Interrupted Flow Reference Energy Mean Emission Levels for the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (Completed 1997)

Performer(s): Vanderbilt University
Sponsor(s): FHWA R&D Pooled Fund Study

To order:

National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161;
Tel: 703-487-4650; Fax: 703-605-6900; Email: Orders@NTIS.fedworld.gov;
Order Nos.: DOT/FHWA-PD-97-019; DOTVNTSC-FHWA-97-1; NTIS No. PB97138226.

Abstract

During the period July 1993 through November 1995, the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center conducted the National Pooled-Fund Study (NPFS) “Highway Noise Model Data Base Development.” This report presents the results of one portion of the study the measurement, data reduction, and analysis of individual vehicle sound level and speed data for interrupted flow traffic (accelerating from stop signs, toll booths, and on-highway ramps). Also presented is the development of regression equations for the resulting Reference Energy Mean Emission Levels (REMELs) as a function of vehicle speed and vehicle type. These REMELs are part of the database upon which the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, Version 1.0, is based.

Measurement of Highway-Related Noise (Completed 1996)

Performer(s): Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Sponsor(s): FHWA

To order:

National Technical Information Service (NTIS). 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161;
Tel: 1-800-553-6847; Fax: 703-605-6900; Email: Orders@NTIS.fedworld.gov;
Order Nos.: FHWA-PD-96-046; DOT-VNTSC-FHWA-96-5; NTIS No. PB97120489.

Abstract

This report reflects substantial improvements and changes in highway-related noise measurement technologies that evolved subsequent to the 1981 publication “Sound Procedures for Measuring Highway Noise.” The report documents the recommended procedures for the measurement of (1) existing noise; (2) vehicle noise emissions; (3) barrier insertion loss; (4) construction equipment noise; (5) noise reduction due to buildings; and (6) occupational noise exposure.

Parallel Barrier Effectiveness — Dulles Noise Barrier Project (Completed 1990)

Performer(s): Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Sponsor(s): FHWA R&D Pooled Fund Study

To order:

National Technical Information Service (NTIS). 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161;
Tel: 1-800-553-6847; Fax: 703-605-6900; Email: Orders@NTIS.fedworld.gov;
Order Nos.: FHWA-RD-90-105; DOT-TSC-FHWA-90-1; NTIS No. PB90252388.

Abstract

This report presents the results of testing on experimental parallel noise barriers constructed at a site
at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. The study focused on the use of absorptive treatment and tilting as a means of improving the insertion loss of two parallel barriers. It also evaluated the feasibility of modeling a moving point source with an artificial fixed-point source. The report is intended for highway traffic noise analysts. This is the first of three studies. The second is “Parallel Barrier Effectiveness Under Free-Flowing Traffic Conditions.” The third is “Performance Evaluation of Experimental Highway Noise Barriers.”