Road traffic noise correction coefficients associated with temperature. Case study and comparison with calculation methods

Strategic noise maps by means of calculation methods allow the administrations managing road infrastructures to estimate the level of noise generated during their operating regime. The sound power emitted by this source of noise depends on multiple factors, which can be classified into three groups: meteorological conditions, variables associated with the physical characteristics of the road and variables related to road traffic. This study evaluates how temperature can have an effect on the sound pressure level generated in the surroundings of the infrastructure. A case study is presented in this paper where on-site measurements of noise levels and temperature were performed next to a two-lane national road with mixed traffic under regular operating conditions. The results were compared with the scientific literature and those coefficients proposed in CNOSSOS-EU calculation method for temperature correction.