Road traffic noise monitoring in a Smart City: Sensor and Model-Based approach

This paper aims to propose a novel Road Traffic Noise Model (RTNM), capable of dynamically assessing road traffic noise levels from reliable data (hourly traffic volumes and speed), supporting or replacing noise sensor networks, and addressing noise pollution concerns. RTNM is composed of two parts: i) the Vehicle Noise Specific Power model (for the assessment of the sound power level – Lw of passenger cars, considering speed and motorization information) coupled with the CNOSSOS model (for the estimation of heavy-duty vehicles’ Lw); and ii) a sound propagation model (to evaluate noise levels at the receiver point). Inputs for the RTNM are retrieved from a radar installed in Aveiro city, Portugal, while the model estimations are validated by comparing them with levels recorded by a noise sensor installed close to the radar. It was found that the resulting noise estimations are robust, with associated mean absolute percentage errors not exceeding 5.8%.