Assessment on Noise of Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit
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Date
2017-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Rail transport is being one of the major modes of transportation and is becoming a backbone for
the development of the country owing to its nature and suitability of the transport system. On the
other hand, it is a source of ambient noises resulting in an uncomfortable environment for
working and living around railways. Currently. in Ethiopia, a project like Addis Ababa Light Rail
Transit transportation is affecting the community.
In order to ascertain the effect of Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit on the community, this paper is
targeted on noise assessment. So as to conduct this noise assessment, direct measurement of
noise in 100 m interval of the track and questionnaires are deployed. In questionnaire around 200
peoples are interviewed. To this end, results from a detailed questionnaire and measured values,
which examine the effects of the noise on the people living around railways are analyzed and
illustrated in graph and table.
The results are correlated as day time noise and night time noise with the Ethiopian noise
standard which are 65dB (A) for day time and 55dB (A) for night time. From the measurement
result, the day time noise is 84.18dB (A) and the night time noise is 57.18dB (A). When the
results are compared to the standard, the day time noise is greater than the standard and the night
time noise is normal (considering the instrument accuracy which is 2dB). The result also includes
the questionnaire and it shows that as the age increases the noise sensitivity will also increase.
The results are also correlated to indoor noise and outdoor noise with a feasibility study of Addis
Ababa Light Rail Transit (i.e. environmental assessment section) in order to scrutinize the
operational time noise with the one that intended to be while the system was designed. The
feasibility study had set 80dB (A) for outdoor, and 75dB (A) for indoor. However, the measured
indoor noise is 74.4dB (A) and it is within the limit whereas the outdoor noise is 84.18dB (A)
and it is beyond the range of the study. In addition to that, wear and speed have been measured at
on the maximum and minimum noise rail locations to depict the relation of wear rate verses noise
and speed verses noise graphically.
Finally, based on the results some of the recorded noises are greater when they are compared
with the standard. In order to protect the community from railway noise pollution, noise
mitigation like noise dampers and planting trees around the line has to be done.
Description
Keywords
Railway Noise, Speed, Wear rate, Sound level meter, Indoor noise, Outdoor noise