储气调峰能率提高68％，大大有助于解决天然气用气高峰时的供需平衡问题，并能节约初投资人民币1亿元。但使用超音速引射器后，当球罐压力下降到某一值时会产生高频噪声，影响管束区操作环境。本文分析了噪声产生的原因．提出了合理的噪声治理方案，并进行了方案的实施。实践证明：噪声治理效果良好，降低了管束区噪声污染，达到了国家“工业企业噪声卫生标准”。     

电梯结构噪声分析和控制

文中根据民用电梯的一般结构布局,通过对声传播途径分析,得到电梯噪声扰民是受结构噪声影响的结论。通过对电梯系统和电梯与支架组成系统的力平衡分析,得出电梯结构噪声主要是主机支架设计不合理和安装不当产生的。文章提出了结构噪声防治措施,并对结构噪声扰民的多台电梯实施了工程控制措施,均取得了预期的降噪效果。     

Impacts of pavement types on in-vehicle noise and human health

Noise is a major source of pollution that can affect the human physiology and living environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an exposure for longer than 24 hours to noise levels above 70 dB(A) may damage human hearing sensitivity, induce adverse health effects, and cause anxiety to residents nearby roadways. Pavement type with different roughness is one of the associated sources that may contribute to in-vehicle noise. Most previous studies have focused on the impact of pavement type on the surrounding acoustic environment of roadways, and given little attention to in-vehicle noise levels. This paper explores the impacts of different pavement types on in-vehicle noise levels and the associated adverse health effects. An old concrete pavement and a pavement with a thin asphalt overlay were chosen as the test beds. The in-vehicle noise caused by the asphalt and concrete pavements were measured, as well as the drivers’ corresponding heart rates and reported riding comfort. Results show that the overall in-vehicle sound levels are higher than 70 dB(A) even at midnight. The newly overlaid asphalt pavement reduced in-vehicle noise at a driving speed of 96.5 km/hr by approximately 6 dB(A). Further, on the concrete pavement with higher roughness, driver heart rates were significantly higher than on the asphalt pavement. Drivers reported feeling more comfortable when driving on asphalt than on concrete pavement. Further tests on more drivers with different demographic characteristics, along highways with complicated configurations, and an examination of more factors contributing to in-vehicle noise are recommended, in addition to measuring additional physical symptoms of both drivers and passengers.Implications: While there have been many previous noise-related studies, few have addressed in-vehicle noise. Most studies have focused on the noise that residents have complained about, such as neighborhood traffic noise. As yet, there have been no complaints by drivers that their own in-vehicle noise is too loud. Nevertheless, it is a fact that in-vehicle noise can also result in adverse health effects if it exceeds 85 dB(A). Results of this study show that in-vehicle noise was strongly associated with pavement type and roughness; also, driver heart rate patterns presented statistically significant differences on different types of pavement with different roughness.     

Use of noise attenuation modeling in managing missile motor detonation activities

The Sound Intensity Prediction System (SIPS) and Blast Operation Overpressure Model (BOOM) are semiempirical sound models that are employed by the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) to predict whether noise levels from the detonation of large missile motors will exceed regulatory thresholds. Field validation of SIPS confirmed that the model was effective in limiting the number of detonations of large missile motors that could potentially result in a regulatory noise exceedance. Although the SIPS accurately predicted the impact of weather on detonation noise propagation, regulators have required that the more conservative BOOM model be employed in conjunction with SIPS in evaluating peak noise levels in populated areas. By simultaneously considering the output of both models, in 2001, UTTR detonated 104 missile motors having net explosive weights (NEW) that ranged between 14,960 and 38,938 lb without a recorded public noise complaint. Based on the encouraging results, the U.S. Department of Defense is considering expanding the application of these noise models to support the detonation of missile motors having a NEW of 81,000 lb. Recent modeling results suggest that, under appropriate weather conditions, missile motors containing up to 96,000 lb NEW can be detonated at the UTTR without exceeding the regulatory noise limit of 134 decibels (dB).     

