Summary: | This course will educate engineers, environmental specialists, designers, planners, and consultants about traffic noise and ways to reduce the impacts. The training is an introductory, yet comprehensive, overview of highway traffic noise
Topics covered include the basic principles of acoustics, how to determine when a noise analysis is required, typical strategies to mitigate noise in highway projects, noise measurement, construction noise, and public involvement. The training also provides an overview of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, which was developed to predict noise levels and evaluate noise abatement measures.
The NHI commissioned a customized version of the Interactive Sound Information System (ISIS) as part of the curriculum design for this course. ISIS is a noise simulation software program that employs high-quality digital recordings, precise sound control, and graphic imagery to present basic acoustical concepts and sounds from various traffic loads. ISIS also demonstrates the sound level reductions provided by various noise barrier configurations
The course includes a presentation on the July 2010 revision to the FHWA noise regulations and policies, and related State highway noise policies. Participants will learn about noise-compatible planning, which encourages local governments and developers to avoid noise-sensitive land uses adjacent to highways or to abate or mitigate potential noise impacts.
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