Scribd
Upload
45 views1 page

Traffic Noise Level

Traffic noise is a major source of noise pollution in cities and is created mainly by the contact between tires and the road surface. Electric vehicles produce less noise than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, reducing traffic noise requires more than just replacing combustion engines. This chapter aims to define traffic noise, explain its causes, and discuss existing methods for lowering traffic noise levels.

Uploaded by

Kritarth Jaiswal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
45 views1 page

Traffic Noise Level

Traffic noise is a major source of noise pollution in cities and is created mainly by the contact between tires and the road surface. Electric vehicles produce less noise than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, reducing traffic noise requires more than just replacing combustion engines. This chapter aims to define traffic noise, explain its causes, and discuss existing methods for lowering traffic noise levels.

Uploaded by

Kritarth Jaiswal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS

Currently, noise pollution is a major problem especially in urban areas, and moreover traffic noise is the most significant source of noise in cities. A large number of cars and other road
vehicles that have internal combustion engines are making road traffic noise a leading noise pollution source. Electric and hybrid cars, which are nowadays slowly replacing them, give rise to
lower noise level in urban areas as their engines are generally silent. However, the mere absence of internal combustion engines cannot be the only measure for lowering noise levels in
urban areas. The goal of this chapter is to define and describe traffic noise, the reasons for its occurrence, and all existing ways of reducing traffic noise.

What Creates Traffic Noise?


Traffic noise is created by vehicle exhaust systems, engines,
and by contact of tires with the road during travel. Of these,
tire contact with the road accounts for 75 to 90 percent of
the overall traffic noise. It is also the only one that Caltrans
can partly control or affect along the Interstate 805 (I-805)
South corridor. Other factors that may increase traffic noise
are heavier truck volumes, higher speeds, and large trucks.
In addition, steep grades or faulty vehicle equipment can
cause strain on vehicle engines resulting in an increase in
traffic noise.

When is Traffic the Most Noisy?


Traffic noise is often loudest during free-flowing or non-stop
traffic, just before or just after peak travel periods. During peak
travel periods, noise levels are generally lower due to
congestion, which lowers traffic speeds and reduces other
contributing factors.
Can Environmental Factors Change Traffic?
Yes, environmental conditions can have a profound effect on
noise levels between the source (a highway) and a receiver (a
residence or other building) that is within 200 feet of a highway.
Wind is the single most important meteorological factor within
500 feet of a highway. Other factors such as air temperature,
humidity, and turbulence also have significant effects on noise
levels. The distance between a highway and a residence can also
affect noise levels. Doubling the distance between the highway
and residence will result in a noise level reduction of three to 4.5
decibels, depending on the surface composition over which the
noise is traveling. Figure 2 demonstrates how the distance
between the highway and a residence can reduce noise, and by
what intervals. Topography or site geometry also plays an
important role in determining a residence or other building’s
exposure to highway noise. Residences and buildings located
farther from a highway may be exposed to higher noise levels,
depending on how far above or below the highway the building
is located. For this reason, it can be challenging to abate noise
for residences up or down hill from a highway.

You might also like