Traffic noise prediction with the parabolic equation method: validation of a split-step Padé approach in complex...

This study deals with sound propagation in typical traffic noise conditions. The numerical results are obtained through the split-step Padé method and the discrete random Fourier modes technique. These are first evaluated qualitatively, by color contour maps showing noise propagation, diffraction by an impedance discontinuity or a screen edge, and scattering by atmospheric turbulence. Next, our numerical results are quantitatively validated by comparison with analytical models and other parabolic equation models. For all the atmospheric conditions and geometrical configurations available in literature, the agreement between the different methods is very good, except for some cases involving the atmospheric turbulence. However, in those particular cases, the split-step Padé results are shown to be more consistent with physical theory. Finally, our method seems to be very powerful and reliable for traffic noise prediction.