Modeling the Influence of Roundabout Deflection on Its Efficiency as a Noise Abatement Measure

Abstract

Challenges that emerge in roundabout design are mostly related to space constrictions and provision of appropriate deflection around the central island. This can result in speed profiles on roundabouts that might reduce their potential as a noise abatement measure. Because of this, the impact of a roundabout on noise levels and its applicability as a traffic calming device and a noise abatement measure should be investigated in the early design stage, by modeling noise levels. In this paper, the following hypothesis is tested: vehicle movement trajectories, defined during the fastest path performance check in roundabout early design phase, can be used as the road traffic noise sources when modeling noise at roundabouts using static noise model. This procedure (1) simplifies the preparation of the noise model, (2) results in a model that is closer to the real-world in terms of traffic flow conditions, (3) allows the noise calculations in the early stages of roundabout design, and (4) includes the influence of roundabout deflection on calculated noise levels. The abovementioned simplifications of the road traffic noise modeling process should encourage the optimization of roundabout geometry in terms of its noise reduction capabilities in the preliminary design phase of these intersections.

Evaluating Traffic-Calming-Based Urban Road Design Solutions Featuring Cooperative Driving Technologies in Energy Efficiency Transition for Smart Cities

“…One of the side effects of reducing vehicle speeds through traffic-calming measures is the potential reduction in traffic noise levels [37,38]. Vehicles traveling at lower speeds tend to generate less noise compared to when they are moving at higher speeds [39].…”

“…Concerning roundabouts used as TCMs, their geometric design should be meticulously studied during the preliminary design phase. Proper modeling is essential to optimize their potential for reducing traffic noise levels [4,37]. Nonetheless, the efficiency of noise reduction achieved by TCMs depends on several factors, including the type of road signaling used, the composition of traffic flow, the driving behavior of road users, as well as the type of device deployed and its placement along the road network [38].…”

Effects of mobile phone-related distraction on driving performance at roundabouts: Eye movements tracking perspective

“…In the same context, certain roadway configurations, such as intersections and roundabouts, while offering benefits such as increased capacity, safer traffic flow, enhanced mobility and reduced conflict points and crash rates [ [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ], they present unique complexities for drivers and further under mobile phone distraction. Engaging in a secondary task (i.e., use of mobile phone) results in visual, cognitive and yet physical impairments that affect appropriate decisions and potentially influence the drivers ability to safely travel through roundabouts [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Applying Machine Learning to Develop Lane Control Principles for Mixed Traffic

“…To reduce the number of motorcycle accidents, some countries use motorcycle waiting zones, two-stage left-turn waiting zones, slow traffic lanes, and exclusive motorcycle lanes to create space divergence and decrease weaving among motorcycles and cars [7][8][9][10]. In other countries with low-density motorcycle traffic, roundabouts are readily and often used in the transport network to calm traffic [11,12]. They have been shown to improve the safety of various road users [13,14].…”