The noise study as a tool of the building urbanistic management

Abstract

A noise study is an important tool for prediction of noise in the environment. The most important is the formal and content aspect of the study in relation to relevant legislation. The whole sequence of study content processing is the issue of the article along with presented risks during its formation. The novelty of this article consists of graphical examples and algorithms (methods and sequences) which are unique and once in a lifetime, and they proceed from the long-time practice of authors. The optimal methodology of work for evaluation of noise study has been described. This methodology is important in practice and education. In addition, it points to the potential risks that may occur at different stages of processing noise study which gives the instructions to processors of these studies to eliminate errors in their processing. The introduction of the article is focused on emphasis on the importance of the noise study, and then, the article is devoted to a specific description of the algorithm for the creation of a noise study. In the main part of the article, there are described practical examples of identifying possible risks in the processing of noise studies. The conclusion of the article provides a comprehensive summary of the problem solved. The entire theoretical basis is based on years of experience and the processing of the acquired markings in the algorithms.

Keywords

Noise study urbanistic design building environment optimal methodology noise

Introduction

In the last decade, various studies realised a similar issue. Every study is realised in different conditions, but it should meet the requirements stated in the European Union working group assessment of exposure to noise (WG-AEN) and European Union Directive 2002/49/EC.^1,2 For example, the authors Guedes, Bertoli and Zannin realised the study about the influence of urban shapes on environmental noise in a city. This study involved in situ measurements and acoustic simulations using SoundPLAN software.³ The other research was focused on the determination of the presence or absence of noise by means of noise measurements and acoustic mapping.⁴ In the above-mentioned studies, isophones were used 4 m high above the terrain, but in this study, they were used 6 m high above the terrain (Figure 5), because it was necessary to find out the noise levels close to facade – windows. This value was determined by the company in practice.

Consideration of noise is one of the environmental policy tools in every country.⁵ Every country has to use the methodology which is given by directives. Murphy and King⁶ describe the basic methodological issues – calculation methods and mapping methods in their work. The noise becomes a significant phenomenon which enters human life, and it is necessary to find the optimal solution for its realisation. In the environment, acoustical smog or acoustical pollution has an upwards trend. For this reason, the noise study compilation during the prediction process is important.^7,8 The noise study is a simulation tool because it uses the modelling tools and virtual reality tools for determination of predicted noise levels in the environment subject to operation presumptions. The range of noise study solution is various, and it depends on the type of construction and the predicted time horizons of operation. In this article, the content framework of noise study which is specified by a general algorithm with reference to possible risks during the realisation of noise study is given.⁹

The optimal methodology is the solution of noise study from the urbanistic design – the designing in relation to the area at the beginning. The results of noise study may be closer to real operational conditions by specifying the solution through architectonic or interior design.

Acoustical study

The acoustical study is a document for prediction of noise oscillation in the environment. It is compiled by an authorised person or a company. It can comply as an independent noise study or study of oscillation prediction in buildings (vibration study).¹⁰

Algorithm of noise study creation

The noise study is prepared for interior or exterior of buildings. Figure 1 presents the sequence summarisation of noise study optimal solution. It is necessary to prepare the noise expert’s opinion at least, but better the noise study at all stages of building documentation. The range of noise study is dependent on building and construction, noise and territorial factors of the building site.¹¹

Figure 1.

Algorithm of noise study in the building environment.

The presented algorithm enables a compilation of noise study according to the following methodology:

In the range and detail according to the phase of building life cycle (e.g. phase of suggestion – project = project evaluation or at the phase of operation = operation evaluation). The compilation of noise study during the realisation of building is important, which it is not conditioned by compilation of building organisation project.

In the range and detail according to the level of pre-project and project documentation (Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), architectonic study, project for territorial proceeding, project for building proceeding and implementation project) with the possibility of sequentially specifying the results. There are possibilities of time evaluation of noise study in the phase of project solution or in advance – predictive creation. The drawing up of noise study is also possible after project compilation. This possibility results from response to requirement, for example, Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic, that is, reactive creation by verification.

In the range according to the requirement for the compilation of noise study as a part of the partial issue or comprehensive solution – possible combinations are stated in Table 1.

Table 1.

Matrix of possible options of compilation noise study range.

Combination	Urbanistic acoustics	Civil acoustics	Space acoustics and interior acoustics
Partial	+	–	–
Partial	–	+	–
Partial	–	–	+
Partial	+	+	–
Partial	–	+	+
Comprehensive	+	+	+

+: compiled; –: not compiled.

