Probability Approach for Prediction of Construction Site Noise

Abstract

This paper describes an alternative method of predicting noise from construction sites using a probability approach. The basis of the approach is the separation of the source characteristics from the propagation characteristics. A site area is divided into a number of square patches in which the source can be located at the centre of any patch or node. The approach assumes that the probability that the noise source of certain acoustic power is at a particular node is the same as for all other nodes. The noise level from each patch is obtained and the temporal noise level distribution during the working day period can be constructed. L Aeq accompanied with standard deviation and noise indices during a working day period can be estimated. The effect of the duty cycle of equipment and number of items of equipment were incorporated in the approach. When validated with the current procedure, the model L Aeq value has good agreement with those obtained from BS 5228, and thus indicates that the probability approach is capable of predicting the equivalent noise level. The method could be used as the basis of an operational management tool for a noise abatement scheme.

Interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss

“…Overall there is a lack of information about noise exposure and hearing ability of construction workers even though methods are available (Haron 2009;Neitzel 2011;Seixas 2001;Suter 2002). One reason is that it is di icult to keep records and organise follow-up of workers in the construction industry.…”

Interventions to prevent occupational noise induced hearing loss

“…Overall there is a lack of information about noise exposure and hearing ability of construction workers even though methods are available (Haron 2009;Neitzel 2011;Seixas 2001;Suter 2002). One reason is that it is di icult to keep records and organise follow-up of workers in the construction industry.…”

Estimating the performance of heavy impact sound insulation using empirical approaches

“…The acoustic performance of residential buildings has recently become a prominent issue due to recognition of the adverse effects of noise on the health and lives of residents (e.g., speech interference, hearing impairment, sleep disturbance, annoyance) (Berglund, Lindvall, and Schwela 1999;Secchi et al 2016;Schiavi 2018;NECRC 2016;Haron, Yahya, and Mohamad 2009;Kwon et al 2018). Specifically, floor impact sounds cause a number of noise-related problems in high occupancy areas with multifamily housing (e.g., apartment buildings) as they are inevitably transmitted through the floors and walls (Eom and Paek 2009;Kim et al 2009;K-eco 2018;Ho and Yoon 2019).…”