Noise Abatement

Handling a common problem with limited resources

The road noise problem

• LAeq,24h > 65 dB(A): 20 % in EU (6 % in DK)

• 55 < LAeq, 24h < 65: 40 % in EU (22 % in DK)

• Road traffic noise dominates for 90 %

• Annual costs in DK: € 0.8 – 1.2 billion

– € 160 - 240 pr. capita

– Including health costs and reduced property value

Effect of EU regulation

• 0.6 dB decrease in city streets

• 0.2 - 0.7 dB increase along motorways and roads outside urban areas

Danish regulation

Existing roads New roads

Existing dwellings No regulation 55 dB is usually

used as guideline

value

New dwellings Guideline value:

55 dB

Limit: 30 dB

indoors

Guideline value:

55 dB

Limit: 30 dB

indoors

New catalogue of ideas

Aim: To help local authorities

• New ideas

• New combinations of well known, proven methods

• Emphasis on methods, which are not too costly for the authorities

Produced by:

• The Road Directorate

• The Environmental Protection Agency

Noise zoning of the city

Zone A: Quiet areas. Noise levels may not

exceed 45 dB (LAeq,24h).

Zone B: Residential areas with reasonable

noise conditions. Noise may not

exceed 55 dB.

Zone C: Noise polluted central areas. Noise

may not exceed 65 dB.

Zone D: Heavily polluted areas, typically near

main roads and intersections.

Zone A: Quiet areas

• < 45 dB at the facade.

• < 45 dB at garden,

terrace or balcony.

• Highlights quiet areas.

• Protects quiet areas.

• Aim not to increase noise by new roads or increase in traffic volumes.

Zone B: Reasonable noise

• < 55 dB at the facade.

• < 55 dB at garden,

terrace or balcony.

• < 30 dB indoors.

• No through-traffic at night.

Zone C: Noise polluted central areas

• < 65 dB at the facade.

• < 45 dB at a quiet facade.

• Sleeping room towards the quiet façade.

• < 55 dB in garden, terrace or balcony.

• < 30 dB indoors.

• No heavy through-traffic at night.

• 10-15 min walking distance to public green

area with < 55 dB

Zone D: Heavily noise polluted areas

• > 65 dB at the facade.

• < 45 dB at quiet facade.

• Sleeping and living rooms towards the quiet facade.

• < 55 dB in garden, terrace or balcony.

• < 30 dB indoors.

• No heavy through-traffic at night time if possible.

• 10-15 minutes walking distance to public green area with < 55 dB.

• Aim to change areas to a better zone.

Why noise zones?

• Aids in noise action, municipal, traffic and road planning.

• Easy for the public to understand and use.

• Protects areas classified as A or B from increases in noise levels.

Municipal noise secretariat

• Coordinates activities

– Between municipal administrative units

– With other levels of government

• Secure that noise is considered and integrated in all relevant activities

• Information center for the public

• Aid private people in their initiatives

Cost-effectiveness of abatement

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Break-even

Noise abatement approaches

• At the source

– Traffic management

– Pavements

• Along the line of propagation

– Earth banks

– Using buildings as screens

Thank you for your attention!