Simulation model for identifying effective policy in mitigating noise emissions from highway projects

Abstract

This paper develops a simulation model for the assessment of noise emissions from highway projects. The model is implemented by utilizing the system dynamics approach and iThink software package. The paper introduces the dynamic factors affecting the level of noise emissions by referring to the relevant feasibility studies of highway projects. A real highway project is presented to demonstrate the application of the simulation model in assessing the level of noise emissions of the project. The case study is used to explore the solutions for improving poor noise emissions performance through different policy scenarios. This study shows that system dynamics approach can not only support analysis of impact of dynamic interactions between various factors affecting noise emissions from highway project, but is also capable of providing solutions for effectively controlling noise emissions.