Traffic Condition and Equivalent Noise in Main Roads of Phitsanulok Urban Area : Comparison between Low and High Traffic Congestions

Abstract

Abstract

The main aim of the research was to compare the effects of different traffic conditions on  main roads traffic noise of Phitsanulok urban area with 4 measuring points. Therefore, number of 12 vehicle types were recorded, parallel to noise measurements for 1 hr between low and high traffic congestions.  The results found that, the highest number of vehicles were found in R2 area. However, the percentage increase in the total number of vehicles (in high traffic condition compared to low traffic condition) was found in R4 area. Assessment the traffic conditions with the V/C ratio of 4  measuring points, it showed that lane numbers and V/C ratio have strong correlation with the R² values of 0.84 and 0.86 in low and high traffic conditions, respectively. The L₍₁₀₎ values of all measuring points exceeded the limit of 70 dBA in both 2 traffic conditions. The highest L₍₁₀₎ values were appeared in A4 with 81 and 84 dBA in low and high traffic condition, respectively. In addition, the research resulted that the value of V/C and L₍₁₀₎ has strong correlation with the R² values of 0.72. Finally, the obvious correlation was also shown in the relationship between number of passenger car type including van type and L_(1hr)) with the  R² value of 0.63 and 0.70, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicate that in main roads of Phitsanulok urban area, noise emission from road traffic was found to be a serious concern, especially in R4 area.  

Key Words: Traffic Condition, Noise, Main Roads, Phitsanulok Urban Area                      :