ASSESSING EXPOSURE TO NOISE IN HIGH DENSITY URBAN AREAS

Abstract

The present research dwells on existing methodical approaches to modeling and noise assessment involving mapping procedures in high density urban areas by the example of urbanized territories in a big city. The suggested approach is based on results obtained via multiple acoustic computations that were performed using specialized software packages. Computed data are interfaced with geoinformation systems for further visualization and quantitative assessment of obtained results. As regards hygienic standardization, hardware and software that are used within the approach allow accomplishing it in high density urban areas. The research concentrates on basic approaches to creating a calculated model as well as parameters of all accomplished computations. The research was performed as per a regular grid within a calculated rectangle sized 0.8*0.8 km and with a step being equal to 25 meters. This calculated rectangle contained 1,122 points. Overall, computed exposure was determined at 486,246 points located in 43 planes. A separate calculated grid corresponded to each of them in order to build a 3D model. This 3D model was made up of 43 planes including one built at 1.5 meter height in a residential area. This 3D model was created for assessing living conditions depending on a height of living (a floor in a residential building). A square of acoustic discomfort was assessed depending on a height as per such a hygienic criterion as noise exceeding 55 dBA and it allowed establishing effects produced by motor transport on noise levels. This research is an initial stage in substantiating violations of citizens’ rights for a favorable living environment and human well-being; in future it is planned to perform instrumental measurements and assess health risks.