NOISE EMISSION ASSESSMENT AT AMPANG LINE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT

• Main Author: ARBAAN, ADILAH
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: TA1001-1280 Transportation engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/12643/

The utilisation of train transportation is widely regarded as a secure, environmentally sustainable, and climate-friendly mode of transportation. However, the resulting noise has the potential to cause high levels of hearing impairment, disturb the quality of sleep, and disrupt the quality of life among residents who live near railway tracks. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate the level of noise emitted by the LRT Ampang line at different distances of 15 m, 40 m, 65 m, 90 m, and 115 m from the centre of railway tracks; 2) to develop the regression prediction model of LRT noise level with the parameters of train speed and distance of sound level meter from the centre of railway track; and 3) to generate the noise mapping model for the LRT Ampang line at the case study location by using the gridline method. The present study has selected two residential localities along the LRT Ampang Line path. The noise level associated with train passing was measured using a B&K Type 2250 instrument positioned 1.2 metres above ground level. Noise measurement was performed utilising 25 m × 25 m grid lines. Each point within the grid was measured for 20 minutes using an event monitoring technique. The study revealed that the noise level produced by the LRT within the designated study areas, situated 15 metres from the centre of the railway tracks, was recorded at 77.03 dBA, exceeding the threshold of 65 dBA noise limit guidelines established by the Department of Environment of Malaysia. The statistical significance of distance and speed in their influence on the noise level was evident in the regression model, as indicated by an R2 of 0.756 (75.60%). A comprehensive analysis pertaining to noise mapping indicating a gradual reduction in the intensity of noise as the distance from the source increased while increasing in the intensity of noise as the train of speed increased. Moreover, the existence of objects and structures, such as trees and buildings, has played a significant role in mitigating the levels of auditory disturbances. This study presents findings on the noise level, propagation pattern, and the effect of obstacles in the real environment on the noise received by the population. This study may also provide policymakers with valuable insights regarding the optimal distances for the noise buffer zone of the LRT system. Furthermore, this study has developed a predictive model for estimating noise levels emanating from the LRT contingent upon the spatial proximity to the auditory source.