Toolbox from the EC FP7 HOSANNA project for the reduction of road and rail traffic noise in the outdoor environment

yesThis paper offers a brief overview of innovative methods for road and rail traffic noise reduction between source and receiver. These include using new barrier designs, planting of trees, treatments of ground and road surfaces and greening of building façades and roofs using natural materials, like vegetation, soil and other substrates in combination with recycled materials and artificial elements. The abatements are assessed in terms of numerically predicted sound level reductions, perceptual effects and cost–benefit analysis. Useful reductions of noise from urban roads and tramways are predicted for 1-m-high urban noise barriers and these are increased by adding inter-lane barriers. A 3 m wide 0.3 m high lattice ground treatment, a carefully planted 15-m-wide tree belt and replacing 50 m of paved areas by grassland are predicted to give similar reductions. Tree belts are shown to be very cost-effective and combining tall barriers with a row of trees reduces the negative impact of wind. Green roofs may significantly reduce the noise at the quiet side of buildings

A general approach for extending the range of application of standard noise mapping methods

International audienceStandard noise mapping software implements standard prediction methods. Such methods are often unable to predict the effects of complex or innovative noise reduction measures, and therefore unsuitable for local planning and impact studies. On the other hand, advanced prediction schemes are considered too slow for practical use in noise mapping. In this paper we will present a new approach combining standard engineering noise prediction schemes with user-defined extensions. Extensions are used to predict level differences and/or additional insertion losses for the complex devices as compared to standard devices supported by the standards. The insertion losses can be estimated from experimental data, from analytical considerations or by means of numerical simulations. This approach can be used to implement such features as: barriers with cantilever, trenches with partial covering, interaction between train body and nearby barriers, reflections from complex walls, diffraction by screen tops, low barriers near traffic lanes, belts of trees with specific planting schemes, ground roughness elements Extensions are implemented as independent software modules and therefore do not interfere with the standard methods. Disabling extensions allows calculation of noise maps according to legal requirements, enabling extensions allows assessment of noise levels at the local level, including the effects of innovative mitigations

Cost-benefit analysis of tree belt configurations,

n

Introduction to traffic noise abatement

Presents Evidence-Based Guidance on Noise Abatement MethodsSolutions for reducing the noise impact of road and rail traffic can be found in the use of natural elements in combination with artificial elements in urban and rural environments. Ground and road surface treatments; trees, forests, and tall vegetation; and the greening of buildings and other surfaces can contribute to powerful and cost-effective noise reduction. Environmental Methods for Transport Noise Reduction presents the main findings of the Holistic and Sustainable Abatement of Noise by optimized combinations of Natural and Artificial means (HOSANNA) research project. This project involved experts from seven countries, and assessed noise reduction in terms of sound level reductions, perceptual effects, and cost–benefit analysis. It considered a number of green abatement strategies, and aimed to develop a toolbox for reducing road and rail traffic noise in outdoor environments.Combines Theory with PracticeBroad in both theory and application and based on leading-edge research, the book brings together the findings and their practical use. It details assessment methods for perceived noise, and outlines noise prediction methods that can be integrated with noise mapping software. It also explores the economic benefits and positive effects on urban air quality and CO2 levels.The material is this book: Includes up-to-date results on noise mitigation using vegetation and ground treatments Contains relevant results on innovative noise barrier designs Presents data on acoustic performance of vegetation and soil substratum Provides perceptual and cost–benefit analyses of noise mitigation methodsEnvironmental Methods for Transport Noise Reduction is a helpful guide for noise consultants, city planners, architects, landscape architects, and researchers