TRANSPORTATION

RESEARCH BOARD

COMMITTEE A1F04

"TRANSPORTATION-RELATED

NOISE AND VIBRATION"

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2000

From the Chairman:

Welcome to the A1F04 December newsletter for 2000. This has been our traditional mechanism for transmitting information to committee members regarding the Annual TRB meeting in January. As of the time of this printing, the newsletter (as well as many other new and exciting things) are also available on the A1F04 web site at http//www.tiac.net/users/a1f04/. Currently not all committee members have internet access, and as such we'll continue distributing hard copies of the newsletters for some time to come, but eventually – probably in the next year or two – we'll be able to distribute all committee information via the A1F04 web site. I strongly suggest members start using this valuable resource, and I encourage all to forward ideas to me on how to enhance the site.

Most committee members are aware that TRB's upcoming annual meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. between January 7th and 11th, 2001. Enclosed with the newsletter are agendas for all A1F04-related sessions. A convenient single page schedule/summary sheet is also included. As has been the case in the past, all A1F04-related sessions will be held at the Washington Hilton. The A1F04 sessions are structured such that the Aircraft and Guided Transit subcommittee meetings will take place on Tuesday, January 9th, the two formal paper sessions, as well as two special sessions will take place on Wednesday, January 10th, the Harter Rupert Awards dinner will take place the evening of the 9th, and to keep everyone from leaving early (hopefully), the highway noise subcommittee meeting and main committee meeting will take place during the morning of the 11th.

With regard to the committee dinner, come join us in honoring this year's recipient of the Harter Rupert Award for the best paper on transportation-related noise: Michael Staiano. His paper is entitled Comparison of Light-Rail and Bus Transit Noise Impact Estimates per FTA and APTA Criteria. Congratulations Mike!!! The dinner will take place at Tom Sarris' Orleans House on Tuesday Evening, January 9th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. See the enclosed dinner reservation form for more details. I want to specially thank Steve Ronning for organizing the awards dinner. Reservations and payments must be submitted to Steve by December 20th and January 3rd, respectively.

One very special item to take note of for this year's meeting: during the main committee session on Thursday, TRB officials will be immortalizing long-time A1F04 committee member Rudy Hendriks. Rudy will be provided official TRB emeritus status. We are all aware of Rudy's many accomplishments so I won't go into them here. However, I have attached a copy of the letter that was drafted on behalf of the committee by Keith Jones. This letter along with the committee's unanimous vote (in favor) led to Rudy being awarded TRB emeritus status. Rudy joins Grant Anderson and Eric Stusnick as the committee's only members with emeritus status. Be sure to come to the committee meeting for the presentation. Also, anyone wishing to nominate other individuals for emeritus status should contact me. As a committee, I have established a goal of nominating at least one member each year.

As always, I would encourage everyone to attend all of the noise-related sessions. However, I would like to strongly encourage folks to attend the two special sessions, one on noise-related policies and research and the other on highway/rail grade safety issues. The organizers have done an outstanding job at bringing togther a dynamic array of speakers for each session. With regards to the noise policy session, Larry Finegold has assembled a "who's who" in the area of noise. In total, the presenters have well over 2 centuries of combined experience. WOW, that sounds strange just writing it. Likewise Hugh Saurenmen has assembled a group of researchers and policy makers that are at the forefront of the important highway rail-grade crossing safety issue. Both sessions will take place in the Jefferson East Room on Wednesday the 10th beginning at 2:30 p.m. Note that they are back-to-back sessions. I have been telling everyone I know that is remotely interested in noise about these two sessions. I would encourage all to do the same. That room should be full, so get there early!!!

For those individuals interested in TRB activities in subject areas other than noise, the full preliminary Annual Meeting Program is available online, along with registration information at http://www.national-academies.org/trb/meeting.

Although they have not yet formally announced it, TRB will hold a research needs conference in the fall of 2001. As you know, very few committee members have been able to attend past conferences. Consequently, I think it is important for us as a committee to have our statements in fairly good shape prior to the fall conference so attendees can best represent the committee. As such, I have asked each subcommittee chair to include research needs as an agenda item. You will see this reflected in the attached material. Also attached, you will find several statements as they currently exist. Note the completeness of the attached statements are by no means consistent, but I have included them to assist folks in preparing for discussions in January. Please be prepared to discuss how to make the attached statements better, and what topics we may have neglected. Thanks!!!

