Investigation of environmental noise originating from road traffic and the effects of road pavement types on the noise production

In this study, environmental noise and road traffic noise as the most significant environmental noise source were investigated, taking into consideration that the issue has been given much importance with opening of the chapter of environment within EU membership process. The study has been carried out in three different routes within the city center of Adana, namely Ali Bozdoğan, Kenan Evren and Turgut Özal Boulevards. Digital maps and other traffic data were used to develope the noise maps. SoundPLAN 6.4 software was utilized for mapping calculations according to the NMPB Routes 96 road traffic noise prediction model. 6 different scenarios were developed using the software, taking vehicle speed and traffic densities as variables. 3 different road pavement materials, i.e. paving stone (PTK), asphalt pavement (DAK), and porous asphalt pavement (GAK), were evaluated. All three pavement material were evaluated for Lday, Levening, Lnight and Lden noise indicators and <55, 55-65, 65-75 and >75 dB A noise levels, defined in both the national legislations and the EU Directive, with respect to exposed area width, exposed population and residence. It was concluded that, PTK had the lowest percentage within the modeled total area, under 55 dB A noise level for all of the time periods in terms of exposed area. In terms of population, it was seen that DAK and GAK covers result in higher exposion of population than PTK cover to noise levels under 55 dB A. In addition, evaluation of the number of residence buildings, subject to noise levels under 55 dB A, showed that PTK cover had caused lower number of buildings than DAK and GAK covers during Lday, Levening, Lnight and Lden periods. These results implied that if the road pavements were PTK covered, most of the residential buildings in the study area would be exposed to noise levels higher than 55 dB A. The number of sensitive buildings (e.g. residence, hospitals) and the population size in these buildings can be determined by the estimation of area size and population exposed to high noise levels (>75 dB A). Additionally, the results and the noise maps developed in this study are expected to be used as decision support tools for noise reduction management in Adana City. Key Words : Environmental Noise, Road Noise, Noise Maps, NMPB, SoundPLAN