Results

Enter parameters and click "Calculate" to see results.

Standards Comparison

Noise level will be compared to selected standards here.

Noise Level vs Distance

About Noise Prediction

Noise pollution is a growing environmental concern affecting both urban and rural areas. Excessive noise can lead to health issues including hearing loss, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular effects, and reduced cognitive performance in children.

Common sources of environmental noise include:

  • Transportation (road, rail, air traffic)
  • Industrial activities
  • Construction sites
  • Recreational activities
  • Neighborhood noise

The tool uses the following formulas to predict noise levels:

Basic Sound Propagation

L₂ = L₁ - 20×log₁₀(r₂/r₁) - Aair - Aground - Abarrier

Where:

  • L₂ = Sound level at distance r₂ (dB)
  • L₁ = Sound level at reference distance r₁ (dB)
  • r₂ = Distance from source (m)
  • r₁ = Reference distance (1m)
  • Aair = Atmospheric absorption (dB)
  • Aground = Ground absorption (dB)
  • Abarrier = Barrier attenuation (dB)
Multiple Sources

For multiple sources, the tool calculates the combined sound pressure level using logarithmic addition:

Ltotal = 10×log₁₀(Σ10Lᵢ/10)

WHO Guidelines (2021)
  • Daytime (7:00-23:00): 55 dB (outdoor)
  • Nighttime (23:00-7:00): 45 dB (outdoor)
  • Schools: 35 dB during classes
EPA Recommendations
  • Residential areas: 55 dB (day), 45 dB (night)
  • Commercial areas: 65 dB (day), 55 dB (night)
OSHA Workplace Limits
  • 8-hour exposure: 85 dB
  • Maximum allowable: 115 dB

Noise Control Strategies
  • Source Control: Quieter equipment, maintenance, operational restrictions
  • Path Control: Barriers, berms, vegetation buffers, building placement
  • Receiver Control: Building insulation, window upgrades, soundproofing
Barrier Effectiveness

Typical noise reduction from barriers:

  • Concrete wall (3m high): 10-15 dB
  • Earth berm: 8-12 dB
  • Vegetation (30m dense): 5-10 dB