Presented algorithm (Figure 1) is a comprehensive conception of noise study compilation. This study is drawing up for different stages of the project phase with determinate specifics. In the first step of the acoustical study, a so-called prime option is created – it is an evaluation for the current state of polluting substances in considering the area. In the second step of the study, a so-called first option is created – new state of noise polluting substances on the schedule of building completion. The last part of the acoustical study is so-called the second variant which equals the term of completion + 10 years (prospective state).

Determination of option numbers for the compilation of noise studies and determination of another sub-option according to the operation mode of noise sources in the environment present the prime option of the stated algorithm.

The algorithm of comprehensive noise study compilation (Figure 1) presents a dual function – a variation in the calculation and an alternative in designing of constructions, optimisation of technical suggestion with economic needs and with possibilities of given building.¹²

Explanation of methodology according to Figure 1:

0th phase – determination of options number for various alternatives of noise study compilation.

1st phase – input data for options:

1a. Noise sources – determination of noise sources:

Acoustical power or equivalent sound pressure level (L_w, LA_eq).

Efficiency and adjustment degree in relation to the acoustic power.

The positioning of noise sources.

Sizes.

Traffic intensity in traffic noise (cars and lorries).

1b. Exposure of noises – time effect identification of noise sources.

1c. Map and terrain – insertion of terrain unevenness (earthwork, hill and gorge) and their form, transformation of contour and topographical area location to the simulation software.

1d. Urbanistic housing – simulation of buildings in terrain for the whole situation in the environment.

2nd phase – a compilation of noise maps for exterior – calculation from the following input data:

2a. Theoretical calculation by computationally graphical method or statistically graphical method.

2b. Calculation by software (simulation).

2c. Calculation from measurements of equivalent sound pressure level or calculation from measurements of traffic intensity.

2d. Combination of above-mentioned methods (e.g. simulation with data about noise sources from producer and measurement data).

3rd phase – evaluation of assessed values with permissible values.

3a. Evaluation of assessed values LA_eq 2 m in front of the facade of evaluated buildings for reference time day, evening, night or value L_DEN.

An optimal solution of integrated noise (for the current state and a new state – 1st alternative) which operates in the environment is possible to demonstrate with the algorithm in Figure 2. Calculation solution is often limited only by a solution of the newly suggested state because there are no data about the noise situation of the current state (e.g. from the measurement of equivalent sound pressure level). In reality, it can form the various alternatives listed in Table 2.

Figure 2.

Algorithm for determination of noise polluting substances in the exterior.

Table 2.

Matrix of possible states of polluting substances in the exterior.

L_DEN, L_night (dB)	Alternatives
	New state	Current state	Integrated noise
Alternative 1	1	0	0
Alternative 2	1	1	1
Alternative 3	0	0	0
Alternative 4	0	1	0

0: values exceeding of noise action indicators = not comply; 1: values the satisfaction of noise action indicators = comply.

In Alternatives 1 and 3, it is not possible to do correction within the project solution of the assigned task. In Alternative 4, it is possible to achieve the meeting of Alternative 2 by correcting the source or transmission way. It is necessary to pay special attention to the noise indicator for night hours, which influences the L_den value for the satisfaction of general requirements.

Decree of Ministry of Health no. 549/2007 does not specify the values for global noise, but it specifies only indicators for noise from traffic. Software solutions are also thus set, but they calculate final values. It is suitable based on comparison with a stringent indicator value of partial noise type in assessing of those results.

Risks arising from the integrated noise evaluation

Integrated noise is constituted by sources of communal, industry and traffic noise for the previous and new state. Noise sources can also affect during exposition time or during the season (e.g. heating season – a heat source and summer season – air conditioner), causing a solution of other alternatives of calculation. The above-mentioned noise sources differently cooperate in time either in construction or during operation. Often, there emerge other possible combinations, for example, tone or high-frequency noise in industrial noise sources or in traffic noise – specific ‘Q’ noise (specific unpleasant noises of rail transport in the bend). The noise character is not often known in the first phase of urbanistic design and it is specified in other levels. For this reason, it is suitable for the evaluation of polluting substances with margin at the level of values of possible minimum corrections.

Decision

In this phase of the algorithm, it is necessary to make a decision: after the satisfaction of requirements, the next is the 5th phase – dimensioning of exterior building construction – or they are necessary adjustments – 4th phase:

4th phase – the adjustments of the 4th phase include adjustment of inputs from the 1st phase (e.g. placing a change of noise sources or object shape) or adding of new elements (e.g. anti-noise walls, anti-noise screens, etc.). If it is not possible to make a correction, for example, in traffic noise, it is necessary to increase the air sound insulation of window frames (increase level of sound isolation), and it is necessary to apply ventilation elements for the exchange of air in the room – Phase 6.2.