The last thing I want to mention is related to the upcoming summer meeting scheduled for July 2001 in New Orleans, LA. Ms. Noel Ardoin of LADOT will be hosting the meeting and I hope to have more specific details in January. Directly related, I would like to begin spreading the news early with regard to the A1F04 summer meeting scholarship program. This program was originally started in 1997 at the Toronto meeting. At that time the primary purpose of the program was to expand attendance by the various state transportation agencies. Initially the program was limited to state agencies and associated transportation authorities. However, due to very poor response from the states I decided to expand the program to include any and all A1F04 members and friends. In many ways I believe the expansion was beneficial to the committee because it has brought individuals to our summer meeting who otherwise probably wouldn't have attended, including several very knowledgeable international participants. However, on more than one occasion in the past year I have heard either first or second hand from individuals from state transportation agencies or transportation authorities who were not aware of the scholarship program. I know many of you deal with the states on a daily basis. Please encourage them to apply for the scholarship! And any state representatives reading this please apply!!! Anyone interested in the scholarship program should contact Cyndy Lee at 617.494.2372 or lee@volpe.dot.gov.

Hope to see all of you in January!!!

Committee A1F04-Related Sessions for

2001 Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board

(All Meeting Rooms Located at the Washington Hilton Hotel)

Session	Tuesday

January 9, 2001	Wednesday

January 10, 2001

FIRST

MORNING

SESSIONS

8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Transportation-Related Noise Issues, Part 1

(Session 331)

Ken Polcak

Maryland State Highway Adminsitration,

presiding

Jefferson East

SECOND

MORNING

SESSIONS

10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Transportation-Related Noise Issues, Part 2

(Session 364)

Judith L. Rochat

Volpe Center Acoustics Facility,	presiding

Jefferson East

AFTERNOON

SESSIONS	1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Aircraft Noise	Subcommittee A1F04(1)

Neil Philips

Metropolitan Washington Airports

Authority, chair

Farragut Room

-----------------------------------

3:45p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guided Transit Noise Subcommittee A1F04 (2)

James T. Nelson,

Wilson, Ihrig & Associates, chair

Farragut Room	2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Setting an Agenda for Transportation Noise

Management Policies and Noise Research in

the US for the Next Decade

(Session 391)

Lawrence S. Finegold

Air Force Research Laboratory, presiding

Jefferson East

-----------------------------------

4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Noise and Safety Issues at

Highway/Rail Grade Crossings

(Session 417)

Hugh Saurenman

Harris Miller Miller and Hanson Inc.,	presiding

Jefferson East

EVENING

SESSIONS

6:30 p.m. (cash bar)

7:30 p.m. (dinner)

Awards Dinner

Orleans House
Thursday

January 11, 2001
8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Highway Noise	Subcommittee A1F04 (3)

Kenneth D. Polcak, Maryland State Highway Administration,	chair

Caucus Room

-------------------------------------

10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

A1F04 Committee

Gregg G. Fleming,

Volpe Center Acoustics Facility, chair

Caucus Room

TRB Annual Meeting

Aircraft Noise Subcommittee A1F04(1)

Chair: Neal Philips

Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority

Tuesday, January 9, 2001 (1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.)

Farragut Room

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

I.	Call to Order

II.	Welcome and Introductions of Members and Guests

III.	Reports

A.	Remaining TRB Week Activities

B.	Summer Meeting 2000 - New York, NY

C.	Others

IV.	Announcements

A.	A1F04 Awards Dinner

B.	A1F04 Summer Meeting 2001 - New Orleans

V.	Research Needs

VI.	Presentations

VII.	Open Discussion on Topics of Mutual Interest

VIII.	Adjournment

TRB Annual Meeting

Guided Transit Noise Subcommittee A1F04(2)

Chair: James T. Nelson

Wilson Ihrig and Associates

Tuesday, January 9, 2001 (3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Farragut Room

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

I.	Introductions

II.	Administration

III.	Announcements

IV.	Papers for Year 2002 Annual Meeting

A.	Hot Topics

B.	Session Organization

V.	Research Needs

A.	Prediction

B.	Policy

C.	Environmental Analysis

D.	Control

VI.	Closing Remarks

NOTICE:	Special Joint A1F04/A3A05 Session 417, "Noise and Safety Issues at Highway / Rail Grade Crossings," HILTON Jefferson East Room, Wednesday, 4:45 - 6:30 p.m.. Dr. Hugh Saurenman, presiding

TRB Annual Meeting

Highway Noise Subcommittee A1F04(3)

Chair: Ken Polcak

Maryland State Highway Administration

Thursday, January 11, 2001 (8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.)

