NOISE LEVEL

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In common use, the word noise means any unwanted sound. In both analog and digital

electronics, noise is an unwanted perturbation to a wanted signal; it is called noise as a
generalisation of the audible noise heard when listening to a weak radio transmission.
Signal noise is heard as acoustic noise if played through a loudspeaker; it manifests as
'snow' on atelevision or video image. Noise can block, distort, change or interfere with
the meaning of a message in human, animal and electronic communication.

In signal processing or computing it can be considered unwanted data without

meaning; that is, data that is not being used to transmit a signal, but is simply produced
as an unwanted by-product of other activities. "Signal-to-noise ratio" is sometimes
used informally to refer to the ratio of useful information to false or irrelevant data in a
conversation or exchange, such as off-topic posts and spam in online discussion
forums and other online communities. In information theory, however, noise is still
considered to be information. In a broader sense, film grain or even advertisements
encountered while looking for something else can be considered noise. In biology,
noise can describe the variability of a measurement around the mean, for
example transcriptional noise describes the variability in gene activity between cells in
a population.

In many of these areas, the special case of thermal noise arises, which sets a
fundamental lower limit to what can be measured or signaled and is related to basic
physical processes at the molecular level described by well-
established thermodynamics considerations, some of which are expressible by simple
formulae.
NOISE LEVEL

Noise level is usually defined as the amplitude of various sounds that are occurring
within a given area. In order to accurately measure levels of noise generated under
specific circumstances, various sounds are evaluated and assigned what is known as
a decibel level. Categorizing noise level into several different classes makes it possible
to determine the potential for damage to the ears, as well as provide information that is
helpful in selecting ear protection for those who must remain in the area for an
extended period of time.

The typical noise level chart classifies various sounds based on five different
categories. The first class is usually known as faint noise levels, and usually carries a
range of no more than 30 decibels. These are considered to be completely safe and
pose no threat at all to the ears. An example of a faint level would be a whispered
exchange in a public library.

A second sound noise level classification is known as the moderate class. Like the

faint category, moderate noises also pose no threat to the human ear, and are common.
This level of noise is usually between 40 and 50 decibels, is often pleasant, and ideal
for helping someone relax. A steady rain or a room that is more or less quiet are
examples of a moderate sound level.

The third class is known as very loud. This class usually involves a range between 60
and 80 decibels. However, noises of this type are still considered acceptable, and do
not pose any real threat to hearing capability. Typical street noise in a mid-sized city is
an example of very loud noise, as is the ringing of an alarm clock, or a running
vacuum cleaner.

An extremely loud noise level includes noises that do have some potential for causing
damage to the ear, and has a range of 90 to 110 decibels. For example, loud machinery
in a manufacturing plant can cause hearing loss, unless earplugs are used to muffle the
sounds. Tools like a chain saw or large drills can also emit noises loud enough to cause
damage, if the exposure is ongoing.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
1. To measure the noise level scale using appropriate devices.
2. To determine the noise level in different of selected locations.

3.0 APPARATUS
1. Sound Level Measurement
2. Stopwatch

4.0 METHODOLOGY
1. The meter was on and the desired Response Time (Fast or Slow) and
Frequency Weighting (A or C).
2. The desired range was selected.
3. The instrument was holding comfortably in hand or position on tripod. The
microphone was pointed toward the noise source the sound pressure level will
be displayed on the matter’s LCD display.
4. When MAX (maximum hold) mode is selected by pressing the MAX key, the
instrument captures and holds the maximum noise level reading on the display.
Press the MAX key again to clear the MAX reading.
5.0 RESULTS

Location Min Max

Young Engineer Room 30.3 78.5
30.3 79.3
30.3 79.3
30.2 79.3
Average 30.28 79.1
Library (PTAR 4) 35.7 124.0
INDOOR
35.7 124.0
35.7 124.0
35.5 124.0
Average 35.65 124.0
Café 30.2 79.1
30.2 79.1
30.2 79.1
30.2 79.1
Average 30.2 79.1
Motorcycle Parking 35.4 36.3
OUTDOOR
35.2 37.4
35.2 46.5
34.9 36.7
Average 35.18 39.23

6.0 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are mitigation measures which can be adopted to minimize the noise level for
each site?

There are a variety of strategies for mitigating roadway noise including: use of noise

barriers, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of roadway surface texture, limitation
of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to reduce braking
and acceleration, and tire design. An important factor in applying these strategies is
a computer model for roadway noise, that is capable of addressing
local topography,meteorology, traffic operations and hypothetical mitigation. Costs of
building-in mitigation can be modest, provided these solutions are sought in the
planning stage of a roadway project.

For the indoor sound levels, many of which are encouraged by local building codes; in
the best case of project designs, planners are encouraged to work with design
engineers to examine tradeoffs of roadway design and architectural design. These
techniques include design of exterior walls, party walls and floor/ceiling assemblies;
moreover, there are a host of specialized means for dampening reverberation from
special purpose rooms such as auditoria, concert halls, dining areas and meeting
rooms. Many of these techniques rely upon materials science applications of
constructing sound baffles or using sound absorbing liners for interior spaces.

2. Explain the word noise and how do noise affects human body system?
 The word noise is derives from the Latin word ‘nausea’ implying any
unwanted sound.
When the noise is over 120 decibels it can capable of causing temporary or even
permanent loss of hearing in one or both ears. The affects of human body system can
divide into two category; physically and psychology.

Physically
 increasing breathing rate
 having difficulty in sleeping
 Can negatively impact a developing fetus and possibly contribute to premature
birth.
 abnormal secretions of hormones
 over reactive immune system functions

Psychology

 increasing the blood pressure

 disturb digestion
 cause an upset stomach or ulcer
 Has negative cardiovascular effect such as changing the way the heart beats.
 increase workplace accident rates
 stimulate aggression

7.0 CONCLUSION
From the laboratory work, the objectives were determined. At every each selected
location, we found that, there are differences of measurement that we get. It is because
the affects of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, dust and from
magnetic field.
8.0 REFERENCES
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_pollution
2. http://www.groundreport.com/Health_and_Science/Noise-And-How-It-Affects-
The-Human-Body-Part-3/2838796
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_health_effects
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_mitigation
5. Narendra Singh and S. C. Davar. (2004). Noise Pollution-Sources, Effects and
Control. Kurukshetra University Haryana, India.
6. Chapter 3: Noise Measurement Procedures. Federal Highway Administration.
US Department of Transportation, Washington

9.0 SAFETY AND HEALTH

1. Take minimum 3 reading of data to get more accurate result
2. Wear the safety vest when running the test in outdoor area to avoid any
accident.

10.0 APPENDICES

Apparatus:

Stopwatch
Noise measurement device
Procedure:

Measuring noise in YECC room (indoor) Measuring noise in Cafeteria (outdoor)

Measuring noise in PTAR4 (indoor) Measuring noise in parking (outdoor)