Estimation of noise pollution of Irkutsk by automobile transport

Abstract

The work is devoted to estimation noise pollution generated by vehicles on the main and secondary highways in the city of Irkutsk. For this purpose, video surveillance of traffic composition and intensity was carried out at night and daylight hours. By sound level meter "Testo-816" the measures of noise levels were conducted. Using the "Ecolog-noise" software complex, the noise propagation distance from the sources was modeled and the sound pressure level maps were created. The obtained results were compared with the current standards for permissible noise loads. An illustrative graph of the average daily noise level distribution shows that in Irkutsk there are two maxima (morning and evening) on all motorways. At the same time, night and day acoustic standards, set as maximum for both Russia and some European Union countries, are significantly violated. A possible set of recommendations is proposed to improve the existing urban transport system in order to reduce excessive noise and ensure the acoustic well-being of the population of residential areas adjacent to highways.