Management of Environmental Noise

This area includes the assessment of environmental noise using different techniques and supporting government noise management programs.

The LEAM is also working on the sound characterization of urban and non urban areas. The relationship between sound (or noise) and human activity is evident, so you can expect certain phenomenologies to repeat that allow the establishment of a framework for evaluation and action around the sound or noise (such as acoustic preservation of quiet areas, natural spaces, etc).  In this sense, long-term noise measurements, which reveal the variability of noise levels over time, [1], are an important tool designed to obtain a model for establishing the ambient noise level at night depending on the type and use of each area. [3], [4]  We are also working on improving sound ratings as it is recognized that equivalent level and A-rating, which are the usual parameters used by most standards, are not applicable to evaluate every situation, and their correlation with annoyance  is not always optimal.

Sound characterization of urban areas

Supporting Government

Support for governments in developing and maintaining plans for reducing noise in urban areas includes making noise maps, capacity maps, action plans and specific proposals for action in coordination with the competent authority. [2], [5].

The LEAM is specifically working to integrate noise data in GIS format (Geographic Information Systems). The goal is the integration into a single media of noise data and all the variables related to noise pollution (roads, bus lines, leisure areas, traffic, rail and air noise, etc.)  The intersection of these data facilitates decision-making for urban noise management plans.

Preparation of a noise map

Noise Map                                                 Mobility Plan

Impact of Infrastructure

The LEAM works on the acoustic impact of infrastructure such as road networks , rail infrastructure , airport infrastructure (airports, heliports, etc.)  The computer model for the study of the affected area is validated by using on site measurements.  From this validation, the most appropriate corrective measures are studied to reduce the area affected or, where appropriate, reduce the population affected, in collaboration with environmental consultants, government, etc.  The LEAM has all of the necessary instruments for making any type of noise and vibration measurements, and the right software to determine the noise impact of each type of infrastructure.

[1]    Jiménez S., Alsina R., Perera P, and  Arriaga JM, The european directive on assessment and management of environmental noise. Variability in the noise indicators. Proceedings of Forum Acusticum 02, Sevilla (Spain), 2002.

[2]    Jordi Romeu, Santiago Jiménez, Teresa Pàmies, Meritxell Genescà, L_den assessment methodology for acoustic maps: simulation or measurements? Proceedings of Internoise 2003, Jeju (Korea), 2003.

[3]    J. Romeu, S. Jiménez, M. Genescà, T. Pàmies, R. Capdevila. Spatial sampling for night levels estimation in urban environments. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120 (2006), 791-800.

[4]    S. Jiménez, M. Genescà, J. Romeu, A. Sánchez. Estimation of Night Traffic Noise Levels. Acta Acústica united with Acústica. ISSN 1610-1928. Vol 94 (2008) 1-1

[5]    J. Romeu, M. Genescà, T. Pàmies, S. Jiménez. Street Categorization for the Estimation of Day Levels using short-term measurements. Appied Acoustics 72 (2011) 569-577. ISSN 003-682-X