Traffic Noise Prediction and the Influence of Vehicle Horn Noise

Abstract

A study was conducted to propose statistical models in order to predict equivalent sound pressure level ( LAeq (1 h)) and maximum sound pressure level ( LAFmax (1 h)) due to road traffic. Variables including traffic flow, vehicles' speed, relative humidity, the length and width of the segments of the roads, the average height of the buildings located around the road and the slope of the segments of roads were considered. Also, the vehicle horn noise as a predictor variable was included in the models. The results reveal that LAFmax (1 h) values are considerably higher than LAeq (1 h) values. It is concluded that the vehicle horn noise may be responsible for the considerable difference between LAeq (1 h) values and LAFmax (1 h) values. Hence, to study traffic noise pollution the vehicle horn noise must be taken into consideration.