Caucus Room

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

I.	Call to Order

II.	Welcome and Introductions of Members and Guests

III.	Reports/News

A.	Remaining TRB Week Activities

B.	A1F04 Summer Meeting 2000 – New York City

C.	Others

IV.	Announcements

A.	A1F04 Awards Dinner

B.	A1F04 Summer Meeting 2001 – New Orleans

V.	Research Needs

VI.	Open Discussion of TNM

A.	Begin with reports on validation studies to date

B.	Users' experiences to data

VII.	Adjournment

TRB Annual Meeting

Committee A1F04

Chair: Gregg G. Fleming

Volpe Center Acoustics Facility

Thursday, January 11, 2001 (10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

Caucus Room

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

I.	Call to Order

II.	Welcome and Introduction of Members and Guests

III.	Statements by Jon Williams, TRB Staff Liaison; and

Tom Weck, Section Chairman

A.	Presentation of Emeritus Status to Rudy Hendriks

IV.	Reports

A.	Summer 2000 Meeting - Gregg Fleming

B.	2000/2001 Activities & Sessions - Gregg Fleming

C.	Aircraft Noise Update - Neil Philips

D.	Guided Transit Noise Update - Jim Nelson

E.	Highway Noise Update - Ken Polcak

F.	Noise Policy Special Session - Larry Finegold

G.	Grade Crossing Special Session - Hugh Saurenman

V.	Discussion

A.	A1F04 Summer Meeting (2001) - Gregg Fleming

B.	Others (Wall Journal)

C.	Research Needs

VI. Announcements

A.	A1F04 Best Paper Award - Winner: Mike Staiano

B.	Others

VII.	Adjournment

TRB Annual Meeting

Transportation-Related Noise Issues, Part 1 (Session 331): (Part 2, Session 364)

Ken Polcak

Maryland State Highway Administration, presiding

Wednesday, January 10, 2001 (8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.)

Jefferson East

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

Survey of Operators' Response to Traffic Noise in Highway Tollbooths (01-3183)

Jeffrey P. Feist, Luc Mongeau, and Robert J. Bernhard, Purdue University

The Effects of the Installation of Speed Humps on Point-Source Noise Levels (01-2819)

Johnny R. Graham, University of North Carolina, Charlotte; Michael A. MacIntyre, City of Charlotte

Noise Impact Assessment of Multi-Highway Traffic in Urban Areas: Model Calibration and Mitigation Measures (01-0160)

Mohamed H. Baaj, Mutassem El-Fadel, Shady M. Shazbak, and Elie Saliby, American University of Beirut

TRB Annual Meeting

Transportation-Related Noise Issues, Part 2 (Session 364): (Part 1, Session 331)

Judith Rochat

Volpe Center Acoustics Facility, presiding

Wednesday, January 10, 2001 (10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

Jefferson East

Washington Hilton Hotel

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

Comparison of Light-Rail and Bus Transit Noise Impact Estimates per FTA and APTA Criteria (01-2928) ***2001 A1F04 Best Paper***

Michael A. Staiano, Staiano Engineering

Noise Impact Assessment of Airport Traffic Field Measurements and Mathematical Modeling (01-0155)

Mutassem El-Fadel, American University of Beirut; Mohamed Chahine, American University of Beirut; Mohamed H. Baaj and Toufic Mezher, American University of Beirut

Noise Barrier Material Selection (01-2616)

Susan M. Morgan, Southern Illinois University; Dianne Kay, Southern Illinois University, Edwardville

TRB Annual Meeting

Setting an Agenda for Transportation Noise Management Policies and

Noise Research Activities for the Next Decade (Session 391)

Wednesday, January 10, 2001 (2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Jefferson East

Washington Hilton Hotel

Lawrence S. Finegold, Air Force Research Laboratory, presiding

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

U.S. Transportation Noise Research & Policy-making: A Preliminary Agenda for the Next Decade

Lawrence S. Finegold, Air Force Research Laboratory

The Activities of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE/USA) on Community Noise Issues

George Maling, Managing Director of INCE/USA

Experiences with Diverse Noise Regulations: The Need for Rational Consistency

John Erdreich, Ostergaard Acoustical Associates

The Purpose and Current Activities of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Technical Committee on Noise (TCN)

Bennett M. Brooks, Brooks Acoustics Corporation

Recent Developments in European Union (EU) Noise Policy and Their Implications

Bernard F. Berry, UK Institute of Acoustics

Transportation Related Environmental Noise Standards

Paul D. Schomer, Vice-chair, Acoustical Society of America Committee on Standards

The International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE) Program of Activities on Environmental Noise Issues

William Lang, International Institute of Noise Control Engineering

The Proposal for Legislation on a Common European Noise Indicator and Noise Assessment - a View of Progress and Process

Brian Ross, European Commission

Noise - the Perspective from the World Health Organization

Dieter Schwela, World Health Organization

TRB Annual Meeting

Noise and Safety Issues at Highway/Rail Grade Crossings (Session 417)

Wednesday, January 10, 2001 (4:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Jefferson East

