Noise Mapping of the Campus of the College of Engineering /The University of Al-Mustansiriyah

Abstract

Noise mapping gives factual information on outdoor noise level propagation by describing real situations. This approach helps to assess the noise levels to which people are exposed and monitor the impact of noise. This paper focuses on campus noise mapping, where there are various noise sources such as electrical diesel generators, parking lots, industrial buildings, road traffic and students gathering in small gardens and squares, which generate high noise levels with adverse effects on students’ concentration, communications, mental activities, and learning ability, causing annoyance and hearing impairments. Noise maps drawn by the SoundPlan software involve determining and inserting all noise source requirements followed by comparison with real measurements by using a SVAN957 Type 1 sound and vibration meter with analyzer. Based on two noise mappings, one with generators turned off and another with generators turned on, the dominant noise levels on the campus exceed the permissible limit of 55 dB(A) by WHO. The danger is located in and around areas in which students gather (small gardens and squares) where they take breaks near the generators and other noise sources without awareness of the noise levels to which they are exposed.

Keywords: equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, noise mapping, noise sources, SoundPlan software.