Three-dimensional urban acoustic simulations and scale-model measurements over real-life topography

Abstract

Comparisons of finite-difference time-domain sound propagation simulations over real-life urban topography with scale-model experimental measurements are performed. A 1:100 scale model for the measurements and full-scale input geometry for the simulations are created by using digital geographic datasets. The sound pressure levels obtained by the measurements and simulations resulted in approximately 2 dB of root mean square error in the 125 and 250 Hz octave bands, and 4 dB in 500 Hz. Visualizations of a low-frequency sound propagation case by the measurement and simulation clearly show the wave phenomena caused by buildings and natural terrain.