Probabilistic approach in determining noise exposure from multiple roadways

Abstract

It is well known from empirical measurements and surveys that people in any one location are exposed to noise generated from multiple roadways. In calculating noise exposures from urban traffic, usually deterministic or empirical approaches are used. The deterministic approach usually takes into account only the exposure from one primary roadway. Empirical approaches, although capable of considering both primary and secondary roadway exposures, are not always feasible for many applications. This paper describes a probabilistic approach for estimating the combined primary and secondary exposures generated from multiple roadways contained within areas under evaluation. Incorporating an approach that considers both primary and secondary traffic noise exposures, using deterministic and probabilistic methods, and spatial densities of roadways in various urban areas, a more representative estimation of actual urban noise exposure may be accomplished. Examples using the probabilistic approach will be presented.