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Highway Traffic Noise Evaluations
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Staiano Engineering (SEI) has performed numerous highway traffic noise exposure analyses in which traffic noise exposures were predicted at locations representative of dwellings and other noise-sensitive outdoor areas. These analyses are based upon the traffic data for the adjacent roadways and detailed modeling of study area topography. The state-of-the-art Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway traffic noise prediction procedure, Traffic Noise Model (TNM), was the computational method used. Where the predicted noise exposures at the dwellings and activity areas exceeded appropriate criteria, noise barriers (i.e., berms and/or free-standing walls) were designed to mitigate the impacts. For some proposed dwellings adjacent to highways, building architectural soundproofing effectiveness also was analyzed with respect to indoor exposure criteria; and, building enhancements were identified where necessary. To evaluate building noise performance, SEI reviewed architectural plans to calculate the indoor sound levels with the initially planned building features and the expected outside noise exposure in representative samples of noise-sensitive, noise-exposed building spaces. The building features needed for additional interior sound isolation were defined—as necessary to meet design requirements. Where mitigation analyses indicated their usefulness, SEI performed on-site noise measurements to calibrate noise prediction accuracy with the presence of extreme topographic or traffic conditions. As needed to meet project review requirements, SEI provided expert testimony documenting the procedures for and the results from these site noise evaluations.
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