噪声监测质控比对中存在的问题及解决方案

根据最新的监测要求,各驻市监测中心负责对第三方监测机构例行噪声监测情况进行比对监测,此举无论是在提高噪声监测工作效率,加强监测数据可信性、科学性、代表性等方面都起到了积极的作用,然而在比对监测过程中,仍然出现了一些新问题。笔者根据自己实际操作情况,结合多年噪声监测工作的经验,提出了一些针对解决新问题的方法和建议。     

Noise Control Legislation

The national Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue its recommendations on noise legislation some time during the latter part of 1973. This agency will assume primary responsibility for enforcing noise limits on new products, such as vehicles, construction equipment, electrical equipment, etc. Primary responsibility for community noise control will remain with local governments. Local EPA’s, now involved in air and water pollution, will be given the additional responsibility to enforce anti-noise legislation.This legislation will cover noise emissions fromvehicles, industries, construction equipment, residential air conditioners, and power equipment, and the noises that pervade multifamily dwellings. Responsibility for controlling aircraft noise will be shared with the FAA.

The noise ratings used in this legislation must be capable of easy measurement and yet correlate well with subjective response. For most noises the decibel level read on the A-scale of a sound level meter (dBA) is adequate. For aircraft noise a more complex rating scale must be used which includes consideration of the duration of the noise and the presence of a pure tone (engine whine). For still other noises (industries, construction) some consideration must be given to the total daily exposure time of the noise, along with its dBA rating.

New community noise ordinances will draw on the research and experience associated with the present Chicago, III., ordinance. Some modifications of this ordinance are expected, however, to improve enforcement procedures and to lower vehicle noise levels, which are considered the worst of all the community noise pollutants.     

Use of Noise Attenuation Modeling in Managing Missile Motor Detonation Activities

Abstract

The Sound Intensity Prediction System (SIPS) and Blast Operation Overpressure Model (BOOM) are semiempirical sound models that are employed by the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) to predict whether noise levels from the detonation of large missile motors will exceed regulatory thresholds. Field validation of SIPS confirmed that the model was effective in limiting the number of detonations of large missile motors that could potentially result in a regulatory noise exceedance. Although the SIPS accurately predicted the impact of weather on detonation noise propagation, regulators have required that the more conservative BOOM model be employed in conjunction with SIPS in evaluating peak noise levels in populated areas. By simultaneously considering the output of both models, in 2001, UTTR detonated 104 missile motors having net explosive weights (NEW) that ranged between 14,960 and 38,938 lb without a recorded public noise complaint. Based on the encouraging results, the U.S. Department of Defense is considering expanding the application of these noise models to support the detonation of missile motors having a NEW of 81,000 lb. Recent modeling results suggest that, under appropriate weather conditions, missile motors containing up to 96,000 lb NEW can be detonated at the UTTR without exceeding the regulatory noise limit of 134 decibels (dB).     

关于《工业企业厂界环境噪声排放标准》倍频带声压级结构传播固定设备室内噪声排放限值使用的探讨

根据现行国家噪声排放标准排放限值,文中从噪声危害角度根据噪声评价曲线,论证了结构传播固定设备室内噪声等效声级排放限值与结构传播固定设备室内倍频带声压级的等效关系。     

快速高架复合道路近场交通噪声垂向分布

采用Cadna/A环境噪声模拟软件建立了高架复合道路的基本模型,根据6种基本模拟情况进行了声场模拟,并把模拟结果与实测结果进行对比分析。结果表明,高架道路结构本身对地面道路、高架道路分别形成的声场有明显的遮挡作用,但对高架复合道路所形成的声场遮挡作用不明显;对于高架复合道路垂向声场,在低层段地面道路的影响大于高架道路,而在高层段高架道路的影响起决定作用;高架复合道路较地面道路的垂向声场最大值增加2.5 dB(A),位置上移6m;在高架道路上设置声屏障有一定降噪效果,但在高架复合道路的上层设置声屏障降噪效果不理想。     

室外大型空气压缩机的噪声治理技术

某室外安装的大型空气压缩机对环境造成了严重噪声污染,离机器2m远处噪声高达114 5dB(A)。在不允许停机的情况下,充分利用现场条件,采取了为空气压缩机加隔声罩、进气口滤清器加消声百页和管道作隔声包扎等综合治理措施,相应测点噪声已降至88 7dB(A),厂界噪声降至机器安装前背景值。室外机器的噪声控制方法与室内机器有许多不同,分析了这些差异并重点介绍了所设计的隔声罩在声学、通风、耐气候性和结构等方面的设计要点。     

