The prediction of noise from urban traffic under interrupted flow conditions

Abstract

A computer model is described for predicting noise levels generated by urban road traffic under interrupted flow conditions. The model is composed of two subsections. The first predicts the propagation characteristics of sound in typical street configurations and the second simulates the flow of road traffic in urban areas. The two subsections are combined to yield a model capable of predicting traffic noise levels in urban conditions. Predictions obtained from application of this model are compared with those given from application of predictive models based upon field measurements. The agreement between the predictions is good. It is shown that the model described in this paper can predict noise levels for situations which existing field-based models cannot handle.