COURSE NAME

COURSE CODE
OPEN-ENDED LAB
SEMESTER

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : TRAFFIC NOISE STUDY

DATE OF EXPERIMENT : 24 APRIL 2024
GROUP : CEEC2226C7
GROUP MEMBERS 1. SHEIKH ABDUL HAFIZ BAJUNAID BIN SHEIKH ABDUL
HAMID (2022855788)
2. NOOR MUHAMAD AZIM BIN NOOR ZIKRI (2022830622)
3. MAS AYU AFRINA BINTI MOHD ANUWAR (2022864618)
4. SITI NURZAHIRAH BINTI ZULKIFLY (20222457654)

LECTURER : PROFESOR MADYA IR. TS. DR. JEZAN BIN MD DIAH

LEVEL OF OPENESS : 0

MARKS COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION
BASIC CONCEPTS
METHODOLOGY
RESULTS
DISCUSSION 1 2 3 4 5
CONCLUSION 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL MARKS

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................ 3

2.0 Objective .................................................................................................... 3
3.0 Theoretical Background ............................................................................. 3
4.0 Problem Statement ..................................................................................... 4
5.0 Methodology……………………………………………………………...4
6.0 Results…………………………………………………………………….5-8

7.0 Discussion………………………………………………………………...9-10

8.0 Conclusion………………………………………………………………..11
9.0 Appendix…………………………………………………………………12
10.0 References………………………………………………………………..13

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to provide
the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and inculcate
creativity and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem, ways & means
and answers are provided to the students. However, it is still necessary especially to
first- and second-year students. In these laboratory activities, students are required to
record the noise generated by traffic by determining the L10 which the noise level are
exceeded by 10% of the specified time. Students are encouraged to develop their critical
analysis skills by analysing and presenting the experimental results appropriately.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The objective of the test is:

1. To determine the traffic noise level at L10

3.0 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Noise is to be understood as every kind of sound, which is undesired, disturbs, or

irritates, and which decreases physical, psychological, or social well-being. In modern
society road traffic noise is probably the most significant of the environmental noise
sources. Traffic noise consists of vehicular engine noise and tire noise from contact with
the roadway surfaces. These traffic generated sound waves can be described by two
basic parameters: frequency and amplitude. Frequency refers to the number of waves
produced within a given time period, expressed in units of cycles per second. Amplitude
is the energy level or loudness of a sound wave, expressed in units called decibels (dB).
Traffic noise can vary considerably over short time periods. Traffic noise is therefore
expressed as the percent of time a sound level is exceeded, denoted by L10. The unit
for traffic generated noise is decibel ‘A’ weightage (dB(A)).

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4.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The environmental impact of the traffic such as noise generated by the traffic should be
considered as it affects sustainable living of the neighbourhood. Traffic noise is a
combination of the noises produced by vehicle engines, exhaust, and tires. Traffic noise
is also increased by defective mufflers or other faulty equipment. Conditions, like a
steep incline, that causes heavy labouring of vehicle engines will also increase traffic
noise levels. Traffic noise, which is steadily increasing, is considered to be an important
environmental health problem. It can affect the ability to work, learn, rest, relax and
sleep. Excessive noise can lead to mental and physical health problems.

5.0 METHODOLOGY

The procedures of this Traffic Noise Study are as follows:

i. The recorder is position and set according to their manual’s specifications for the
purpose of measuring road traffic noise.
ii. Power the meter and select desired Time Response (Fast or Slow) and Frequency
Weighting (A or C). If the sound source consists of short bursts or the application
calls for capturing only sound peak, set WAYS & MEANS response to FAST. To
measure average sound level, use the SLOW setting. Select A – weighting for
averaged, flat – response sound level readings or C – weighting for human ear
response simulation where the tests are conducted for personnel safety analysis.
iii. Select the desired range manually or enable the Auto range function (Range: 30-
130dB).
iv. Hold the instrument comfortably in hand or position on tripod. Point the
microphone towards the noise source, the sound pressure level will be displayed on
the meter LCD display.
v. 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.
vi. Take sample for 30 minutes using table and analyse to determine the estimated L10
value. vii. Turn OFF the instrument and remove battery when not in use.

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6.0 RESULT ANALYSIS

Time (sec) Noise (dB)

30 83.2
60 81.4
90 64.9
120 83.0
150 83.3
180 85.2
210 83.0
240 80.6
270 81.0
300 80.6
330 81.7
360 90.3
390 85.3
420 79.8
450 85.2
480 84.1
510 69.1
540 79.6
570 87.7
600 65.4
630 82.4
660 80.0
690 77.9
720 79.9
750 74.7
780 80.6
810 76.1
840 83.2
870 83.7

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900 81.6
930 82.9
960 79.0
990 87.4
1020 79.2
1050 84.8
1080 69.9
1110 80.7
1140 80.4
1170 85.7
1200 84.4
1230 83.7
1260 74.5
1290 82.7
1320 81.5
1350 78.1
1380 69.8
1410 81.6
1440 75.1
1470 90.4
1500 81.9
1530 86.1
1560 87.9
1590 83.7
1620 78.4
1650 86.1
1680 84.1
1710 81.4
1740 83.3
1770 69.8
1800 83.8

