Traffic noise prediction models throughout the world differ in some respects, but overall, the methodology is similar. All the noise prediction models consist of evaluating basic noise levels and making series of adjustments to take into account geometric, traffic flow and barrier data. FHWA and CORTN models are based on the above concept. In the present paper, an effort has been made to develop the traffic noise prediction model based on the above concept. In this process individual vehicle noise level equations have been developed for four motorised vehicle categories in India. The effects of roughness and barrier on the noise levels have been studied. For this purpose five sites have been selected from which detailed data has been obtained. On the concept of the FHWA model, a software package for Traffic Noise Prediction and Mitigative Measures (TNP-MM) has been developed. This package performs two tasks: one is noise prediction given the geometric, traffic flow and barrier input; the second one is the barrier design, wherein the software calculates height of the barrier to be provided to achieve particular noise level given the geometric, traffic flow, position of barrier through iteration process. Mitigative measures such as construction of barrier, type of bituminous surface material and banning of heavy vehicles passing through silence zones have been studied and results compared. (a)
Samenvatting