Development of noise spectrum based maintenance guideline for reduction of heavy earth moving machinery noise

Heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) is one of the most important sources of noise in open-pit mines. Several studies carried out earlier indicate that noise produced by HEMM can be reduced by proper maintenance. To reduce the overall noise produced by HEMM it is important to identify the components contributing most to the noise. Maintenance of those components can then be carried out rigorously to reduce the noise. This paper presents the development of a maintenance guideline for reduction of HEMM noise based on sound level emissions and noise spectrum studies. The sound level emission and noise spectrum based maintenance guidelines were obtained through noise measurement of HEMM like dumpers, dozers and front-end-loaders over a period of time and under various test conditions. These guidelines can help the maintenance crew for the reduction of noise from HEMM.