1. Making Work Zones Work Better
Effective Noise Control During Nighttime Construction

2. Cliff Schexnayder, Ph.D., PE
Eminent Scholar
Arizona State University
and
James Ernzen, Ph.D., PE
Associate Professor

3. Domenick Biller, New Jersey DOT J. Conrad, Washington DOT
Steve DeWitt, North Carolina DOT
William Dowd, FHWA
Arthur Gruhn, Connecticut DOT
Fred Hejl, TRB
Crawford Jencks, TRB
J. Smythe, Iowa DOT
Erich Thalheimer, Central Artery/Tunnel Proj.
Ron Williams, Arizona DOT

4. Construction Nuisances
The goal is to minimize construction’s impact on abutting residents and businesses, while moving forward with the work on schedule and within budget.

5. CONSTRUCTION NOISE GENERATORS

6. PROBLEM ACTIVITES

7. NOISE TRANSFER SITUATION

8. SOURCE CONTROLS
It is a cardinal rule that, where possible, noise control should occur at the source.
Require modern equipment
Modern equipment has better engine insulation and mufflers.

9. SOURCE CONTROLS Equipment Restrictions Require the use of
Manually adjustable or
Ambient-sensitive
backup alarms.

10. POSITION OF BACKUP ALARMS

11. SOURCE CONTROLS Equipment Restrictions
By specification direct the use of only solar powered traffic control devices.

12. SOURCE CONTROLS Operate at minimum power
A frequency reduction will assist in reducing perceived noise.

13. SOURCE CONTROLS Use quieter alternate equipment
Use electric or hydraulic powered equipment.

14. PATH CONTROLS
The second line of attack is controlling noise radiation along its transmission path.

15. Enclose especially noisy activities or stationary equipment
PATH CONTROLS
Enclose especially noisy activities or stationary equipment

16. PATH CONTROLS
Grout plant enclosure for audio, visual and dust control.

17. PATH CONTROLS
Note advertising space sold on the enclosure.

18. PATH CONTROLS Erect noise barriers or curtains.
Noise barriers are cost-effective when they provide perceptible noise reduction benefits to a relatively large number of receptors.

19. PATH CONTROLS Erect noise barriers or curtains.
A barrier must physically fit in the space available and completely break the line-of-sight between the noise source and the receptors.

20. ACOUSTIC SHADOW ZONE

21. PATH CONTROLS
May be very temporary systems mounted on jersey bases for easy relocation.

22. PATH CONTROLS
More permanent walls designed to last several years on long duration projects.

23. PATH CONTROLS
Any gaps should be completely sealed.

24. PATH CONTROLS
Another option for temporary noise barriers are acoustical curtains.

25. BARRIER COST

26. RECEPTOR CONTROLS
When all other approaches to noise control fail a program of control at the receiver should be undertaken.

27. Window treatment program
RECEPTOR CONTROLS
Window treatment program
A receptor located very close to the noise generating activity.

28. Resident with health condition
RECEPTOR CONTROLS
Window treatment program
Criteria:
Resident with health condition
Hardship situation ( infant, house-bound person)

29. Interior glazed storm sash Replace window with double pane glass
RECEPTOR CONTROLS
Window treatment program
Measures:
Interior glazed storm sash
Replace window with double pane glass
Sliding glass storm door

30. RECEPTOR CONTROLS Cost guidelines on CA/T project:
Window treatment program
Cost guidelines on CA/T project:
$800 per interior storm sash
$2,500 per window replacement
$5,000 total per resident

31. RECEPTOR CONTROLS Temporary relocation
In very special cases temporary relocation may be necessary.
California - earthquake repair
One case I-15 project (medical)
Four apartments CA/T project

32. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Early communication with the public is
vital

33. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Establishment of good rapport with the community can provide high benefits at low cost.

34. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Inform the public of any potential construction noise impacts and measures that will be employed to reduce the impacts.

35. COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION
Identify the work activity and location.
Identify the work hours and the duration of the activity.

36. COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION
Explain what neighbors can expect, sounds, lights and equipment. A statement of concern about the nuisances and that every effort is being made to reduce impacts is important.

37. COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION
“Whenever possible, crews will point lights away from homes and will also try to move heavy equipment so that back-up alarms are angled away from homes.”

38. COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION
Where to get more information
Noise complaint hotline number

40. COMMUNITY RELATIONS INFORMATION
Noise complaint hotline number

41. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
I-15 Hotline Calls

42. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Establish and publicize a responsive complaint mechanism for the duration of the project.

44. NOISE MITIGATION COST
CA/T Noise Program Estimate

45. NOISE MITIGATION COST
COST
This mitigation effort represents about 0.15% of project cost.
What does project delay cost.