Road noise pollution in the province of Turin

In this paper, the emission and propagation of the noise generated by local roads in the Province of Turin is characterized, with the aim of elaborating a simplified model to calculate noise pollution levels in the region. Measurements are carried out in free field conditions at selected locations along roads considered representative of the territory under consideration. The data analysis is structured in two parts: first, the analysis of noise emission is carried out on the basis of vehicle categories and speeds, with the aim of determining Sound Exposure Levels for heavy and light vehicles; secondly, the variation of noise levels is studied as a function of height and distance from the road curb. A simplified expression is thus derived, relating the equivalent noise level at a given distance and height from the roadside with traffic levels. The difference in behavior in the near and far fields is discussed.