5th phase – dimensioning represents the suggestion of external construction composition in different alternatives of the material and technological solution by the theoretical calculating method, statistical graphics method or suggestion based on measurements. Dimensioning proceeded by determination of noise transfer ways.

6th phase – consideration of external construction suggestion is possible to effectuate alternatively:

Construction consideration of perimeter wall and window according to requirements of STN 73 0532:2013-01 standard.

Consideration is the possibility to do by determination of noise transfer ways and calculation of external noise transmission across the peripheral constructions into the interior for obtaining permissible values which determine noise quantity in the interior of the building.

The result of consideration is the selection of an alternative with an optimum technical and economical solution (cost of implementation).

Decision

If the requirements are not satisfied, it is necessary to return back to dimensioning of external peripheral constructions according to the 5th phase, and after the satisfaction of requirements, it is proceeded with dimensioning of the internal construction of the building – 7th phase in this phase of the algorithm:

7th phase – dimensioning of internal constructions is influenced by the effect of new noise sources (requirements as Phase 1) in the building (Phase 7.1), and it is influenced by methods of parameter calculations (Phase 7.2) for walls, dividing walls or flooring constructions.

8th phase – consideration of suggestion alternatives of internal construction is possible to effectuate by the following:

Consideration of walls, dividing walls and floor according to STN 73 0532:2013-01 standard.

Calculation of noise transmission from internal sources across peripheral constructions to the interior for achieving the permissible values determining noise quantity in the internal environment of buildings. The determination of noise transmission ways is very important. The result of the evaluation is a selection of alternative composition with an optimal technical and economical solution.

9th phase – determination of internal noise source directly in space (e.g. working environment) of interiors considered rooms.

10th phase – dimensioning of interiors from the point of view the wave, geometrical or statistical acoustic.

11th phase – prediction of noise in internal environment, for example, by an algorithm or similar methodology as Phase 2 (Figure 3).

Figure 3.

The algorithm of noise prediction in the interior.

Decision

In this phase of the algorithm, if the requirements are not satisfied, it is necessary to return back to dimensioning of the interior by a correction in previous phases or ending of noise study.

12th phase – conclusion including the following:

Résumé of targets fulfilment, comparison of considered and permissible values.

Conditions under which they meet the permissible values. It is the calculated (measured) value or derived from calculated (measured) value which is the indicative quantity and increased by the value of the measurement uncertainty. If desired, it is a modified correction by reference to the reference time interval. Conditions, whether technical or organisational, need to specifically itemise with the required parameters.

The noise study should include the data about acoustic parameters of noise, given materials, meeting records about the issue, statements of the government under which the study is issued and so on. In the supplement part, graphical outputs, noise maps by reasoning the deviation from the textual part of noise study for the sake of size and range, can be stated (Figure 4 -6).

Figure 4.

Architectonic model of the mall next to the residential house.

Figure 5.

3D model of buildings with the determination of isophones at a height of 6 m above the terrain – Hluk+ 8 Profi software.

Figure 6.

3D model of buildings with the determination of isophones in the cross-section – Hluk+ 8 Profi software.

Identification of hazards in a compilation of noise study in phases of the life cycle

The creation of interior and exterior building environment passes from empirical knowledge of the past to innovative methods and techniques of the present information age. Complexity of the issue and reciprocal interaction of environment components require the optimisation of the building – physical suggestion in design, realisation and operation of buildings. The life cycle phases of buildings have an impact on the interaction of creation and evaluation of acoustical quality in internal and external environments of buildings from the point of view of noise effect. One of the most important aspects of building environment evaluation is the satisfaction of acoustical criterions. The satisfaction of criterions is dependent on creation – design up to the operation of the building.

The risk management is an inseparable part of the management of every process activity and design.

Through these systems, it is possible to approach risk management. In the strategic systems, it is the prediction of hazards (to work on the order which is perfectly prepared in advance, it is sufficient time reserve and equipment for work); the project manager is responsible for the preparation of inputs, managing of the project team and coordination of work, and he must anticipate the possible hazards. The tactical system anticipates on hazards (it is well known that hazards exist and managers are prepared to solve it). The reactive system reacts to hazards (now, documentation is compiled and the task of the civil physicist is proving of expert opinion about suitability lighting, noise attitude, etc.).

The hazard is defined as a confluence of confluence probability formation of an undesirable event and its consequence. The undesirable event is a state which was not expected in project solution, and it has an unfavourable consequence for the user. The outputs of noise study have an impact on the following:

A solution of the constitution, acoustical characteristics and sizes of the building constructions or building materials.

Observance of hygienic requirements of acoustical well-being.

The state of health of users, buildings and exterior environment.

Economy of energy.

Size of building and technological costs.

