This page describes the current research being conducted at the UCF Noise Lab.
Work began in 1999 to measure the insertion loss obtained by highway sound barriers already in place in the state of Florida. This testing will compare the measured insertion losses to the original predicted values from the sound barrier design and model predictions of the TNM and CNM models. At this point, 16 barrier sites have been selected in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami area. 11 of these sites have been tested and results are being submitted to the FDOT and in the form of environmental conference papers. Some photos from these tests are shown below.
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests near I295 in Jacksonville, FL (River road). |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests in Daytona Beach (Nova Rd) |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests in Sarasota, FL (Albert Rd) |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests in Tampa, FL (Woodberry and I75) |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests St. Petersburg, FL, near I275 |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests Clearwater, FL, SR686 |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests Ft. Lauderdale, FL, near I95 |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests Miami, FL, near I195 |
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| Barrier Insertion Loss Tests Miami, FL, near I195, some homeless persons observing the tests (actually grad. students) |
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This work is a continuing validation effort of the Community Noise Model (CNM) developed by the UCF Noise Lab.
We have performed measurements at several intersections in the Orlando area and have used this data to validate the interrupted flow algorithms of the CNM. Some of
these results have been published in TRB and AWMA publications. Testing is on-going and updates will be presented in TRB publications.
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| Intersection Sound Level tests in Orlando, July 1997 |
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This project is funded by the UCF Center for Advanced Transportation Systems (CATSS) and seeks to provide updated Reference Energy Mean Emission Levels for decelerating passenger cars and trucks. These REMELs are used in noise models such as TNM and CNM. Data is currently being used that was collected during the 1970's and it is desirable to update this database. Results of this testing will be reported and incorporated into the Community Noise Model.
The UCF Noise lab has been active during the past 8 years in devloping transportation noise models. These typically have used a simulation approach to noise modeling rather than infinite line source approximations. The UCF Noise Lab has developed the Community Noise Model which models automobile noise during free flow and interrupted flow conditions, it has also devleped the Railway Noise Model (RWNM) which models noise levels from railway sources. A new model is currently under development that combines these sources into a single model and also includes point sources and aircraft flyovers so that a total picture of community noise exposure can be predicted/approximated.