This paper deals with the problem of traffic noise in urban areas in terms of noise mapping. It explains in detail the Mobile Crowdsensing (MCS) method and, furthermore, compares the results obtained with this method with the results gained from the standard method that uses a sound level metre. The research done in this paper shows that the MCS method can make noise mapping easier, cheaper and less time-consuming in terms of creating representative noise maps developed on measurements but also noise maps developed on calculations and simulations. The main idea is to show that accuracy and precision of measurements obtained by using calibrated smartphones are acceptable. The paper suggests that when using the smartphone measurement application, the calibration of the measurement chain can be done in free field with class 1 sound level metre, and noise map can be checked in a much larger number of points (in comparison with the standard measurement method) and therefore, smartphones can be used as instruments for creating or even checking final noise maps in urban environment. Another advantage of this method is that citizens can engage in noise monitoring in urban areas and become aware of the noise pollution in their cities. ARTICLE HISTORY
SUMMARY: This paper deals with the issue of noise as an environmental pollutant, and furthermore it suggests possible solutions for this issue. Sound is a form of energy transmitted by sound waves. In general, sounds may be perceived as desirable or undesirable. Sounds which are considered undesirable and unwanted can be observed as noise, however the perception of sound in general is significantly subjective and individual. In particular, one person can perceive a certain sound as pleasant, whereas another could characterize it as annoying, unpleasant, and generally undesirable. This paper explains the term “noise” in detail, noise indicators as numerical values, and the ways noise can have a negative impact on people. Even today, noise pollution is often neglected compared to other environmental pollutions (i.e. water pollution, soil pollution, air pollution etc.). However, exposure to noise has an accumulative character. The consequences are noticeable after a prolonged exposure and can manifest themselves as bad mood, fatigue, insomnia, headache and loss of concentration, thereby having a direct influence on the quality of life. The focus of this paper is traffic noise and acoustical solutions which can reduce it. The dominant part of sound energy produced by traffic is in the middle-frequency range, which coincides with the range of maximum sensitivity of human hearing. When planning a new traffic route the negative influence of noise on people and the environment can be reduced by choosing the route which is remote from populated areas. In cases when the roads are fitted into the existing terrain and near populated areas, they can be equipped with protective noise barriers. The paper gives a detailed explanation on what noise barriers are, and an overview of different types of noise barriers that are currently in use. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of noise barriers are discussed.
Combined acoustical and economical noise barrier optimization using genetic algorithms This paper studies noise barrier optimization using the Boundary Element Method (BEM) as a numerical technique and Genetic Algorithms (GA). Noise barriers are optimised according to acoustical, technological and economical properties so as to obtain an optimum noise barrier. In order to optimise acoustical and economical properties of noise barriers, the use is made of a genetic algorithm that forms a noise barrier out of given shapes. A new noise barrier evaluation parameter, named the noise barrier cost parameter (K e), is also defined in the paper. Using the genetic algorithm and the noise barrier cost parameter (K e), it is easy to create, develop and construct an appropriate noise barrier.
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