Road traffic noise simulations based on 3D city models

Abstract: Urban development and densification cause noise problems that can have a negative impact on human health. In 2002, the European Union (EU) stated the European Noise Directive (END) with the purpose to evaluate environmental noise levels (including the sources road, railway, and air traffic) in the member states every 5 years. To make the result of the evaluations comparable between countries, the CNOSSOS-EU model has been provided as a noise simulation standard. Noise simulations require information about noise sources and propagation conditions. For this geographic information is required such as 3D city models and road databases. In Sweden there is an ongoing work to standardize 3D city models denoted as the 3CIM model. This thesis aims to evaluate the capability of 3CIM to be used as input data in road traffic noise simulations in accordance to the END-directive. To make the original data readable in the SoundPLAN noise simulation software, the 3CIM and road datasets, together with a height model (DEM) was tailored in FME to generate the input data. By mapping attributes, the input data was imported to SoundPLAN. The noise simulation output consisted of a map presenting noise levels on the façade were as well as noise level tables for noise sources and receivers. The thesis discusses the limitation of the current 3CIM and road datasets as input data for noise simulations as well as the problems that may occur when performing noise simulations in SoundPLAN. Finally, it provides possible solutions to improve the input data, and solve the programming running problems.