The effect of vehicle weight on the sound produced by transverse rumble strips

Abstract

Transverse rumble strips (TRS) are commonly used as traffic calming measure in the vicinity of premises. So far research have been extensively concentrated on the effect of vehicle type and speed on the noise produced by TRS, and very little research focused on the effect of vehicle weight. Do these vehicles produce extremely higher sound level parallel to their heavier weight? This is important as in reality, traffic flow consist of light, medium and heavy vehicles, which are also important sources of noise. This study investigated the effect of vehicle weight, such as gross vehicle weight (GVW) when transited on TRS, particularly with emphasis on impulsivity content. The objectives of this research were to: (1) determine the effect of GVW on noise generation when a vehicle transits on TRS and (2) assess the effect of GVW on the impulsivity of noise. Data from vehicles with weight between 800 kg - 8000 kg were collected based on previous research where these vehicles were tested on speed values of 30km/h and 50km/h. It was found that when the vehicles transited on TRS, the generated noise was strongly related with the vehicle weights (R2=0.71) higher than those normal road surface (R2=0.49). However, the changes of noise were not well represented by direct relation. It was found that TRS can increase and decrease the sound pressure level, depending on GVW, but on average, TRS can increase the sound pressure level by 1 dBA. Despite that, TRS was found to have an impulsive characteristic within the tested speed range. This finding can facilitate the authority to evaluate the environmental noise produced by TRS.

Assessing the performance of the simple noise chart method for construction noise prediction in earth-moving activity

“…In data analysis, the simple noise prediction chart method was used to predict the noise levels at the control points. The theory and procedure of the prediction had been explained in detail in this article [15,17]. Fig.…”

“…The EIA examines the negative impact of construction activities on the environment and provides suggestions to minimize this impact. To effectively mitigate construction noise, it is imperative to have accurate predictions [15][16][17]. Furthermore, with numerous complaints regarding construction noise being lodged with local authorities, accurate noise prediction methods are crucial in reducing the amount of noise produced by construction works.…”

“…[18]. The simple prediction charts method was devised by Haron et al and later researched by Han to improve the accuracy of noise predictions [15,17]. This method was used to predict the noise level from a complex and dynamic interaction of the construction activity.…”

“…The goal of this paper is to verify the performance of the simple noise prediction charts method suggested by Haron [15]. A case study had been conducted at construction sites in Klang Valley, Malaysia.…”

Noise prediction for infrastructure construction activities using simple prediction chart technique

“…Noise-induced by construction activities is claimed to be one of the major noise pollutions in both developed and developing countries [1][2][3]. Many studies proved that construction activities generate high levels of fluctuating and continuous noise that may cause disturbance to sensitive areas [4][5][6][7][8]. Although every construction stage has contributed to noise pollution at different levels, substructure works are proved to be the noisiest stage among all [8,9].…”