Traffic Noise Prediction and Reduction Plans for Apartment Complex Adjacent to Traffic Roads

Abstract

Various kinds of noise reduction plans should be reviewed in the initial planning stage of apartment complex construction because absorptive noise barriers are generally restrictive in reducing traffic noise. To address this issue, the author of this paper presents technical data for planning in order to reduce traffic noise in an apartment complex situated near the traffic road. In this study, traffic noise levels were simultaneously measured on the road and in the lower, middle and higher floors of subject apartment buildings which are located within two traffic roads and are influenced by its traffic noise. Consequently, noise reduction of the suggested noise reducing plans is predicted to investigate the effect of them as well. The study shows that the daytime average traffic volume for the 6-lane road is > 4,000 vehicles/h; for the 4-lane main road, the daytime average traffic volume is > 5,000 vehicles/h. The maximum traffic noise levels in B, C, and D buildings located near the traffic road of the subject apartment complex were measured to be 73.8 dB (A) during daytime and 70.0 dB (A) during nighttime. These values highly exceed the acceptable guidelines. This study suggests that the average noise reduction of absorptive sound proof tunnel showed 3.0 - 10.1 dB (A) which is larger than that of absorptive noise barriers.