Impact Of Traffic Noise Research Articles

Some aspects of the impact of noise on the health of the population of the city of Vladivostok

In this work, sociological, laboratory, medical and statistical research methods. The population of the city of Vladivostok was chosen as the object of the study from 2019 to 2022. For the study, the points of measurement of noise generated by a commercial port, motor transport, railway near residential buildings and social facilities located in close proximity to the noise source were determined in the conditions of the existing residential development. During the study period, 202 measurements of the actual noise level were carried out.Based on the calculations of the levels of risk to public health, the existing noise levels in the territory of the city of Vladivostok, the probability of an adverse effect from the nervous system and hearing aid is estimated as a moderate risk to health, from the cardiovascular system is close to extreme. Based on the results obtained, measures are needed to organize constant monitoring of the noise load on the residential territory of the city of Vladivostok. It is recommended to develop measures to reduce the noise load taking into account the medium and short term (1–3 years). When assessing the impact of traffic noise on the health of the population of the city of Vladivostok, within the framework of social and hygienic monitoring, it is necessary to take into account the combined effects of chemical and physical factors. Based on the results obtained, measures are needed to organize constant monitoring of the noise load on the residential territory of the city of Vladivostok.

Soundscape of an eastern coastal city of India.

The soundscape study of an eastern Indian coastal city (Puri) has been investigated. Acoustic data were collected at 36 sampling locations during two time intervals in and around Puri. A number of noise indices, namely, Lmin, Lmax, and Leq, were calculated to demonstrate the noise level of this city. Noise maps are generated using ARC-GIS to investigate the impact of road traffic noise on the soundscape of the city. The response of the public was appraised by a questionnaire. Due to variable traffic features, the equivalent noise level (Leq) as well as peak (L10) and background noise (L90) levels varied with location and time of the day. It was found that socio-demographic characteristics have no bearing on the amount of annoyance. However, a link was observed between age, hearing condition, and noise perception, as well as between gender and impacts of noise.

Road Traffic Noise Predictions by means of L10 Modelling with a Multilinear Regression Calibrated on Simulated Data

Estimation of road traffic noise is fundamental for the health of people living in urban areas, and it is usually assessed based on field-measured data. Real data may not always be available, anyway, and for this reason, predictive models play an important role in the evaluation and controlling of the noise impact. In this contribution, the authors present a multilinear regressive model calibrated on simulated noise levels instead that on real measured ones, correlating percentile noise levels to independent traffic variables. The model efficiency is then evaluated on two field measurement datasets by analyzing data statistics and error metrics. Results show that the model provides good results in terms of mean error (less than 1 dBA on average) even if slight underestimations and overestimations are present. The presented model, then, can be used to assess the impact of road traffic noise anytime field measurements are not available, or even predict it when designing new road infrastructures.

The singing activity of the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) under traffic noise around highways

Steadily increasing human population is changing the environment in many ways. One of the most disturbing impacts is the development of anthropogenic noise pollution connected to ever-growing traffic intensity. The road network can have both positive and negative effects on biodiversity and populations. Many bird species use acoustic communication to establish and maintain their territories and for intra-pair and adult–young communication. Noise pollution can impact negatively on breeding success and biorhythm if this communication is masked by noise and the individuals must adjust their singing activity. Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) is a common bird species of agricultural landscapes whose population is declining due to agricultural intensification. It is found also in habitats near highways with forest steppe-like characteristics, where it is affected by the high levels of anthropogenic noise pollution. This study aimed to determine how this species adapts to noise from highway traffic by adjusting its singing activity. The influence of locality type, immediate and long-term impact of traffic noise on the average and total length of song sequences in the birdsong, and influence on the total number of recorded song sequences during the second hour after sunrise were evaluated in this study. Our results showed that Yellowhammer’s singing activity changed in localities close to highways compared to agricultural landscape. With increasing long-term traffic intensity on highways, song duration of the Yellowhammer song was decreasing. The present traffic intensity led to later onset of dawn chorus and decreasing strophe length with increasing number of passing vehicles. Furthermore, in the agricultural landscape, Yellowhammer’s song duration increased with increasing distance from the nearest road.

