Traffic noise monitoring and modelling - an overview

Noise has emerged as a leading environmental problem and is an underestimated threat. The most significant source of noise pollution is road traffic. Road traffic noise problem has reached alarming levels. This proves the severity and necessity of mitigating the traffic noise from every delicate corner possible. Noise monitoring is required to check the noise levels and effectiveness of control methods implemented. Road traffic noise control can be exercised with the help of prediction models. This paper presents the traffic noise status of developing countries and a quantitative review and comparison of traffic noise prediction models developed by researchers for various cities. Findings suggest that most of the researchers have used regression modelling and use of evolutionary computing methods like genetic algorithm, fuzzy systems, and neural networks to develop traffic noise prediction model is lacking. The effect of many important variables affecting traffic noise like pavement type, vegetation along roads, road surface roughness, and gradient still needs to be studied. Further, studies are required to measure in vehicle noise levels on same roads to compare the noise levels tolerated by residents, road users, and the commuters; this will help in formulating traffic noise regulations.