The Influence of Traffic Noise on Vertebrate Road Crossing Through Underpasses

Noise produces multiple effects on ecosystems and it influences habitat use by vertebrates near roads. Thus, it may reduce the effectiveness of mitigation measures installed on roads to alleviate population fragmentation. This study analyses the effects of noise on the use by vertebrates of 19 underpasses at a motorway. It employs generalised linear models to test the effect of three noise indicators at the underpasses and in their vicinity on the crossing frequency of eight animal species. The results show that the road crossings are subjected to high and variable noise levels. Nevertheless, there is no consistent response to noise by vertebrates. This suggests that wildlife use of underpasses is determined more by habitat characteristics than by the levels of noise tolerated. The conclusion is that noise abatement measures on roads in areas of faunal sensitivity should focus on general noise reduction rather than on making individual crossing places quieter.     

Effect of Plantings on Radiation of Highway Noise

The body of information presented in this paper is directed to those individuals concerned with the location of highways relative to either existing or planned residential communities. The paper treats in depth the expected attenuation of automobile and particularly diesel tractor-trailer generated hoise by the interposition of extensive and dense planting of trees and shrubs between the highway and the community. The results of research, by the author and others cited in the paper, gives clear indication that a belt of dense man-made growth of tall trees and underbrush can give as much as 5 to 8 dB truck/car noise reduction per 100 ft of planting depth. Natural growth of deep forests were measured to give from 3 to 5 dB attenuation per 100 ft of planting depth. Planting depth of at least 100 ft is required to give reliable results, with tree heights of 40-50 ft desirable and densities of 50-70 ft visibility needed for good effect.

The paper provides considerable experimental verification by an analysis of the current literature. The types of noise sources in cars and trucks are briefly treated as are community reactions to noise from such sources. The dBA is used as the accepted measure for characterizing truck and automobile noise. Both spherical and cylindrical radiation of sound are discussed for low density and high density traffic, respectively.

The paper concludes with an example of attenuation of a typical truck noise by spherical and cylindrical radiation for low- and high-density traffic and a 200-ft deep planting of dense, mature forest. It is concluded that a mature belt of either coniferous or deciduous forest with underbrush can produce barely acceptable noise levels in the community which is separated by such a noise barrier from a heavily traveled highway.     

Modeling vehicle interior noise exposure dose on freeways: Considering weaving segment designs and engine operation

Vehicle interior noise functions at the dominant frequencies of 500 Hz below and around 800 Hz, which fall into the bands that may impair hearing. Recent studies demonstrated that freeway commuters are chronically exposed to vehicle interior noise, bearing the risk of hearing impairment. The interior noise evaluation process is mostly conducted in a laboratory environment. The test results and the developed noise models may underestimate or ignore the noise effects from dynamic traffic and road conditions and configuration. However, the interior noise is highly associated with vehicle maneuvering. The vehicle maneuvering on a freeway weaving segment is more complex because of its nature of conflicting areas. This research is intended to explore the risk of the interior noise exposure on freeway weaving segments for freeway commuters and to improve the interior noise estimation by constructing a decision tree learning–based noise exposure dose (NED) model, considering weaving segment designs and engine operation. On-road driving tests were conducted on 12 subjects on State Highway 288 in Houston, Texas. On-board Diagnosis (OBD) II, a smartphone-based roughness app, and a digital sound meter were used to collect vehicle maneuvering and engine information, International Roughness Index, and interior noise levels, respectively. Eleven variables were obtainable from the driving tests, including the length and type of a weaving segment, serving as predictors. The importance of the predictors was estimated by their out-of-bag–permuted predictor delta errors. The hazardous exposure level of the interior noise on weaving segments was quantified to hazard quotient, NED, and daily noise exposure level, respectively. Results showed that the risk of hearing impairment on freeway is acceptable; the interior noise level is the most sensitive to the pavement roughness and is subject to freeway configuration and traffic conditions. The constructed NED model shows high predictive power (R = 0.93, normalized root-mean-square error [NRMSE] < 6.7%).