On the basis of the above-mentioned issue, it has to be defined as hazards. The hazards classification is as follows:

Financial hazards: changes in building solutions and costs resulting in financial losses.

Technical hazards: non-adequate project (disrespecting of assessment conclusions from building acoustician in the project), incomplete input data, conditioning of material kinds and constructions.

Social hazards: user or neighbour complaints about noise and desertion of required acoustical criterions.

Hazards of manufacturing subject: human error, disagreement of assessment, outputs from noise study, in measurement in situ and disagreement may not cause the manufacturer.

The reasons why the bearers of risk are not willing or able to risk with enough influence are often ignorance, short-sightedness, ostensibly out of date, negligence, irresponsibility, underestimation, lack of competence and immediate economically or political interests of the main participants of construction.

The hazard is stated by identification of possible negative impact on health, property, environment and so on with a current assessment of consequences and probability of its formation. After that, the assessment of the hazard can be defined as the systematic process of hazards identification and quantification resulting in possible danger.

Hazard elimination means to know the hazard controlled using an appropriate methodology or to reduce and transfer to other entities. The main task is to identify the hazards and then describe it. The detail and range of hazard control have to be adequate to hazard size.

Risk management has five steps (Figure 7). The first step (risk identification) in risk analysis is a compilation of all possible undesirable events that can appear in various situations. In the second step (risk qualification), the probability in which the undesirable event may appear is determined. The third step (risk decrease) has two methods: the first method provides a decrease in probability and the second method provides a decrease in damage. In the fourth step (risk transfer), a contract transfer is created to either the building partaker or to the third part (from designer to customer); it is suitable the contract about collective toleration of hazards. The last step of risk management is risk assignment. It provides two possibilities: insurance policy (every authorised civil engineer is insured in accordance with the law) or creation of own financial reserves.

It is necessary to specify the risk factors of given task for individual creation steps of environment acoustics:

The risk factors can be technical (content and formal), environmental or humane parameters of observed work.

The risk factors will be different for individual phases of building life cycle (design, realisation and operation) and within the design phase for particular kinds of environment design: urbanistic, architectonic or interior.

The risks are possible to manage also in various stages of building preparation: at the design phase, at the implementation phase and operation phase of construction work.

The risk identification is declared by the basic method of answer search in three parts: identification of risk factors, exposition and consequences.

A detailed description of possible risks, resulting from compilation of sound (noise) study, is elaborated in the habilitation work of the author. The most important risk for the author of noise study is the probability rate of the correct proposal. This rate can be expressed by tolerance interval of solution correctness in two levels – in determined values of polluting substances and in individual degrees of noise study compilation. In noise study, there are often other noise sources as in realisation project, and then, it comes about final calculating differences and in comparison measured with predicted values. In different publications, they have stated the precisions between calculating and measured values of noise levels in the environment. The values range from 0.3 to 2.2 dB depending on the simulation model used.^13,14

The value of tolerance (between measured values and simulated values is presented in literature^1,15) is dependent on numerous parameters. The tolerance value is influenced by the following:

The accuracy of gauge (sound analyser) and software quality which is used for modelling and simulation of an operation mode for determination of noise level.

Reliability of human assessor who does not make mistakes at work and enters accurately input data into the model or measurement conditions.

Model solutions software; they cannot do the accurate digital twin of reality, and there are always some simplifications (e.g. on the facade of the building, it is not given that all the windows and different materials have different absorptions).

In reality, during the measuring of noise levels, it is not possible to influence the background of noise which can distort the values for the partial problem of solution.

The other problems can be the interpretation and evaluation of results and so on.

Figure 7.

Risk management in different phases and stages of building life cycle from the point of view of noise effect in the environment.

Conclusion

The aim of noise study is the description of solutions possible for the elimination of noise levels in the exterior environment.¹⁶ This noise study is compiled in the urbanistic design stage. At the same time, it points to the localisation suitability of given building object in housing development.¹⁷ The findings of the noise study are as follows:

The determination possibility of the exact placing of the new object depending on the exterior noise sources.

Influencing the shaped material solution.

The completion of acoustical arrangements (anti-noise walls).

The optimisation of exterior construction insulation in the individual zones of exterior noise levels.

The participation to the technical solution of air exchanges systems in the building interior.

Influencing the possibility of the economic aspect of the object.

The compilation of noise study creates the precondition for determination of acoustical flats quality (protected areas) and the determination of their value. Today, a lot of buildings use the composite materials as a component of building materials.¹⁸ The value can be determined from the point of results of the certificate which describes their vibro-acoustical quality. The verification of output correctness of noise study by measurement in situ is the next important method of environmental policy.^19,20

Footnotes

Declaration of conflicting interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

ORCID iD

Darina Dupláková

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