Use of Noise Prediction Models for Road Noise Mapping in Locations That Do Not Have a Standardized Model: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Faced with the accelerated growth of cities and the consequent increase in the number of motor vehicles, urban noise levels, caused by vehicular traffic, have increased considerably. In order to assess noise levels in cities and to successfully implement noise control measures or to identify the location of the problem in different urban areas, it is first necessary to obtain information on the noise levels to which people are exposed. Noise maps are tools that have several potential applications as they are cartographic representations of the noise level distribution in area and over a period of time. This article aims to identify, select, evaluate and synthesize information, through a Systematic Literature Review, on the use of different road noise prediction models, in sound mapping computer programs in countries that do not have a standard noise prediction model. From a previous analysis of articles, the choice of topic was based on the identification of a variety of different models for predicting road noise in countries that do not have a standardized model for the use of sound mapping. The papers compiled by SLR showed that studies concentrated in China, Brazil and Ecuador, and that the most used traffic noise prediction models were the RLS-90 and the NMPB, and the most used mapping programs were SoundPLAN and ArcGIS with a grid size of 10 x 10 m. Most measurements were carried out during a 15 min period at a height from ground level of 1.5 m.