Implications: Vehicle interior noise is usually ignored in the public, and its modeling and evaluation are generally conducted in a laboratory environment, regardless of the interior noise effects from dynamic traffic, road conditions, and road configuration. This study quantified the interior exposure dose on freeway weaving segments, which provides freeway commuters with a sense of interior noise exposure risk. In addition, a bagged decision tree–based interior noise exposure dose model was constructed, considering vehicle maneuvering, vehicle engine operational information, pavement roughness, and weaving segment configuration. The constructed model could significantly improve the interior noise estimation for road engineers and vehicle manufactures.     

道路交通噪声预测模式预测结果的比较

为了分析实际环境影响评价中常用的各种公路交通噪声预测模型预测结果之间存在的差异,并验证各预测方式与实测值之间的相符性,通过对选取的高速公路和市政快速公路采用各种预测模型计算比较,并用实际监测值对各模型预测结果进行验证,结果发现,不同的预测方式会造成预测结果之间昼间4～9 dB、夜间5～10 dB的差异,采用2006版规范计算车速和单车噪声源强,距离衰减考虑车流量大小的预测方式得到的预测结果与实测值最为接近。     

建筑砌块成型机噪声评价与治理

利用工业废弃物粉煤灰生产建筑砌块 ,有明显环境效益 ,但其生产线噪声污染严重 ,砌块成型机是主要噪声源。在噪声环境影响评价基础上 ,采取为成型机加隔声罩和在厂房内悬挂空间吸声体的方法 ,有效控制了成型机的噪声污染     

Impact of three interactive Texas state regulatory programs to decrease ambient air toxic levels

The Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) framework envisions a federal-state partnership whereby the development of regulations may be at the federal level or state level with federal oversight. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards to describe “safe” ambient levels of criteria pollutants. For air toxics, the EPA establishes control technology standards for the 187 listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) but does not establish ambient standards for HAPs or other air toxics. Thus, states must ensure that ambient concentrations are not at harmful levels. The Texas Clean Air Act authorizes the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Texas state environmental agency, to control air pollution and protect public health and welfare. The TCEQ employs three interactive programs to ensure that concentrations of air toxics do not exceed levels of potential health concern (LOCs): air permitting, ambient air monitoring, and the Air Pollutant Watch List (APWL). Comprehensive air permit reviews involve the application of best available control technology for new and modified equipment and ensure that permits protect public health and welfare. Protectiveness may be demonstrated by a number of means, including a demonstration that the predicted ground-level concentrations for the permitted emissions, evaluated on a case-by-case and chemical-by-chemical basis, do not cause or contribute to a LOC. The TCEQ's ambient air monitoring program is extensive and provides data to help assess the potential for adverse effects from all operational equipment in an area. If air toxics are persistently monitored at a LOC, an APWL area is established. The purpose of the APWL is to reduce ambient air toxic concentrations below LOCs by focusing TCEQ resources and heightening awareness. This paper will discuss examples of decreases in air toxic levels in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas, resulting from the interactive nature of these programs.

Implications: Texas recognized through the collection of ambient monitoring data that additional measures beyond federal regulations must be taken to ensure that public health is protected. Texas integrates comprehensive air permitting, extensive ambient air monitoring, and the Air Pollutant Watch List (APWL) to protect the public from hazardous air toxics. Texas issues air permits that are protective of public health and also assesses ambient air to verify that concentrations remain below levels of concern in heavily industrialized areas. Texas developed the APWL to improve air quality in those areas where monitoring indicates a potential concern. This paper illustrates how Texas engaged its three interactive programs to successfully address elevated air toxic levels in Houston and Corpus Christi.     

Utilizing the Cyberforest live sound system with social media to remotely conduct woodland bird censuses in Central Japan

We have developed a system that streams and archives live sound from remote areas across Japan via an unmanned automatic camera. The system was used to carry out pilot bird censuses in woodland; this allowed us to examine the use of live sound transmission and the role of social media as a mediator in remote scientific monitoring. The system has been streaming sounds 8 h per day for more than five years. We demonstrated that: (1) the transmission of live sound from a remote woodland could be used effectively to monitor birds in a remote location; (2) the simultaneous involvement of several participants via Internet Relay Chat to listen to live sound transmissions could enhance the accuracy of census data collection; and (3) interactions through Twitter allowed members of the public to engage or help with the remote monitoring of birds and experience inaccessible nature through the use of novel technologies.