Findings from measurements of noise levels in indoor and outdoor environments in an expanding urban area: a case of Tirana

Abstract

Abstract:The increasing human population and the increasing number of vehicles in Tirana, Albania, emerges the need for extensive measurements of noise levels. The 831 measurements of noise levels were taken in Tirana in November 2015 for education purposes. Measurements were collected in eight locations in indoor like a classroom in a school building environment, a library and a healthcare facility and in outdoor environments like five crossroads. Noise levels were then compared with domestic and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The logarithmic average of noise levels and the maximum value of noise level measured for the period of measurement (LAFmax) were interpolated using Interpolated Noise Levels for Observer Points in ArcGIS producing noise level maps for crossroads. The logarithmic average of noise levels and LAFmax measurements were respectively above domestic and WHO standards in 96% and 100% of outdoor environment and indoor environment locations. Interpolated values of logarithmic average of noise levels and LAFmax for five crossroads were above domestic and WHO standards indicating noise levels in road traffic could remain high. A yearly acoustic measurement for vehicles should be implemented. Participatory measurements of noise levels in quite indoor environments can be used to increase the awareness of inhabitants in Tirana.

Identifying high noise levels with possible health implications at building façades for five crossroads in Tirana, Albania

“…Noise level measurements are not reported in this study. For more information on this educational exercise see Laze (2017).…”

“…LAeq was a function of the number of light and heavy vehicles and their speed limits using the Equations one and two making assumptions on the number of light and heavy vehicles (excluding the number of motors because motors are rarely used in Tirana). For the basic road noise calculations and assumptions concerning the number of light and heavy vehicles see Laze (2017).…”

“…High noise levels due to road traffic were measured in five crossroads (Laze, 2017) presenting major urban road junctions in the capital city of Tirana. The study area was identified as high noise level areas by governmental bodies (Institute of Public Health, 2013), which monitored environmental noises in Tirana.…”