Author(s)

D. Schmedding, C. Gringmuth, G. Liedtke & A. Ott

Abstract

This paper focuses on the noise problem as an important environmental problem in cities. In a selected district of a German city (Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen) a simulation of noise impacts and a monetary assessment has been performed based on a new approach presented in this paper. Several scenarios - including forecasts - based on existing urban noise reduction plans are considered. For the monetary assessment of the affected inhabitants the model uses property costs based on the loss of rental prices and health costs based on an increasing health risk with reference to the current noise levels. The cost effectiveness of noise reduction measures can be quantified and analysed by comparing these environmental costs. The developed module is a database which is the complementary element to noise computation software (e.g. the professional software SoundPlan). In combination an assessment of noise impacts can be handled in an effective and automated way. The database is able to manage all needed noise computing data, to modify and to export them to external noise computation software. As a conclusion the tool presented in this paper completes a DSS for out support urban policy makers and traffic planners. Noise reduction measures in cities can be evaluated and the realisation of the EU-directive 2002/49/EG can be performed in a time saving way using the described module. Keywords: urban traffic noise, exposure, environmental assessment, monetary evaluation, noise reduction plan. 1 Introduction Many cities suffer under environmental problems caused by passenger and freight traffic. Noise, air pollution and vibrations are three examples out of a

Keywords

urban traffic noise, exposure, environmental assessment, monetary evaluation, noise reduction plan.