The Effect of Ground Characteristics on Optimum Road-Building Distance for Motorway Noise Control

Today motorway noise is the primary source of noise pollution in most residential areas. The lack of codes that stipulate the minimum distance between roads and buildings at the planning stage and failure to implement them in zoning regulations makes it difficult to resolve this issue. Lack of coordination between regulations and lack of provisions determining distances for reducing noise in zoning regulations pose an important problem in Turkey's EU harmonization process. This study identifies "noise sensitive buildings" that are indicated in the "Regulation of Environmental Noise Assessment and Management" and suggests minimum distances required for motorways that generate different levels of noise. These distances were determined by taking into consideration differences in surface absorption rates and slopes between the road and the building. Minimum distances were obtained with the help of a simulation program, and section noise maps. Results were formulated and presented to users. We hope that the data obtained here will guide zoning regulations in Turkey.