Modern Approach in Management and Noise Control in Urban Areas

PhD thesis presents identification and analysis of noise sources in the city of Stip (as a representative for a small urban center with a dynamic development, whose noise dispersion model can be applied in other similar urban centers). Methodology for modern technologies application in management and noise control in urban areas is developed based on generated noise maps and conflicting noise maps. For this porpose, two-year noise level monitoring on strategic measurement points was performed from which in the thesis the results of 20 measurement points as the most representative of them are shown. Using SoundPLAN Noise and Air Pollution Modeling Software, noise dispersion model (noise maps) were generated for three areas in city of Stip. Noise maps represent a basis for public informing about the situation of noise level and for development of action plans for noise level reducing. Because noise level exceeded permissible noise level of each 20 representative measurement points in accordance to the Regulations for limits of the environmental noise levels („Official Gazette on the Republic of Macedonia" No.147/08), especially in noise indicator for night annoyance, Ln, noise difference maps (conflicting noise maps) are generated for each of the three areas separately for daily and night time noise levels. Conflicting noise maps shown the overcoming of the existing noise level above the allowable limits. Noise maps and conflicting noise maps for three areas are generated using SoundPLAN 7.1 Noise and Air Pollution Modeling Software, within exists applications for analyzing and predicting on sound dispersion in the given model and it is a leader in the field of noise mapping and modeling. Bearing in mind the humans` harmful noise effects, irreversible hearing damage, psychological and physiological adverse effects as a result of high noise levels exposure the measurement of students' personal noise exposure as sensitive population group in two primary and two secondary schools in Stip is performed . Students` personal noise exposure using noise dosimeters type ER-200D, Etymotic Research and Sound Level Dataloger, Extech is determined. Background noise level in the classroom by measurements when no teaching is determined. Detailed review on control and noise reducing measures and the possibilities offered by SoundPLAN Software in the field of optimizing of these measures (designing protective barriers with Wall Design, and Module for noise level control from industrial facilities – Expert System for Industrial Noise) is shown. Also review on the possibilities of internal sound insulation of dwellings by installing proper windows, doors and proper performance of the walls and the floor, depending on the value of the sound insulation index is shown. Keywords: noise, sound waves, control, management, noise dispersion, noise level, measurement, noise maps, noise exposure, measures