Analyzing multiple acoustic diffraction over a wide barrier using equivalent knife-edge geometries and Babinet's principle (L)

We present a new method for the calculation of the multiple acoustic diffraction caused by the presence of a wide barrier. Our solution decomposes the initial scenario into an equivalent sum of geometries that only consider knife-edges. Then, by applying Babinet's principle, the total acoustic field that reaches the receiving point, which can be located at an arbitrary position, can be calculated via the uniform theory of diffraction. This method is mathematically less complex and computationally more efficient than most existing techniques. The results are validated (with and without ground reflection) by the solid agreement obtained with other solutions that solve the problem by considering the wide barrier as such, with our proposed method yielding a lower computational time (except against semi-empirical formulations) and better accuracy when compared with measurements. The presented solution can be applied in urban environments where the impact of traffic noise on residential buildings located along roads or highways needs to be evaluated, as well as in scenarios in which the insertion loss caused by a rectangular obstacle, such as a noise barrier, is to be calculated.

Fast noise mapping: A machine learning approach for predicting traffic noise indicators

Noise mapping has become a popular tool for assessing the impact of traffic noise on human health and wellbeing. Usually, models for estimating exposure of a population rely on a (standardized) simplification of the noise emission and propagation. Mapping is simplified by considering only the equivalent noise level since it removes all temporal information from the source prediction, the propagation, but unfortunately also from the impact assessment. Yet, it is known that noise events can play an important role in, e.g., sleep disturbance and temporal information are essential in the evaluation of outdoor soundscapes. Models for calculating spectro-temporal levels with a one-second resolution have been proposed, but these quickly become too slow for large scale exposure assessment. Here, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on environmental characteristics is proposed as a fast alternative. The CNN-model is trained on thousands of detailed physical simulations with varying propagation conditions and traffic intensities on the surrounding roads. To increase the understanding of this machine learning model, Shapley values are used. They show the importance of different features in calculating indicators, e.g., loud events are mainly explained by close-by traffic, L50 by high intensity roads, also at larger distances.

Study on regional road network planning based on time and noise integrated resistance function

To rationally reduce traffic noise emission from road network from the perspective of planning, a regional traffic flow distribution method combining time and noise integrated resistance function is proposed, and the method is applied in a typical region to verify its reasonability and practicability. Firstly, according to Greenshields model, the relationship among three traffic parameters (velocity, density and flow) is described, and combined with a line-source emission model of traffic noise, a univariate noise prediction model based on flow is established. Then, with the establishing of the traffic noise resistance function, an integrated resistance model considering traffic noise impact and travel time impact is proposed, which is used for traffic flow distribution while in the road network planning process. Finally, the network planning is realized utilizing the proposed method considering traffic noise. A network planning case in a typical region shows that the method can effectively reduce the noise emission of the regional network, which has practical value in traffic environment control.

Health and whole life cost benefits of highways noise barriers

As with any asset on the highways network, it is common sense to allow for realistic maintenance costs when choosing and procuring a noise barrier system. A short-term approach of focussing on newly installed prices alone creates a false economy and potentially stores up financial hardship for the future. The adverse impact of road traffic noise on public health is also long appreciated. Being able to quantify in financial terms not the only perceived annoyance but also the long-term damage to health due to traffic noise helps to justify why one particular noise barrier design will benefit the community more than another over its life-cycle.

Modeling the impact of traffic noise: analysis of lightning geometry and its contribution to direct, specular and diffuse path propagation.

The evaluation of urban noise is an important tool in noise control. From existing sources of noise, vehicular traffic is considered the main cause of discomfort in the population. The intensity of the noise that reaches the receiver depends on the level of sound power emitted by the source and the attenuation that occurred in the propagation medium. The analysis of the dispersion of rays in different urban geometries allows the evaluation of parameters that influence the trajectory of noise. The objective of this study is to analyze the contribution of the energy fraction of each path in different urban settings in the global noise, to contribute to the analysis and adoption of mitigating measures. For this, the mathematical model of prediction of noise levels was adopted, which calculates the direct and specular (source-image method) and diffuse (radiosity method) paths. The study was applied in two sectors of the city of Maringá, Brazil. In total, 73200 paths were evaluated in 14640 readings of source positions in 54 measured points. The results showed the part of contribution that each path represents in the acoustic field, and the sound decay caused by obstacles, urban geometry, distance and material properties.

