Considering uncertainty when performing environmental noise measurements

Kerry, G; Waddington, DC

Abstract

An overview is given of the uncertainties associated with environmental noise measurements. The uncertainty budget is introduced together with the concepts of reproducibility and repeatability. Meteorology is identified as being the most significant influence on measurement uncertainties affecting the generation, transmission and detection of environmental noise. An overview of the meteorological mechanisms affecting environmental noise measurements is given, together with rules of thumb for guidance when comprehensive meteorological data are not available. A detailed analysis is presented of the uncertainties associated with a BS4142 measurements performed on a real industrial situation. To illustrate the variability in environmental noise levels due to meteorology at distances typical to community noise problems, field trial data are presented correlating with measurements obtained using automatic weather stations, SODAR and LIDAR. Comparisons are made with predictions from CONCAWE and a general terrain parabolic equation program. Finally, current guidance is reviewed and suggestions made concerning practical environmental noise measurement.

Citation

Kerry, G., & Waddington, D. (2005, October). Considering uncertainty when performing environmental noise measurements. Presented at Institute of Acoustics Autumn Conference 2005, Oxford

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Institute of Acoustics Autumn Conference 2005
• Conference Location: Oxford
• Start Date: Oct 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Feb 15, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Keywords: environmental noise, propagation, uncertainty, measurement, acoustics
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