Washington Hilton Hotel

Hugh Saurenmen, Harris Miller Miller and Hanson Inc., presiding

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

Grade Crossing Safety Analysis Performed in Support of Proposed FRA Rule on Horn use at Grade Crossings

Ron Reis, Federal Railroad Administration

Public and Industry Response to the FRA Proposed Rule for the use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

David Valenstein, Federal Railroad Administration

An Analysis of Railroad Horn Detectability

Amanda Rapoza, Volpe Center Acoustics Facility

Approaches to Reducing Noise Impact from Train Horns

Lance Meister, Harris Miller Miller and Hanson

Louisville Quiet Zone

Bruce Ewing, Legislative Assistant, City of Louisville

TRB January 2001 Annual Meeting

Committee on Transportation Related Noise and Vibration

A1F04

WHAT:	Committee Dinner

Harter Rupert Award for the Best Paper on Transportation Noise

(Mike Staiano will receive the Best Paper Award this year)

WHEN:	January 9, 2001, Tuesday Evening

TIME:	Social Hour at 6:30 p.m. - Dinner at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:	Tom Sarris' Orleans House (same location as last year)

1213 Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn, Virginia

(Rosslyn Stop on Orange/Blue Line of METRO)

WHO:	Committee Members and Friends

COST:	$17.00 for ½ Baked Chicken, $20.00 for Prime Rib or $23.00 for Stuffed Shrimp or Stuffed Flounder. All dinners include Salad Bar, Roast Potato,

Coffee or Tea, and Ice Cream (Tax & Tip included)

WE NEED TO HAVE A FIRM COUNT OF ATTENDEES AND CHOICE OF MENU SELECTIONS BY WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20nd TO FINALIZE RESERVATIONS WITH THE RESTAURANT. PAYMENT MAY BE MADE IN ADVANCE OR ON THE DAY OF THE DINNER! PAYMENTS MADE BY CHECK (PAYABLE TO: STEVE RONNING) MUST BE RECEIVED BY JAN. 3rd. ALL PAYMENTS RECEIVED AFTER JAN. 3rd MUST BE IN CASH.

Please call Bob Armstrong or Steve Ronning (202-366-2073 or 2078) if you have any questions. To make a reservation, either call Steve, e-mail to: steven.ronning@fhwa.dot.gov, or detach and mail in the form below.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Name _______________________________________ No. Attending ____________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________, State ________________________, Zip _________

Phone Number __(____)_______________________

Enclosed $________________________ (make checks payable to: Steve Ronning)

CHECKS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JAN. 3rd

Number of:	Prime Rib	______

Baked Chicken	______

Stuffed Shrimp	______

Stuffed Flounder	______

Send to:	Steve Ronning

FHWA, HEPN-20

400 7th Street SW

Washington, DC 20590

August 24, 2000

Thomas L. Weck

TRB Section F Chairperson

President, Louis Berger & Associates, Inc.

100 Halsted Street

East Orange, New Jersey 07019

Dear Mr. Weck,

It is a pleasure for the Committee A1F04, Transportation-Related Noise and Vibration, of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), to nominate Mr. Rudy Hendriks for Emeritus Membership. Mr. Hendriks has been an active participant for two decades in TRB noise committee activities. During this period his conscientious approach has not only resulted in numerous contributions to the Committee but also to many related transportation noise research and policy activities throughout the United States, particularly in the State of California. It should be mentioned that his contributions have been consistently of high merit, stringently observing the basic principles of scientific investigation.

In the last 20 years, Mr. Hendriks has been a regular participant at the TRB annual meetings, as well as the summer meetings of A1F04. Following are example presentations, papers and other activities he has participated in or provided under the aegis of TRB:

•	"Active Noise Control Tests", 73rd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 1994.

•	1992 Field Evaluation of Acoustical Performance of Parallel Highway Noise Barriers in California. It was published in Transportation Research Record 1366.

•	"Heavy Truck Noise Emission Levels on Grades in California", 65th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 1986. It was published in Transportation Research Record 1058.

•	"Caltrans Experiences with Earthborne Vibration" (with Hatano M), 64th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 1985. . It was published in Transportation Research Record 1033.

•	"California Vehicle Noise Emission Levels" 64th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, January 1985. . It was published in Transportation Research Record 1033

•	1982 Evaluation of Noise Barriers. (with Hatano M), It was published in Transportation Research Record 865.

•	"Measuring Excess Attenuation of Traffic Noise Due to Ground Effects, or In search of the Elusive Alpha", 1993 summer meeting July11-14, 1993, Berkeley, California.

As an Associate Transportation Engineer at California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Mr. Hendriks, in addition to playing a key role in a number of educational studies in the area of transportation-related noise, was the author of the Technical Noise Supplement that was published along with Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol by Caltrans.

