ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE & IT’S EFFECT

Road traffic noise is the most important major source of community noise specially near an
important road with high volume of traffic of any major city. In developing country like India where
Roads are in bad condition, and poorly maintained and has considerable number of vehicles of
outdated technology , the road traffic noise assumes much more importance.

Factors effecting traffic noise. There are various factors that affect the traffic noise.

(i) Type of traffic flow speed, as the traffic flow increase, the noise level increases. Higher speed also
causes higher noise levels. At lower speeds, the influence of engine transmission of noise is
predominant on the other hand at higher speed the tyre surface interaction assumes importance.
Noise level increases during acceleration.

(ii) Tyre-road surface interaction: It is a major generator of noise Grooved cement concrete
pavement is found to be source of annoying noise to neighbour hood.

(iii) Road surface condition: Smooth surface generally produce less noise. Rough surface and poorly
maintained road with pot-holes produce more noise.

(iv) The noise generated by various parts of vehicle: Important Sources are , Engine Inlet Exhaust ,
propulsion & transmission including gears, brakes, horns, chasis body structure, Load in vehicle, door
slamming etc. Further as the vehicle grow older and their mechanical condition deteriorate the noise
generated in more.

(v) Motor cycles, scooter, tempos, and minibuses are generally noiser as compared to passenger
cars.

(vi) Large H.P. Diesel engine vehicle, Commercial truck, Tractor-trolly, transport vehicle are the main
source of noise.

Effect of traffic noise This can be classified under following categories:

(a) Subjective effect e.g. annoyance, disturbance, dis-satisfaction and noisiness. It is difficult to
measure this precisely.

(b) Behavioral effect e.g. interference to with sleep, speak or any general task. It can cause
disturbance in enjoyment of T.V. class room studies and other tasks involving mental actives.

(c) Physiological effects: It causes fright phenomena, resulting in harmful effect in various parts of
body periods. At extremely high level and for a long period (e.g. Power station, transformers) of
exposures it may produce deafens Further continuous noise causes cardiovascular effects, increases
blood pressure. & heart rates.
Roadway noise can be reduced by the use of noise barriers, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of
roadway surface texture, limitation of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow
to reduce braking and acceleration, and tire design. An important factor in applying these strategies
is a computer model for roadway noise, that is capable of addressing local topography,
meteorology, traffic operations, and hypothetical mitigation. Costs of building-in mitigation can be
modest, provided these solutions are sought in the planning stage of a roadway project.

Aircraft noise can be reduced by using quieter jet engines. Altering flight paths and time of day
runway has benefitted residents near airports.

Industrial noise has been addressed since the 1930s via redesign of industrial equipment, shock
mounted assemblies and physical barriers in the workplace. In recent years, Buy Quiet programs and
initiatives have arisen in an effort to combat occupational noise exposures. These programs promote
the purchase of quieter tools and equipment and encourage manufacturers to design quieter
equipment.[21] The US National Institute for Occupational Health has created a database of
industrial equipment with decibel levels noted.