dB - Calculator

Calculation of road traffic noise

 
Noise pollution is generally determined through calculations. The calculation of road traffic noise is based among others on RLS-90 (Guidelines for noise protection measures at roads). This method of calculation is very complex as sound propagation is influenced by a number of parameters. There is a simplified method of calculation for long and straight lanes, which provides orientation values for a general view.

Our decibel calculator helps you to determine the relation between average sound level and traffic volume, truck percentage, speed, road surface, gradient as well as the distance to the sound source (and the depending degree of absorption). What cannot be considered is topographic characteristics, barriers and development. The decibel calculator gives you values for the individual parameters you have filled in. The starting point is always the average sound level in a distance of 25 m and the speed limit is set at 62 mph (100 km/h).

The conversion factors from average daily traffic volume (DTV) into traffic volume per hour as used in RLS are also available. This conversion can be useful in case the amount of trucks is explicitly known but the traffic volume is only given as a daily average. What has been added is a table with correction values for noise-reducing road surfaces on roads out of town.
 
Both aspects have not been integrated into the decibel calculator in order to keep it as clear as possible. For additional information, please click on this button .
 

Noise pollution is generally determined through calculations. The basis for the calculation of railway noise is among others the 16th Federal Immission Control Ordinance.

A simplified method of calculation can be used for long and straight track routes, which is often sufficient for a first view.
Our decibel calculator helps you to determine the relation between average sound level and number of trains, type of train, speed, type of track as well as the distance to the sound source (and the depending degree of absorption). What cannot be considered is topographic characteristics, barriers and development. The decibel calculator gives you values for the individual parameters you have filled in.
Daytime and nighttime values are derived from the average number of trains per hour.

Please note that different types of train must be summarized into classes and that a separate calculation must be made for each class and each track. Single sound levels can be added with the Addition/Average feature of our calculator.
 

© Reimer Paulsen, 2001-2008