Tackling traffic noise levels with
effective WIM systems
also severe in cities in developing
countries. It is caused mainly by
traffic, and on densely populated
roads and it generates noise
levels of up to 80dB.
Sound tests
Slovenian company Cestel
carried out a recent study of the
relationship between the weight
of heavy trucks and traffic noise
pollution. Cestel’s SiWIM bridge
weigh-in-motion (WIM) system
was used in combination with
TOPO.slp, manufactured by
German company RTB. TOPO.slp
is an integrated system that
carries out traffic counting,
vehicle classification and noise
measurements.
A bridge location suitable for
installation of the SiWIM system
was chosen. Measurements for
vehicle and the road, and the
interaction between vehicles
themselves. Defective mufflers
or other faulty equipment on
vehicles can also increase the
level of traffic noise. Other
factors, such as a steep incline or
overloading, that causes vehicle
engines to labor heavily, can
also increase traffic noise levels.
In the European Union (EU),
around 40% of the population is
exposed to road traffic noise that
exceeds 55dB during the daytime
– and 20% are exposed to levels
exceeding 65dB during the
daytime. It is estimated that more
than half of all EU citizens live
in zones that do not ensure aural
comfort. At night, more than 30%
are exposed sound levels
exceeding 55dB and this can
disrupt sleep. Noise pollution is
Technology Profile |
In order to achieve efficient
road network management,
specific types of information
are required at different levels
of decision-making processes.
Traffic noise – an undesirable
sound that can cause physical
and psychological damage – is
one such piece of information
that road planners, policymakers
and legislators must consider
when evaluating transport
alternatives.
Traffic noise is difficult to
prevent. The correlation between
traffic volume and traffic noise
is well known, as well as the fact
that heavy vehicles generate
more noise.
Noise concerns
Vehicle noise is created by the
engine and exhaust system of
vehicle, aerodynamic friction,
the interaction between the
| Need to know
Cestel offers
technologies that
restrict heavy trucks’
road access:
> SiWIM is a portable WIM
system used to weigh
vehicles and monitor
bridge behavior. During
installation, it is placed
under the bridge and onto
the superstructure,
without damaging the
bridge
> TOPO.slp is a traffic
counting, classification
and noise measurement
system, integrated into
a standard guide post
for installation along
roadsides. This
implementation fits in
optimally with the
appearance of the street
Traffic Technology International July/August 2019
www.TrafficTechnologyToday.com
058
traffic noise, traffic volume and
vehicle weights were recorded
simultaneously. The road section
was straight, with no obstructions,
no inclination and vehicles were
able to travel at a constant speed.
Both of systems were time
synchronized for the purpose of
data integration. Synchronized
measurement lasted for 10 days
and data from more than 33,000
vehicles was collected and
analyzed. Data analysis showed
that the strongest generators of
noise were overloaded rigid
trucks. On average, these trucks
generated 80dB and the
difference between legally
loaded trucks and overloaded
trucks was an average of 6dB.
Most national legislations
specify that overloaded vehicles
are liable to pay fines.
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