Costing the benefit of low noise surfacing

Low noise pavements are an important mitigation measure in the drive to minimise the impact of traffic noise on all our lives. The benefit provided by such surfaces is an important element of any associated life cycle cost analysis. There are existing methodologies for monetising the relative noise reductions from quieter pavements in terms of the societal cost of the associated health benefits. However, this approach requires input data on the potential reduction in exposure to traffic noise. For a particular road scheme such data are often derived from a detailed noise model, but this is not possible when considering potential benefits at a regional or national level. This paper examines potential approaches in estimating the comparative reduction in traffic noise exposure between different surface types at this strategic level. This includes methods for considering population density, noise exposure and the extent to which a low noise surface will impact the surrounding sound environment.

The Effect of Traffic Noise on Divided Attention and Perception Concerning Individual Role Differences: An Experimental Study

Background and Aim: Noise pollution is one of the urban problems that can affect the exposed individuals’ cognitive function. This study set to investigate the impact of traffic noise on drivers’ cognitive variables including perceptual capacity, speed of perception, and divided attention concerning the role of individual orientation and neuroticism. Methods: This study recruited 35 male student participants. The Eysenck personality questionnaire was used to evaluate the participants’personalities (neuroticism and extroversion). Participants were then exposed to traffic noise, and the Adaptive Tachistoscopic Traffic Perception Test (ATTPT) was performed to assess their capacity and speed of perception. The Peripheral Perception Test (PPT) was also conducted to evaluate the divided attention using the Vienna test system software. Results: Introverted and stable individuals had better performance in perceptual capacity and speed of perception tasks after exposure to traffic noise. However, these effects were not observed in extrovert and unstable individuals. This study also showed no significant alterations in variables in extroverted (introverted/extroverted) subjects with neuroticism (unstable/stable) concerning divided attention tasks after traffic noise exposure. Conclusion: This study showed that divided attention in extrovert individuals with neuroticism was not influenced by traffic noise exposure. But perceptual capacity and perception speed was influenced by traffic noise in introverts and unstable subjects. Keywords: Traffic noise; divided attention; perception; individual differences

Patterns of changes in the acoustic characteristics on public transport linear segments

The problem of noise pollution in cities becomes quite acute as soon as it comes to increasing the level of motorization. However, most researchers study the negative impact of traffic noise in general. In the era of sustainable mobility, there will be a trend to reduce the number of private vehicles on city streets. Still, the problem of acoustic load in residential areas will not be solved since public transport is a rather powerful source of traffic noise. The article solves the problem of determining the patterns of changes in the acoustic load from public transport vehicles at different speed modes and road surface. The article's objects of research are straight sections of public transport lines. The subject of the study is the patterns of changes in the noise level from public transport vehicles at different speeds, their position, and the type of surface. The obtained results indicate that the main range of noise pollution from public transport on straight sections is 75-85 dBA, and this level can vary by 15-20% depending on the type of line (trolley bus, bus, tram) and the type of road surface. The regularities of changes in the level of noise pollution, which were revealed in work, indicate that for each type of surface and type of public transport line, there are such values of traffic speeds, when they are reached, there is an overtime acoustic load on residential areas at specific distances from them. The obtained results differ from the currently existing scientific studies in that they consider the acoustic characteristics of clear public transport lines and not the traffic flow as a whole. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the maximum and not the equivalent level of noise from public transport. The field of application of the results is transport planning of both new residential areas and areas of existing adjacent buildings. Thus, in the first case, recommendations were made regarding territorial gaps from the construction line to arterial streets with high volume of public transport, depending on its type and surface. On the other hand, recommendations have been established regarding the speed regime of public transport at different distances from existing buildings' lines.

