TRAFFIC NOISE PREDICTION USING FHWA MODEL ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY - 28 IN INDIA

Traffic noise introduced by vehicles operating on the highways is a major source of discomfort and concern to the population in vicinity. In the present work, the traffic noise along a highway corridor on NH – 28 passing near Gorakhpur city, India have been observed and several sampling stations with the help of a sound level meter (Make Bruel and Kjaer - 2232) and the energy equivalent noise levels have been calculated. The traffic noise prediction is done with the help of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) model using the traffic volume and speed data recorded at different sampling stations. The percentage error between the observed and the predicted value of energy equivalent noise levels is calculated. The agreement diagram plotted between the observed and predicted values reveals that the noise levels predicted by FHWA model lie within an error band of ± 10% with reference to the observed noise levels. Thus, it is indicated that FHWA model can be used for the prediction of traffic noise in India within a fair degree of accuracy. The assessment of observed noise levels with respect to standards is also presented and it is recommended that the regulation of traffic volume and speed can be implemented in India and elsewhere to control the noise within permissible limit.