A Case Study of the Influence of Urban Morphology on Aircraft Noise

Abstract

Aircraft noise is a very important environmental problem that has been addressed in many ways over the years. Many strategies have been developed to mitigate aircraft noise exposure. To help identify the problem, computer simulations with mathematical models for aircraft noise have been developed. However, those models do not consider urban morphology effects on aircraft noise propagation. Urban morphology contains a set of features that modify noise, and it is necessary to be aware of its effects as it can be a factor that can potentially increase sound pressure levels to which the general population is exposed. This paper evaluates different aspects of urban morphology and determines the impact of street topologies, line of sight angles of buildings, façade positions, façade heights, and the combination of street topologies and LOS angles on aircraft noise. Measurements in front of the façade and in free field conditions were performed around buildings that make up educational facilities near Madrid Adolfo Suárez Barajas and Pisa Galileo Galilei airports. With the experimental work, it was demonstrated that front façades, U topologies, and greater LOS angles result in higher levels on façade as all these factors contribute to the transmission of noise in an urban environment. Correction factors for measurements made in façades with and without direct transmission with similar surroundings to the ones measured in this study and within a 95% confidence level were proposed for extrapolating the levels of aircraft noise events in free field conditions.