Study of the Categorisation Method Using Long-term Measurements

Abstract

Previous studies concerning the categorisation method have been based on short daytime measurements. These studies demonstrated urban-noise stratification in the daytime. Nevertheless, legislation and standards refer to noise estimation throughout the day. This paper presents the first attempt to apply the categorisation method to indicators obtained through long-term measurements. The study was conducted in Plasencia, Extremadura (Spain) which has approximately 41,500 inhabitants. First, we conducted a stratification of the roads using the categorisation method. Second, long-term measurements (approximately one week) were conducted at different sampling locations across different categories of streets. The results were analysed by category. Moreover, the profile of the noise-level variation was analysed during the day. The results revealed a stratification of sound levels measured across the different categories. Furthermore, we found health risks due to the noise levels in this town. Short-term measurements were also conducted to complete the categorisation method suitability analysis.

Low-Cost Sensors for Urban Noise Monitoring Networks—A Literature Review

“…The study of the spatial characteristics of sound environment variations help defining interpolation functions. Gozalo et al [101] showed that a stratification of roads based on their functionality was helpful before interpolating sound levels showed similarly, based on a measurement campaign in the city of Plasencia (Spain), that the characteristics of sound level variations follow the categories formed with road functionalities.…”

Análisis Del Ruido en La Ciudad De Concepción (Chile) en Relación a La Funcionalidad De Las Vías Urbanas / Análise Do Ruído Na Cidade De Concepción (Chile) Em Relação À Funcionalidade Das Estradas Urbanas

“…El principal objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la aplicación de un método basado en la estratificación de las vías urbanas atendiendo a su funcionalidad como medio de comunicación entre la ciudad y otras ciudades y entre en las diferentes zonas de la ciudad. Este método denominado "Método de Categorización" ha sido aplicado con éxito en diferentes ciudades europeas (Rey Gozalo et al, 2013a, 2013b, 2014.…”

“…Además, es importante resaltar que este problema ambiental no sólo afecta a las grandes ciudades, también está presente en las ciudades pequeñas o pueblos (Rey Gozalo et al, 2013a).…”

Environmental Noise around Hospital Areas: A Case Study

“…Almost all of the respondents in a recent study regarded road traffic as a major source of noise [5]. Many hospitals are located on roads that experience high volumes of road traffic (e.g., in Curitiva, Brazil [36], Valladolid, Spain [37] or Plasencia, Spain [38]). The external facilities of the hospital are also a source of noise (heating and air conditioning, ventilation ducts, alarms, etc.)…”