Various methods of assessing noise, loudness, and noise annoyance are reviewed and explained; sources, types, and intensities of traffic noise are noted; typical means of abatement and attenuation are described; design criteria for various land uses ranging from low-density to industrial are suggested and compared with the results of previous BBN and British systems for predicting annoyance and complaint; and a design guide for predicting traffic noise, capable of being programmed for batch and on-line computer applications, is presented in form suitable for use as a working tool. A flow diagram describes the interrelationships of elements in the traffic noise prediction methodology, and each element is discussed in detail in the text. The text is presented of a tape recording that takes the listener through a series of traffic situations, with such variables as traffic distance, flow velocity, distance, outdoors and indoors, and presence or absence of absorbers and attenuators.

This synthesis will be of interest to highway environmental engineers, noise analysts, design engineers, maintenance personnel, planners, administrators, and others responsible for the design, selection, and maintenance of noise barriers or other traffic noise abatement policies. Information is provided on current state practice associated with noise abatement techniques and on the various products that are used. This synthesis describes the state of the art with respect to traffic noise abatement procedures, especially noise barriers. This report of the Transportation Research Board provides information on the design, construction and maintenance of both new (Type I) and retrofit ( Type II) noise barriers. The design elements that are addressed include materials, the selection process, service life, foundations, drainage, aesthetics, and safety. The construction section covers technical problems related to surface effects, durability, snow damage, and costs. Other noise abatement measures such as insulation and highway design alternatives are also addressed. The issue of public demand and availability funding is included, and recommendations are made to improve the situation.

This technical advisory covers the fundamental physical properties of sound in general, followed by highway traffic noise characteristics, prediction, mitigation of highway traffic noise, and acoustical considerations for the design of highway noise barriers. The information in this document provides an introductory level of technical knowledge, which is essential to the overall understanding of the highway noise abatement process.

A description of motor vehicle noise sources and the potential for their control is provided. The report presents an overview of the suggested noise prediction methodology, which is a four step process that includes approximating noise impacts using a nomograph procedure to determine noise levels associated with given traffic and site characteristics; refining these predictions by more accurate representation of design parameters and use of a computer program that is able to plot as well as calculate noise impact; introducing appropriate noise-control options and evaluate them, using a noise barrier nomograph solution; lastly, selected options are fully evaluated using the computer program.

The objectives of this document are to provide: (1) guidelines on how to design a highway noise barrier that fits with its surroundings and performs its intended acoustical and structural functions at reasonable life-cycle cost; and (2) a state-of-the-art reference of common concepts, designs, materials, and installation techniques for the professional highway engineer, the noise barrier designer, and the non-professional community participant.