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 Table 1: Data of Noise Level

Noise Mean- Frequency,f % Cumulative fxL f x 𝐿2

Range Class Frequency Frequency
(db(A)) Noise, L
(db(A))

50-59.9 54.95 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

60-69.9 64.95 6 10.0 10.0 389.7 25311.02
70-79.9 74.95 12 20.0 30.0 899.4 67410.03

80-89.9 84.95 40 66.7 96.7 3398.0 288660.1

90-99.9 94.95 2 3.3 100 189.9 18031.01
60 100 4877 399412.16

Table 2: Data Analysis of Noise Level

Calculation:

The sound level exceeded 10% of the experiment time, L10 is also calculated:

𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑁𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 − 𝑀𝑖𝑛 𝑁𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙

𝐿10 = 𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 − { 𝑥 10%}
100
90.4−64.9
L10 = 90.4 − { 𝑥 10%}
100

L10= 87.85 dB

4842.8
Average Noise Level = = 80.7 dB
60

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 Noise Vs Time
100 L10= 87.85 dB
90
80
70
Noise (dB)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Time (Sec)

Noise

Figure 1: Noise vs Time

Cumulative Frequency Curve

120
Cumulative Frequency (%)

100

80

60

40

20

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Mean Noise, L (dBA)

Cumulative Frequency (%)

Figure 2: Cumulative Frequency Curve

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7.0 DISCUSSIONS

This experiment was conducted to determine the traffic noise level at L10. The provided
data presents a time-series of noise levels measured at 30-second intervals over a 30-
minute period. These measurements range from a minimum of 64.9 dB to a maximum
of 90.4 dB. Analyzing this data allows us to draw meaningful conclusions about the
noise environment and its implications.

The primary metric used in this analysis is the L10 value, which represents the noise
level exceeded for 10% of the experiment time. In this case, the L10 value is calculated
to be 87.85 dB. This indicates that for 10% of the duration of the experiment, the noise
level exceeded this threshold, suggesting that there are significant periods of elevated
noise levels that could potentially impact the environment or individuals exposed to it.

The average noise level over the entire duration of the experiment is calculated to be
80.7 dB. This figure offers a broader overview of the noise environment, smoothing out
variations and extremes across the entire duration.

Examining the frequency distribution of noise levels, we find that most of

measurements fall within the 80-89.9 dB range, with 66.7% of the frequencies in this
range. This indicates a consistent level of moderately high noise throughout the
experiment. Additionally, there are notable frequencies at the lower end of the scale
(60-69.9 dB) and sporadically at the higher end (90-99.9 dB), but these are less frequent
compared to the mid-range.

Considering the implications of these findings, an average noise level of 80.7 dB

suggests a relatively noisy environment. This level of noise could potentially lead to
issues such as hearing loss, interference with communication, and increased stress
levels for individuals exposed to it for prolonged periods. The elevated L10 value
further highlights periods of particularly high noise, which may be of concern for
individuals sensitive to noise or those living or working in the vicinity.

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Possible sources of this noise could be various, the factors that can contribute to traffic
noise pollution was greater number of vehicles and buses, higher speed of vehicles
which produce combination of the noises that produce by engine, tires and exhaust or
any other human activities. Identifying and addressing these sources could be crucial in
mitigating the adverse effects of noise pollution on both individuals and the surrounding
environment.

There might be an error in this experiment, which is a systematic error that can occur
during identifying and analyzing the data. This is because the systematic error can
slightly interfere with the result of the experiment, that can lead to inaccurate results.
The analysis of the provided data reveals a consistent level of noise throughout the
experiment, with periods of elevated noise levels that could potentially have adverse
effects on individuals and the environment. Further investigation into the sources of
this noise and implementation of mitigation measures may be necessary to alleviate its
impacts.

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8.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study reveals a significant noise environment with periods of elevated
noise levels, potentially causing adverse effects on individuals and the environment.
The L10 value of 87.85 dB indicates that for 10% of the experiment time, the noise
level exceeded this threshold, indicating potential issues such as hearing loss,
communication interference, and increased stress. Furthermore, from the data analysis
there are two graphs that have been plotted which is noise versus time and cumulative
frequency graph. The average noise level over the entire duration of the experiment is
80.7 dB, indicating a relatively noisy environment. The frequency distribution of noise
levels shows most measurements fall within the 80-89.9 dB range, indicating a
consistent level of moderately high noise. Factors influencing noise levels include the
number of vehicles, bus speeds, and human activities. Identifying and addressing these
sources could help mitigate the adverse effects of noise pollution on individuals and the
environment.

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9.0 APPENDIX

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10.0 REFERENCES

Iyyanki V.Muralikrishna (2017), Environmental Management. Retrieved from:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetarysciences/traffic-noise on 10 April
2021.

Bruel, August 2018, What is Sound Level Meter. Retrieved from:

https://www.bksv.com/en/knowledge/blog/sound/what-is-a-soundlevel-meter on 10 April
2021

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