Noise Estimation Using Road and Urban Features

Guillermo Rey Gozalo, Enrique Suárez, Alexandra L. Montenegro, Jorge P. Arenas, Juan Miguel Barrigón Morillas and David Montes González
Additional contact information
Guillermo Rey Gozalo: Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, 5 Poniente 1670, 3460000 Talca, Chile
Enrique Suárez: Institute of Acoustics, University Austral of Chile, P.O. Box 567, 5090000 Valdivia, Chile
Alexandra L. Montenegro: Institute of Acoustics, University Austral of Chile, P.O. Box 567, 5090000 Valdivia, Chile
Jorge P. Arenas: Institute of Acoustics, University Austral of Chile, P.O. Box 567, 5090000 Valdivia, Chile
Juan Miguel Barrigón Morillas: INTERRA, Departamento de Física Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
David Montes González: INTERRA, Departamento de Física Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 21, 1-18

Abstract: Noise pollution must be considered to achieve sustainable cities because current levels of exposure to environmental noise are a considerable risk to the health and quality of life of citizens. Urban features and sound levels were registered in 150 streets in the Chilean cities of Talca and Valdivia to analyze the relationship between both types of variables. Urban variables related to street location, urban land use, street geometry, road traffic control, and public and private transportation showed very significant correlations with the noise levels, and multiple regression models were developed from these variables for each city. Models using only urban variables in Valdivia and Talca explained 71% and 73%, respectively, of the variability of noise. The prediction error was similar in the different types of urban roads and did not exhibit significant differences between models developed in different cities. The urban models developed in one city could, therefore, be used in other similar cities. Considering the usefulness of these variables in urban planning, these models can be a useful tool for urban planners and decision-makers to implement action plans regarding noise pollution.

Keywords: urban noise; environmental noise; noise measurements; urban noise planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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