Noise prediction for infrastructure construction activities using simple prediction chart technique

Department of Civil Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor 43000, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: limmh@utar.edu.my

Abstract

Construction noise is one of the most severe pollutions in the environment and causes different physical and psychological damages to human beings. In recent years, the research archetype has transposed towards the prediction of construction noise for its adverse effects on the environment and construction workers. Hence, a reliable noise prediction method is mandatory to control, mitigate, and abate the potential hazardous noise. This study aims to validate the results between the predicted and actual noise levels of construction activities mainly on infrastructure works by using the simple prediction chart technique. This study was carried out by using the sound power levels emitted by an individual machine during different infrastructure construction activities to predict the noise levels at different locations. The results showed a high accuracy of predicted noise levels along with an absolute difference of less than 3.0 dBA and a relative error of less than 4.0 %. Besides, the predicted noise levels are reliable as the R-squared value was high. On that account, the simple prediction chart method technique has the potential to be utilized as a managerial tool that may help to reduce the negative impacts of environmental noise to the surroundings and occupational noise to the workers.