Mr. Hendriks is regarded by his peers as a premier researcher in the field of transportation-related acoustics. He has eagerly shared his inexhaustive creativity, methods of innovation and scientific rigor with the TRB Noise community. On behalf of committee A1FO4, it is my true pleasure and privilege to nominate Mr. Rudy Hendriks for the TRB Emeritus Membership.

If you any questions regarding this nomination, please contact me at the telephone number listed below.

Sincerely Yours,

Gregg G. Fleming, Chairman

TRB Committee A1F04

(617) 494-2372

cc: Jon Williams, TRB

cc:	J. Williams; TRB

W. Lindeman; FLDOT

K. Polcak; MDSHA

L. Finegold; USAF

J. Nelson; Wilson Ihrig & Associates

A1F04 RESEARCH NEEDS STATEMENTS (DRAFT)

I.	HIGHWAY NOISE

The following presents a compilation of proposed research needs statements related to the subject of highway noise. This compilation includes 1) needs already identified in the last TRB Conference on Environmental Research Needs in Transportation held in November, 1996, but not yet addressed, and 2) newly proposed needs statements.

******************Carry-over Items from 1996 Conference Report******************

1.	Atmospheric Effects on Highway Traffic Noise Propagation

Problem Statement: With the imminent release of the Federal Highway Administration's Traffic Noise Model (FHWA TNM), atmospheric effects remain the largest source of error in highway noise modeling. The absence of atmospheric effects in the TNM degrade the accuracy of predictions directly (through refraction) and indirectly, since atmospherics are interrelated with ground effects, as well as noise barrier insertion loss.

Research Objective: The objective of this research is to develop appropriate algorithms that can be included in the TNM to allow for more accurate modeling of atmospheric effects on noise propagation.

2.	Benefits of Reduced Vehicle Noise (THIS IS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO NEEDS STATEMENT RE: TIRE NOISE)

Problem Statement: Traffic noise is bothersome to adjoining uses and is a point of resistance in expanding roadway capacity. Noise mitigation currently consists of noise barriers, with varying effectiveness and questionable aesthetic consequences.

Research Objective: Identify and measure the benefits of quieter vehicles. Technology exists that could be employed to produce significantly quieter vehicles. If a substantial portion of the fleet were made quieter, traffic congestion would become less bothersome, a broader range of adjacent uses would be appropriate, and noise barriers would not be needed. Information on these and other factors would be useful in the event of consideration of a new noise standard for vehicles.

3.	Defining Substantial Noise Impacts (THIS TOPIC HAS APPARENTLY BEEN ADDRESSED)

Problem Statement: In addressing noise impacts of proposed highway projects, substantial increases must be addressed. However, FHWA has no criteria to define substantial increases. The State Highway Agencies (SHAS) have varied values.

Research Objective: Assess how FHWA's Washington, Regional, and Division Offices define substantial increases in noise. Also, review the SHA criteria. Make the information available, perhaps to obtain a consensus on a range of dB increases to cause a consideration of abatement.

4.	Measurement of the Effect of Highway Noise Barriers on Air Pollutant Concentrations

Problem Statement: Air pollution and noise from highways are transported into the adjoining neighborhoods. Barriers have been and are being installed to reduce the noise levels. These barriers also have an effect on the transport of air pollution into the adjacent neighborhoods; however, the magnitude of the influence of these barriers has not, to our knowledge, been measured.

Research Objective: Measure air pollution concentrations (i.e., carbon monoxide) on both sides of selected noise barriers and, preferably, obtain concentration data for those areas before the noise barriers were installed. The CO concentration would be measured via bag sampling (i.e. later analysis by non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy) and battery-operated sampling pumps. The measured CO concentrations could be compared with existing air pollution dispersion models to determine what modifications would be required of these models to take into account the installation of the noise barriers. Also, it would be possible to incorporate the measurement of noise levels into this research project.

5.	Mitigation of Nighttime Construction Noise (CLARIFICATION OF SPECIFIC AREAS OF NEED IS REQUIRED; I.E. IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES, MITIGATION, NOISE AND VIBRATION? IN ADDITION, REFERENCE WAS MADE TO AN NCHRP SYNTHESIS REPORT AS A POSSIBLE RESOURCE.)

Problem Statement: Many states perform construction work at night to reduce traffic congestion. Noise from these activities significantly affect nearby residents in urban areas.

Research Objective: Determine cost-effective, temporary methods to reduce noise from construction operation and equipment-especially "impact" type construction methods.

6.	Noise and Vibration Monitoring Prior to, During, and After Construction (A REVISED STATEMENT WILL BE SUBMITTED BY MR. WIN LINDEMAN ON THIS TOPIC – SEE END LIST.)