Exploring the Effects of Traffic Noise on Innovation through Health Mechanism: A Quasi-Experimental Study in China

Noise pollution poses a significant hazard to humans by disrupting the maintenance of the quiet environment that is thought to promote innovation. In this study, the causal relationship between traffic noise and innovation was explored using four models. First, the panel data model with fixed effects was applied to determine the impact of traffic noise on innovation. Second, the interaction model was used to estimate the health regulatory effect. Third, the regression discontinuity model was used to identify the natural experience of the impact of traffic noise on innovation and further determine the causal effect of the noise threshold. Finally, the difference-in-differences model was used to identify the micro impact of traffic noise on innovation. The results show that from macro and micro perspectives, traffic noise suppresses innovation, and that health has a differential impact on the traffic noise–innovation relationship. In addition, we identified the critical point at which the impact of traffic noise on innovation is favorable owing to the white noise effect, providing a quantitative basis for policy implementation. Our results show that current environmental noise regulations must be re-examined to determine new measures for improving the innovative acoustic environment, promoting innovation, and achieving sustainable economic development.

The Impact of Transportation Traffic Noise on Merauke City Road Crossing

Noise caused by transportation significantly exceeds the 55 dBA. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of transportation traffic noise at the Merauke city crossing and its solutions. Noise caused The lack of proper attention to the impact of noise from traffic flow at a crossroads. The Development of additional techniques for noise reduction in this area is needed. The results obtained are very important for areas with solutions at every highway intersection The results obtained are very important knowing the noise above the standard value at every highway intersection. This research develops techniques to reduce transportation traffic noise at the crossroads of Merauke city which are applied in design practice. Experimental studies in real conditions in the characteristic areas of Merauke City using sound level meter measurements. This research was carried out experimentally by taking measurements at each crossroads and theoretical solving methods. The good convergence results confirm the impact of noise on the immediate area with a slightly higher crossing than the value on a normal two-lane road. The proposed solution will allow providing additional protection against transportation noise.

Investigation and development of an empirical model for transmission loss of acoustic windows in alleviating road traffic noise impact

An Acoustic Window is comprised of a horizontal sliding window at the inner layer, and a side-hung window, which can be pushed to open, on one side of the outer layer, and a fixed glazing on the other side. The glazing of the sliding inner window serves as a “baffle” for screening off the noise passing through the opened outer window when it is slid behind the opened outer window. This baffle-type acoustic window is proved to reduce up to 8 dB(A) road traffic noise and is gaining popularity in residential developments of Hong Kong, particularly for those located in difficult sites in close proximity to heavily trafficked roads. This paper presents the experimental results from a study looking into the acoustical transmission loss of Acoustic Windows with respect to changes in window configuration and setting of line sources. Based on the experimental results, empirical models for noise reduction of Acoustic Windows are developed and investigated to assist quick design of Acoustic Windows for planning residential developments.

Impact of road traffic noise on annoyance and preventable mortality in European cities: a health impact assessment

Impact of road traffic noise on annoyance and preventable mortality in European cities: a health impact assessment

A possible mitigation measures for urbanized residential care homes for elderly (RCHE) - acoustic window with natural ventilation

Hong Kong is well known as a densely populated city, which has an explicit usage of road traffic as its transport backbone. Severe road traffic noise problem is resulted from poorly planning in past decades, leads to the development of typical baffle type acoustic window with only one outer and one inner opening to attenuate adverse traffic noise impact. Nevertheless, extensive noise mitigation measures while allowing natural ventilation are essential when designing a RCHE. In view of the concern of the limited accessibility of the elderlies, the equal opportunity at both sides of the room to meet the needs of accessing to openable window was taken into account as far as possible. The proposed outer opening of the specially designed acoustic window is located in the middle, while the respective inner openings are located at the 2 sides. In this paper, mock-up test were carried out to analyze the acoustic performance of the specially designed acoustic window with two inner opening against the special characteristics of road traffic noise. Test results shown that the specially designed acoustic window is effective in mitigating substantial road traffic noise while providing reasonably amount of ventilation.

