Detailed calculations on a noise hotspot

Results of previous feasibility studies showed that a proposed variant A had the lowest noise impact compared to variant B and C.

However, near the small town Exampleton high noise levels of over 65 dB are still to be dealt with. As a change of corridor is not possible due to other restrictions, measures at the road or shielding of noise is required.

The map on the left shows the results of facade calculations aggregated to hectar grids.

Measures

Measures can be chosen as well for stretches of the road (road segment A2-A10) as for propagation (earth walls). For the road stretches changes of road surface, the speed limit and the amount of traffic can be chosen. Two variants of earth walls (or a combination of both) can be investigated.

Results

The results are displayed on the right side (with measures, effects, difference). A comparison of noise maps is displayed in the maps without measures and with measures. In addition, the difference is shown below under difference where blue colors mean a reduction of noise and red colors an increase. Also shown are additional effects which give several statistical analysis for the whole investigation area. Different methods are applied, as indicators on annoyance (%A, %HA) and statistical methods for gain in real estate value and changes in anual gain in tax revenues.

Scenario

Different measures for propagation can be selected. These consist of earth walls (or absorbing noise barriers) with a height of 6 meters for one or both locations indicated in the maps.

Road surface

For each road segment a different road surface can be chosen. Two variants are implemented with a exemplary noise reduction of 3 dB and 5 dB.

Daily traffic / Trucks

Changes in the amount of daily traffic or the percentage of heavy goods vehicles can be chosen. Although a direct influence on traffic amounts is not a feasible measure, the effects e.g. of diversions of traffic can be determined.

Speed

The speed limit can be chosen seperately for cars and trucks.

Results of previous feasibility studies showed that a proposed variant A had the lowest noise impact compared to variant B and C.
However, near the small town Exampleton high noise levels of over 65 dB are still to be dealt with. As a change of corridor is not possible due to other restrictions, measures at the road or shielding of noise is required.