Problem Statement: Many times, noise and vibration are monitored and/or predicted during the E.I.S. process during construction. After construction, noise and vibration are not considered unless a complaint is registered.

Research Objective: Review and catalogue existing methodologies for quantifying and assigning values to wetland attributes. Make field investigations, apply the methodologies, make pre- and post-construction evaluations, and compare the methodologies.

7.	Physics of Noise Within the Urban Highway Center (abridged from 1996 report)

Problem Statement: The number and types of vehicles traveling our highways has created a corresponding increase of noise generated. Noise abatement techniques have been developed to reduce the impacts of noise generation within transportation corridors. The continuing increase of noise within the corridor has been considered too complex to model effectively in three-
dimensional space. The transportation corridor is traditionally treated as two-dimensional rather than a three-dimensional space for noise abatement engineering. Research is needed to characterize the dynamics of highway corridor noise. This research would analyze the physics of urban highway noise as to its typical specific components and their frequency, intensity, pitch, and duration. Analytic characterizations of noise should consider highway corridor itself as three-dimensional space overlapping contiguous property. This would be a similar modeling approach to air pollution studies assessing pollution indices extending beyond the highway corridor.

Research Objective: The investigation of urban highway noise physics would include: 1) Empirical measurement and characterization of component noises generated within urban transportation corridors using selected corridors with a variety of typical noise abatement treatments in place. Measurements would be conducted both at ground level and above ground to establish the three-dimensional physics of the sound waves. 2) Identifying the elements of the noise generated which have greatest potential for abatement research, those which have the least opportunity for control beyond those regulations currently in force, and those which have the most enduring effect when reduced. 3) Creation of a "noise source model" for the type and duration of the noise components identified, treating them as sound waves spreading dynamically through space as a function of time. 4) Utilization of a spatial information modeling system to develop dynamic maps of component sound waves moving through space. Noise abatement procedures would be modeled as surfaces of varying degrees of "roughness" which the sound waves flow.

8.	Projected Traffic Volume and Attendance Noise Level Verification (THE CONSENSUS OF THE GROUP WAS TO DROP THIS STATEMENT.)

Problem Statement: State Highway Departments and Transportation Authorities are constructing increasing numbers of noise barriers to mitigate highway project impacts. The design is based, in part. on traffic volumes predicted to 20 years beyond construction. Are the predicted levels accurate and if so, are the corresponding noise levels accurate?

Research Objective: Conduct literature review of traffic prediction verifications for interstate highway projects. Conduct traffic volume and mix classifications on interstate highways which are in operation at least twenty (20) years and compare the results to volumes predicted in the design phase. If possible, this should be done where noise barriers have been constructed so the predicted traffic volumes and noise levels can be compared to actual counts and readings. The study's goal would be to determine if our prediction methods are reliable, or to identify what factors should be modified to improve prediction technology.

9.	Using Recycled Materials in Noise Wall Construction

Research Objective: Develop a guidance manual for municipalities and small business enterprises to promote the greater development and utilization of commonly available and recycled materials as noise barriers. The manual should include a description of materials suitable for use as barriers; discuss methods for forming materials into suitable shapes for use as barriers; and provide a guide on cost comparison to aid selection.

********************************New Items************************************

1.	Highway Traffic Noise Emissions from the Underside of Bridge Structures

Problem Statement: Receptors adjacent to bridge structures are often subjected to undesirable noise levels even after noise barriers are constructed on the structure. It is unclear whether such emissions are caused by vibration of the structure deck, and whether different structure designs (open beam, box girder, reinforced concrete slab, etc.) may be a factor. The problem is to determine the mechanisms and/or sources of the noise emissions, and if there are ways to mitigate the situation. A related side issue relates to the degree of influence that may exist due to the open median area between parallel bridges, and how this may influence overall levels as well.

Research Objective: Determine the source or sources of noise/vibration emissions from bridge structures, and quantify differences that may be associated with various bridge designs. Determine feasible mitigation measures, which may include a determination of the best design approaches to minimize structure noise.

Submitted by :	Harvey Knauer, Environmental Acoustics

2.	Method for In-Situ Testing of Noise Barrier Sound Absorption Qualities

Problem Statement: During the construction of a noise barrier, the quality and physical characteristics of every component that arrives or is constructed on site, can and usually are verified by the owner. This verification can take the form of either visual examination, structural calculations, or lab testing. The only characteristic assumed to meet acceptance criteria without testing on a regular basis is sound absorption. This property is usually only verified by lab testing when the product is introduced to the agency for initial acceptance. Ideally, it would be preferable to be able to test sound absorption of a wall system for each installation. This can not be done currently in the absence of an efficient and effective method of in-situ acoustical testing, either at the manufacturing plant, as product is delivered, or after installation. An in-situ testing method would also assist in monitoring the performance of installed sound absorptive barriers as they age, and could serve as a tool to detect early deterioration of absorptive materials.

