Title

Florida noise barrier evaluation and computer model validation

Authors

Authors

R. Wayson; J. MacDonald; A. El-Assar; W. Lindeman; M. Berrios;Trb

Comments

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Keywords

Engineering, Civil; Environmental Studies; Transportation; Transportation Science & Technology

Abstract

The results of a project that investigated the effectiveness of in situ noise barriers in Florida are presented. The prediction accuracy of the FRWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is compared with STAMINA 2.0 and 2.1 (Florida-specific). A total of 20 barrier sites were visited during a 3-year period that resulted in 844 discrete 20-min equivalent sound level (L-eq) measurements behind the barriers. Barrier insertion loss was determined using the ANSI indirect barrier method. A methodology was developed to estimate shadow zone length created behind highway noise barriers. All of the barriers tested were effective ( > 5 dB:L-Aeq insertion loss at distances equivalent to the first row of homes, where LAeq is the A-weighted L.) except one site because of marginal additional shielding from a berm-barrier combination. Only three sites had an insertion loss of less than 5 dB at distances representative of the second row of homes. Overall, measurements indicate that the barriers provide substantial sound level reduction for residents along the highway. TNM was the best prediction model when considering all test sites; however, the STAMINA models were more accurate at predicting source level. TNM predictions using the Average pavement input overpredicted the reference sound levels measured at these sites. TNM predictions using the OGAC (open-graded asphalt concrete) input were improved (under 2 dB:LAeq of error) over those using the Average pavement type input. This result is expected because Florida uses an open-graded asphalt friction mix.

Journal Title

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns in Transportation 2003: Energy and Environment

Issue/Number

1859

Publication Date

1-1-2003

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

72

Last Page

78

WOS Identifier

WOS:000189433200009

ISSN

0361-1981; 0-309-08596-9

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