Environmental Methods for Transport Noise Reduction

Presents Evidence-Based Guidance on Noise Abatement Methods

Solutions for reducing the noise impact of road and rail traffic can be found in the use of natural elements in combination with artificial elements in urban and rural environments. Ground and road surface treatments; trees, forests, and tall vegetation; and the greening of buildings and other surfaces can contribute to powerful and cost-effective noise reduction. Environmental Methods for Transport Noise Reduction presents the main findings of the Holistic and Sustainable Abatement of Noise by optimized combinations of Natural and Artificial means (HOSANNA) research project. This project involved experts from seven countries, and assessed noise reduction in terms of sound level reductions, perceptual effects, and cost?benefit analysis. It considered a number of green abatement strategies, and aimed to develop a toolbox for reducing road and rail traffic noise in outdoor environments.

Combines Theory with Practice

Broad in both theory and application and based on leading-edge research, the book brings together the findings and their practical use. It details assessment methods for perceived noise, and outlines noise prediction methods that can be integrated with noise mapping software. It also explores the economic benefits and positive effects on urban air quality and CO2 levels.

The material is this book:

• Includes up-to-date results on noise mitigation using vegetation and ground treatments



• Contains relevant results on innovative noise barrier designs



• Presents data on acoustic performance of vegetation and soil substratum



• Provides perceptual and cost?benefit analyses of noise mitigation methods

Environmental Methods for Transport Noise Reduction is a helpful guide for

Introduction to traffic noise abatement. Innovative barriers. Acoustic performance of vegetation and soil substratum in an urban context. Acoustical characteristics of trees, shrubs, and hedges. Designing vegetation and tree belts along roads. Noise reduction using surface roughness. Porous ground, crops, and buried resonators. Vegetation in urban streets, squares, and courtyards. Perceptual effects of noise mitigation. Economic analyses of surface treatments, tree belts, green façades, barriers, and roofs.

Mats Nilsson is professor in psychology at Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden.

Jörgen Bengtsson is senior health inspector at Stockholm City’s Environment and Health Administration, Sweden.