Traffic Noise Models for Curved Roads

Abstract

The paper presents two theoretical models for traffic noise level distribution on curved horizontal roads. In the case of vehicles moving on a given route, one can consider, in terms of sound field, that the granular traffic is equivalent for short periods with a quasi-continuous noise flow. When computing and modelling the noise level generated by traffic on roads with complex trajectory, it is common to treat the route as a sum of small length road segments, each being assimilated with a linear noise source. This paper started from the assumption that the route can be decomposed into a sequence of linear and arc-shaped road segments, each of which is treated as a linear respectively curved noise source. An arc-shaped road segment is modelled by a tubular vibrating surface, of circular or rectangular section. In the case of rectangular section, the vibrating blade emits complex sounds on its both vertical sides and the generated sound field can be described more clearly, qualitatively and quantitatively, through intensity distribution. The theoretical models presented in the paper have direct application to the traffic noise prediction and noise maps drawing.