Research Objective: Develop an efficient and effective method for field testing noise barrier systems for sound absorption qualities.

Submitted by:	Soren Pedersen, Ministry of Ontario & The Wall Journal

3.	Develop Standards for Tire/Noise Characteristics of Pavements

Problem Statement: There have been at least 6-9 dBA differences in pavements based on their characteristics. A draft ISO standard has been developed without any US testing. There is no standard tire for noise testing. Quiet pavements can be developed without affecting skid resistance.

Research Objective: Develop standards for testing and characterizing tire/noise properties of pavements.

Submitted by: Michael McNerney, University of Texas

4.	Tire/Road Noise

Tire/road interaction noise is the primary source of noise at highway speeds for passenger cars and trucks and one of the primary causes of environmental noise in cities. European trials, which have concentrated primarily on pavement solutions, have found that a 10 dB reduction in noise generation is possible with some advanced porous highway and rubberized highway concepts. This eliminates or reduces the need for noise barriers and will reduce public resistance to future increases in highway density.

European technology is still in development to improve durability and further optimize the noise reduction effect. In parallel, US research effort is required to:

•	Adapt European technology to the US. European approaches do not directly translate to US construction techniques or durability and safety standards. Adaptation and testing of these approaches for US application is needed.

•	There is potential additional benefit in looking at the fundamentals of tire behavior and tire/road interaction to better understand noise generation to further optimize tire/road behavior to reduce noise. Better understanding of the noise generation mechanism is required.

Submitted by: Bob Bernhard, Purdue University Institute for Safe, Quiet, and Durable Highways

5.	Title: Highway Construction Noise and Vibration Impact Criteria and Mitigation techniques

Problem Statement: Most state DOTs address construction noise and vibration impacts on a case by case basis as they arise, usually during the construction phase. It is desirable that early identification and mitigation for potential impacts be addressed in the Project

Development stage. However, specific criteria to identify potential impacts have not been developed on a national or international basis. Therefore, research needs to be conducted to address this void.

Research Objective: The objective of this research project would be to review existing highway construction noise and vibration impact criteria that are being used throughout the US and other countries and then propose a set of criteria that can be applied uniformly across the US, similar to the NAC developed by FHWA for traffic noise impact assessment.

Submitted by WIN LINDEMAN, Florida DOT

6.	Highway vehicle source noise distribution (i.e., expansion of Florida Atlantic Work)

7.	TNM performance improvement with irregular terrain (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

8.	Jake brake data synthesis (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

II.	RAIL NOISE

1.	Transfer Mobility Test Methods

For example, we have found that you can get away with a relatively low coherence in transfer functions and still have good data as long as you have a large number of averages. That is, how low can the signal be in the noise floor and still be acceptable? In addition, we have been thinking about using shakers with a swept-sine signal or the use of MLS or other modern

signal processing techniques as alternative test methods (Submitted by Dave Coate, Acentech).

2.	Locomotive Warning Horn Noise Criteria Development

Acentech and several other consulting/research groups have been working on major railroad merger projects over the last several years. In particular, Acentech worked on the Union Pacific/Southern Pacific Merger and conducted the follow-on noise mitigation studies in Wichita, Kansas and Reno, Nevada. Major concerns regarding locomotive warning horn

noise were raised in these two cities. Recently we completed the Conrail Acquisition EIS-one of the largest noise EIS efforts to date-the study area was the eastern half of the U.S. More recently we worked on the Canadian National/Illinois Central and the BNSF/CN Merger. The

specific noise issue at the heart of these studies is locomotive warning horn soundings at grade crossings where increases in train traffic (hence horn soundings) could cause a noise impact. The distance to the 65 dBA Ldn noise contour can extend as far as 500 to 1000 feet from the

grade crossing and can encompass a large number of homes. The Surface Transportation Board (STB-the oversight agency for these mergers) currently uses a noise analysis threshold of 65 dBA Ldn and a 3 dBA Ldn increase. However, the STB environmental rules do not refer to

this threshold as a threshold for significant noise impact. During the course of our studies, we were asked by the STB to research if these criteria could be used to determine significant impacts, or if another more suitable criteria should be used. The FAA uses a 1.5 dBA Ldn

increase at 65 dBA Ldn as significance criteria. The 1.5 dBA Ldn increase is based on a 3 percent increase in people highly annoyed. We applied the same 3 percent increase to the rail "Schultz" curves at 65 dBA Ldn and found that the allowable increase would range from 2 to 4.2

dBA. That is, the dose-response data does support the premise that railroad noise is less annoying than aircraft noise, and also supports the 65/+3 dBA Ldn threshold currently used by STB.

