Pile driver noise control—costs and benefits

Abstract

The results of a Construction Engineering Research Laboratory project sponsored by EPA's Office of Noise Abatement and Control is reported here. The costs for feasible pile driver noise control methods were investigated. Noise control methods studied were: (1) substitution of a vibratory pile driver, (2) substitution of a pneumatic cushioned unit (Chelminski), and (3) silencing of a standard unit. Average costs for substituted units are as much as 110% higher than the cost of standard units, while the cost for a retrofitted silenced unit increases only 20%. Maximum pile driver sound levels are reduced about 29 dB by use of the substitute unit, and about 18 dB using a retrofitted silenced unit. The reduction in construction site one-hour equivalent sound level Leq (1), for either a substitute unit, or the retrofitted unit is only 11 dB. Thus, if only pile driver noise control is being considered, outfitting a standard unit with a well-designed muffler and enclosure is the most cost-beneficial approach for construction site noise reduction. A cost-benefit demonstration is to take place at a Corps of Engineers flood control project in Iowa. The resulting field data will be presented, if available.