Validation of the Road Traffic Noise Prediction Model RLS-90 in an Urban Area

Abstract

The volume of traffic is increasing speedily in India, and the means of transportation on Indian roads is rising at the rate of more than 7% per annum. Management of road traffic noise is a difficult task for town planners and environmentalists. For management of traffic noise it is important to monitor the noise level. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to monitored noise level at each and every place. This problem can be solved by noise prediction models. But, it is again very difficult to selected best possible model for noise prediction. So, the main aim of this study is to monitor road traffic noise levels in day and night time and to validate the RLS-90 noise prediction model using monitored data. After analysis of data, it has been perceived that the measured ambient noise level at the study area has been exceeding the approved standard of Central Pollution Control Board. The validation of RLS90 model has also been done using t-test. The standard deviation between monitored noise level and predicted noise level has been found in the range of 0.06 to 1.86 which point toward the fitness and applicability of the model in Indian traffic condition.