Comparison of noise prediction and measurement from construction sites

Abstract

The sound of construction should be reliably predicted at the planning stage, and any mitigation should be implemented not only to avoid excessive noise exposure to the public but also to improve the environmental performance and the process of construction. There are various noise prediction methods that have been practiced by the respected parties. The simplest and most recommended method of noise prediction is the procedure of BS 5228-1:2009. However, previous studies have claimed that this method was inaccurate because of several factors. Therefore, this study attempts to assess the difference between the prediction using this method and the noise obtained from the measurement. The study was conducted by measuring noise emissions from construction activities through selected stations on the earthwork, piling, and structural work, by measuring the individual noise emission of construction equipment, and by predicting noise from construction activities using the measured data. Several related variables were also measured to identify their effects on outdoor sound propagation. Disparities between noise prediction and measurement were checked using a t-test. The results showed that all the stations have the significant disparities between prediction and measurement. Apart from the high noise emission level of machines, the highest over prediction (5 dBA) was due to the use of several moving machines during operation processes. Consequently, this affects the distance between the sound source and the measurement station (geometry factor).