Making Work Zones Work

BetterEffective Noise Control

During Nighttime Construction

Cliff Schexnayder, Ph.D., PEEminent Scholar

Arizona State University

and

James Ernzen, Ph.D., PEAssociate Professor

Arizona State University

Domenick Biller, New Jersey DOT

J. Conrad, Washington DOT

Steve DeWitt, North Carolina DOT

William Dowd, FHWA

Arthur Gruhn, Connecticut DOT

Fred Hejl, TRB

Crawford Jencks, TRB

J. Smythe, Iowa DOT

Erich Thalheimer, Central Artery/Tunnel Proj.

Ron Williams, Arizona DOT

Construction Nuisances

The goal is to minimize construction’s impact on abutting residents and businesses, while moving forward with the work on schedule and within budget.

CONSTRUCTION NOISE GENERATORS

PROBLEM ACTIVITESActivity Type % identifying

as Problem*

Pavement Breaking 27

Paving/Resurfacing 25

Pile Driving 24

Bridge Deck Removal 24

Rehab 206

NOISE TRANSFER SITUATION

SOURCE CONTROLS

It is a cardinal rule that, where possible, noise control should occur at the source.

Require modern equipment

Modern equipment has better engine insulation and mufflers.

SOURCE CONTROLS

Require the use of Manually adjustable or Ambient-sensitive

backup alarms.

Equipment Restrictions

POSITION OF

BACKUP ALARMS

By specification direct the use of only solar powered traffic control devices.

SOURCE CONTROLS

Equipment Restrictions

SOURCE CONTROLS

Operate at minimum power

A frequency reduction will assist in reducing perceived noise.

Use electric or hydraulic powered equipment.

SOURCE CONTROLS

Use quieter alternate equipment

PATH CONTROLSThe second line of attack is controlling noise radiation along its transmission path.

PATH CONTROLS

Enclose especially noisy activities or stationary equipment

PATH CONTROLSGrout plant enclosure for audio, visual and dust control.

Note advertising space sold on the enclosure.

PATH CONTRO

LS

PATH CONTROLS Erect noise barriers or

curtains.

Noise barriers are cost-effective when they provide perceptible noise reduction benefits to a relatively large number of receptors.

PATH CONTROLS Erect noise barriers or

curtains.

A barrier must physically fit in the space available and completely break the line-of-sight between the noise source and the receptors.

Acousticshadow

Source

High frequency cut-offLow frequency cut-off

ACOUSTIC SHADOW ZONE

PATH CONTRO

LSMay be very temporary systems mounted on jersey bases for easy relocation.

PATH CONTROLSMore permanent walls designed to last several years on long duration projects.

PATH CONTROLSAny gaps should be completely sealed.

PATH CONTROL

SAnother option for temporary noise barriers are acoustical curtains.

BARRIER COST

Barrier Type Cost per sf.

Temporary walls $10 - $15

Curtains $8 - $9

Permanent wallU.S. Gypsum, Ultrascreen

$12 - $14

6

RECEPTOR CONTROLS

When all other approaches to noise control fail a program of control at the receiver should be undertaken.

RECEPTOR CONTROLS Window treatment

program

A receptor located very close to the noise generating activity.

RECEPTOR CONTROLS

• Resident with health condition

Window treatment program

Criteria:

• Hardship situation ( infant, house-bound person)

RECEPTOR CONTROLS

• Interior glazed storm sash

Window treatment program

Measures:

• Replace window with double pane glass

• Sliding glass storm door

RECEPTOR CONTROLS Window treatment program

Cost guidelines on CA/T project:

• $800 per interior storm sash

• $2,500 per window replacement

• $5,000 total per resident

RECEPTOR CONTROLS

Temporary relocation

In very special cases temporary relocation may be necessary.

• California - earthquake repair

• One case I-15 project (medical)

• Four apartments CA/T project

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Early communication with the public is

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Establishment of good rapport with the community can provide high benefits at low cost.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Inform the public of any potential construction noise impacts and measures that will be employed to reduce the impacts.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

INFORMATION Identify the work activity and location.

Identify the work hours and the duration of the activity.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

INFORMATION Explain what neighbors can

expect, sounds, lights and equipment. A statement of concern about the nuisances and that every effort is being made to reduce impacts is important.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

INFORMATION“Whenever possible, crews will point lights away from homes and will also try to move heavy equipment so that back-up alarms are angled away from homes.”

Where to get more information

Noise complaint hotline number

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

INFORMATION

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

INFORMATION Noise complaint hotline

number

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

I-15 Hotline Calls

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000M

ay-9

7

Jun-

97

Jul-9

7

Aug-

97

Sep

-97

Oct

-97

Nov

-97

Dec

-97

Jan-

98

Feb-

98

Mar

-98

Apr-

98

May

-98

Num

ber

of P

hone

Cal

ls

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Establish and publicize a responsive complaint mechanism for the duration of the project.

NOISE MITIGATION COST

CA/T Noise Program Estimate

Cost Category CostDirect Expenses1 $5,326,360Indirect Expenses2 $102,000Mitigation Costs3 $4,729,600Contractor Costs4 $5,420,660

Total $15,578,6206

NOISE MITIGATION COST

Cost Category CostTotal $15,578,620

6

This mitigation effort represents about 0.15% of project cost.

What does project delay cost.