Management of acoustic risks for buildings near airports

Abstract

Global population growth leads to a rapid urbanization of big cities and the development of transport infrastructure (airports, railway and bus stations). The strong urbanization in the cities of developing countries leads to a gradual rapprochement of dwellings and companies of airport zones. A fact that is real in Mali, where Bamako airport area has become an inhabited urban zone for some years by a part of the population. Given the importance of Bamako's airport traffic (West African crossroads), the proximity of the dwelling houses must receive the authorities and scientist's attention on the occupants' safety and quality life. The noise levels generated all around the airport zone throughout landings and take-offs by different aircraft types require an assessment of the acoustic noise level, the level of noise exposure and the building acoustic performance near the airport for users comfort and quality of life.In this article, we give in one hand the general notions on the inhabitants discomfort indicators, the building acoustics and, on the other hand, non-quality identification, and the discomfort factors whose resolution contributes to improving the building acoustic and environmental performance. These assessment studies are based on acoustic measurements and in-situ surveys from construction actors and users. Data from these surveys are processed with an evaluation methodology developed to improve knowledge and strategies aimed at preventing or minimizing the acoustic risks near airports. The capitalization of knowledge resulting from this study can serve as experience feedback through good practices advocacy and corrective and preventive solutions for building construction and renovation projects.