We reviewed the does-response data upon which the Schultz curve and its variations are based and none included locomotive warning horn noise. We think that is a major gap in the supporting research for these merger projects. It could be, for example, that the "startle effect" of these horns would result in a 1 dBA allowable increase. Or perhaps the Ldn is the wrong metric to use. We believe that a comprehensive attitudinal survey/noise measurement program should be conducted to address these issues (Submitted by Dave Coate, Acentech).

3.	Vibration "Schultz" Curve Development

Acentech has been conducting vibration studies for the MBTA to address recent claims of increased vibration by Beacon Hill residents in Boston. The MBTA uses a prioritization method to rank order mitigation effectiveness/severity of the problem for the Red Line, Blue Line, and

Attelboro Commuter Line. A very important key point in these retrofit (analogous to the Type II studies for highway noise) projects is the determination of the mitigation effectiveness, or "bang for the buck." The noise mitigation prioritization is relatively straightforward since it relies on the well-established "Schultz" curve for noise. However, a well-established dose-response curve does not exist for vibration. Intuitively, people's reaction to vibration should be analogous to

noise--i.e., energy should correlate better with annoyance than maximum level. However, existing vibration standards are simply based on maximum level. We think that this constitutes a major hole in the supportive research for the transportation noise and vibration field. We recommend that a comprehensive attitudinal survey/vibration program be conducted to provide this needed basic research (Submitted by Dave Coate, Acentech).

4.	Data synthesis for vibration insertion loss afforded tie and ballast trackwork with ballast mats, tie boots, and trenches (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

5.	Tire Shreds for Ground Vibration Control (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

6.	Effects of Wheel Hardness and Metallurgy on Wheel Squeal Noise Control (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

7.	Incorporation of Rail Noise Prediction in TNM (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

8.	Effectiveness of Quiet Zones (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

9.	High Speed Train Wheel/Rail Noise Control (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

10.	Rail Corrugation Noise Control (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

11.	Update of Attitudinal Response to Wheel Rail Noise in Transit Corridors (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

12.	Wheel Rail Squeal (Submitted by Jim Nelson, Wilson Ihrig).

III.	AIRCRAFT NOISE

1.	Research on Helicopter noise impacts to the community

Helicopter and tiltrotor aircraft present more complex noise characteristics than do fixed wing aircraft. This complexity directly impacts the manner in which their noise must be modeled. Part of the complexity is the highly directional nature of the generated noise. For instance the advancing side (side on which the rotor is moving forward) is usually louder than the retreating side (side on which the rotor is moving backwards). Also rotary wing noise is dependent on the flight condition, such as descent, and the resultant blade-vortex interaction (BVI). BVI produces louder levels forward of the aircraft than to it's sides or rear. Current aircraft noise models, such as the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM), the Military's NoiseMap, and the FAA's Helicopter Noise Model (HNM), do not include these important dependencies. NASA's Rotorcraft Noise Model (RNM) does include these characteristics if it is reflected in the source noise data that is inputted into the program. The RNM source data requirements are significantly more complicated than those for fixed winged aircraft. Thus, research is required to develop source data for rotary wing aircraft so that their unique noise characteristics can be appropriately modeled and their noise impacts can be properly accounted for in community noise impacts assessments (Submitted by Micah Downing, Wyle Labs).

2.	Enroute Aircraft Noise (Submitted by Neal Philips, MWAA).

3.	Low Frequency Noise (dose response, criteria, etc.) (Submitted by Grant Anderson, HMMH).

4.	Low Level Noise Measurement and Impact Criteria beyond 65 dB DNL (Submitted by Micah Downing, Wyle Labs).

5.	Reverse Thrust noise and directivity behind start of takeoff roll (Submitted by Mike McNearny, University of Texas).

6.	Aircraft source noise reduction

7.	Using GPS to reduce aircraft noise impacts

8.	Use of new routing structures and operational procedures to reduce aircraft noise

IV.	OTHER PLACEHOLDERS

1.	Land use compatibility

2.	National park noise needs

3.	Definition of LAeq1hr criteria for off-peak periods (e.g., evening, night, and early morning) (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

4.	Simple construction site noise prediction procedure (e.g., TNM geometry input interface with simpler propagation model) (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

5.	Audible warning criteria synthesis (including locomotive horns, crossing bells, and mobile equipment backup alarms) (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

6.	Evaluation of adequacy of impact criteria in low-noise environments (Submitted by Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

7.	Synthesis of noise-effects on wildlife research (Submitted by Bob Armstrong and Mike Staiano, Staiano Engineering).

12/5/00

SAE Activities

SQDHI Update