Prediction of traffic noise for Indian cities by FHWA model

Abstract

Industrial and transport activities are the 2 major sources of noise pollution in metropolitan city. A study was carried out to asses the existing status of noise levels and to predict these for future. Ambient noise levels were measured at the different locations selected on the basis of land use, such as silence, heavy traffic, residential and commercial zone. It was found that noise levels at all the selected locations were much higher (75-90 dBA) than prescribed limits. The observed noise data has been fitted in Federal Highway Administration Agency (FHWA) model and suitability of this model for predicting the future levels has been checked. It is found that FHWA model is suitable for Indian conditions for prediction of traffic noise. The regression equations have also been developed for prediction of noise due to vehicles under different land uses. The performance of this model was found to be satisfactory with R2 values ranging between 0.83 to 0.86. © 2005 - Kalpana Corporation.