The influence of multiple noise sources (accumulation of noise) is a fundamental problem not only in urban but also in rural areas. It occurs mainly where traffic routes cross or run in parallel. In a systematic review, situations where an accumulation of noise might occur are identified. With different model calculations, the accumulation of noise is analyzed to identify key determinants for the occurrence but also possible approaches for noise mitigation measures. A standardized handling of noise accumulation cannot be derived from the evaluation. Due to the high complexity an individual assessment is recommended. The present study shows that in Germany multiple noise exposure or overall noise is not considered in a standardized manner. In general, case-by-case decisions are made. The VDI 3722-2 guidelines offer an approach, however, they are not integrated in the national immission protection law and only represents the nuisance and sleep disturbance as effective variables. For a standardized approach on noise accumulation, a procedure for the consideration of overall noise is developed that is independent from specific noise calculation and addition methods and methods for noise assessment. The procedure is implemented in a guideline: In the first phase a pre-assessment is carried out and the actual procedure for the accumulation follows in the second phase. In several steps the accumulation of noise is identified, the necessary noise mitigation measures are derived and the measures are evaluated in an iterative approach. The guideline developed in the present research project now provides a transparent and simple tool for practice, with which an overall noise assessment can be systematically approached. (Author/publisher)
Abstract