Acoustic Emissions from Construction Equipment

This paper examines the various source data commonly used for the prediction of construction site noise immissions, i.e. the total amount of noise from all contributing sources at a given position. A series of analyses are presented of the noise emission data from over 400 measurements of various powers and types of construction and open site plant. The sound power level data was obtained from on-site measurements performed by consultants, and from ISO tests performed for manufacturers. Comparisons are made of the sound power level data obtained from ISO tests with guaranteed sound power levels, and with the permissible sound power levels of plant specified in the EC Regulations. It is seen that manufacturers' data measured using established ISO test codes introduces less uncertainty to sound field predictions than does the permissible sound power level of the plant or the guaranteed sound power level of the machine. Comparisons are also made with additional data from the British Standard BS5228. Consideration is given to the utilization of each sound power data source for the prediction of construction site generated noise.