Analysis of Traffic Noise in a Road Intersection Configuration

Acoustical noise produced by vehicular traffic depends on many parameters, including the geometry and the general features of the road. The presence of a conflicting point, i.e. an intersection, strongly affects and modifies the simulation strategy of noise in urban environments, that is usually performed with statistical models tuned on experimental data related to standard condition (free flow traffic, intermediate vehicular volumes, etc.). In this paper, the author presents the analysis of an intersection case study in proximity of Salerno University, performed by means of experimental measurements and software simulations. The chosen area presents interesting features because of the priority rights on the principal road and because of the relevant amount of vehicles and buses, mainly due to the University students and personnel that transit in the intersection, especially during rush hours. The aid of a predictive software is highlighted, together with the shortcomings of a simulation strategy that does not take into account traffic dynamics. The analogy between electrical current and vehicular flow is sketched and used in the roads vehicles volume definition. Key-Words: Acoustical Noise Control, Traffic Noise, Road Intersections, Modelling.