Noise Abatement and Night Deliveries

Abstract

The hypothesis is tested that – Acoustic materials are available or can be developed and applied to Heavy Goods Vehicles and ancillaries, which effectively and economically abate the noise caused by night deliveries The MPhil is a part of a wider innovation research partnership that aimed to develop sustainable solutions for the growing trend to night deliveries in Dublin city centre. The methodology involves; a review of international best practice for urban traffic noise abatement: a social and commercial justification for developing low noise products and procedures: field trials of kerb-side deliveries to city centre shops to identify the “peak” noise events and their associated signature frequencies: an identification of the HGV components and ancillaries to which noise attenuation solutions might best be applied: the selection, matching and pre-screening of suitable acoustic coatings for application to HGV trailer bodies and tail lifts: the development and evaluation of a hush-kit for easy retro-fitting to steel roll-cages. Laboratory and field experiments and special test equipment were designed to support and to validate the research. The research concentrates on bringing forward two sets of solutions (a) the application of an acoustic coating to the HGV trailer unit and tail-lift platform and (b) the development of a hush-kit for the steel roll-cages. The focus is on attenuating the identifiable peak impact noises by matching these with a coating and materials that can dampen the characteristic high frequency sounds. Recommendations are made for further research to optimise the performance of the prototypes developed.