A controlled chamber study of effects of exposure to diesel exhaust particles and noise on heart rate variability and endothelial function

Background Adverse cardiovascular effects are associated with both diesel exhaust and road traffic noise, but these exposures are hard to disentangle epidemiologically. We used an experimental setup to evaluate the impact of diesel exhaust particles and traffic noise, alone and combined, on intermediary outcomes related to the autonomic nervous system and increased cardiovascular risk. Methods In a controlled chamber 18 healthy adults were exposed to four scenarios in a randomized cross-over fashion. Each exposure scenario consisted of either filtered (clean) air or diesel engine exhaust (particle mass concentrations around 300 µg/m3), and either low (46 dB(A)) or high (75 dB(A)) levels of traffic noise for 3 h at rest. ECG was recorded for 10-min periods before and during each exposure type, and frequency-domain heart rate variability (HRV) computed. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness were assessed after each exposure using EndoPAT 2000. Results Compared to control exposure, HRV in the high frequency band decreased during exposure to diesel exhaust, both alone and combined with noise, but not during noise exposure only. These differences were more pronounced in women. We observed no synergistic effects of combined exposure, and no significant differences between exposure scenarios for other HRV indices, endothelial function or arterial stiffness. Conclusion Three-hour exposure to diesel exhaust, but not noise, was associated with decreased HRV in the high frequency band. This indicates activation of irritant receptor-mediated autonomic reflexes, a possible mechanism for the cardiovascular risks of diesel exposure. There was no effect on endothelial dysfunction or arterial stiffness after exposure.

Impact of road traffic noise on annoyance and preventable mortality in European cities: A health impact assessment.

Road traffic is the main source of environmental noise in European cities and one of the main environmental risks to health and wellbeing. In this study we aimed to provide an in-depth assessment of available road traffic noise data and to estimate population exposure and health impacts for cities in Europe. We conducted the analysis for 724 cities and 25 greater cities in 25 European countries. We retrieved road traffic strategic noise maps delivered under the Environmental Noise Directive (END) or available from local sources. We assessed noise exposure using the 24hday-evening-night noise level indicator (Lden) starting at exposure levels of 55dB Lden - based on data availability - for the adult population aged 20 and over (n=123,966,346). For the adults exposed to noise levels above 55dB Lden we estimated the health impacts of compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 53dB Lden. Two primary health outcomes were assessed: high noise annoyance and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), using mortality from IHD causes as indicator. Exposure Response Functions (ERFs) relating road traffic noise exposure to annoyance and IHD mortality were retrieved from the literature. Uncertainties in input parameters were propagated using Monte Carlo simulations to obtain point estimates and empirical 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Lastly, the noise maps were categorized as high, moderate and low quality following a qualitative approach. Strategic noise map data was delivered in three distinct formats (i.e. raster, polygon or polyline) and had distinct noise ranges and levels of categorization. The majority of noise maps (i.e. 83.2%) were considered of moderate or low quality. Based on the data provided, almost 60 million adults were exposed to road traffic noise levels above 55dB Lden, equating to a median of 42% (Interquartile Range (IQR): 31.8-64.8) of the adult population across the analysed cities. We estimated that approximately 11 million adults were highly annoyed by road traffic noise and that 3608 deaths from IHD (95% CI: 843-6266) could be prevented annually with compliance of the WHO recommendation. The proportion of highly annoyed adults by city had a median value of 7.6% (IQR: 5.6-11.8) across the analysed cities, while the number preventable deaths had a median of 2.2 deaths per 100,000 population (IQR: 1.4-3.1). Based on the provided strategic noise maps a considerable number of adults in European cities are exposed to road traffic noise levels harmful for health. Efforts to standardize the strategic noise maps and to increase noise and disease data availability at the city level are needed. These would allow for a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of the health impacts and further help local governments to address the adverse health effects of road traffic noise.

An optimization model for planning road networks that considers traffic noise impact

To reduce potential noise emissions, an optimization model for planning a road network that considers traffic noise impact is proposed. First, the urban traffic noise prediction method is constructed with the road structure as a constraint. Then, the travel time function is built based on the traffic flow model. Furthermore, the road network optimization model is presented based on the minimum network noise cost under different traffic flow states. The results of road structure optimization show the following: 1) Traffic noise cost increases but travel delay increases as travel coefficients increase; 2) The road traffic noise cost of the smaller design speed is lower; 3) The optimal road structures with various travel coefficients are recommended for distinct optimal objects. 4) The difference between the upper and lower limits of traffic noise pollution under different road structures is within 9 dB. This research can provide a reference for noise control.