Characterization of traffic noise for a typical Indian road crossing

The present study attempts to characterize the traffic noise condition of a typical Indian city crossing. It uses a new methodology for characterization, giving importance to frequencies of sound primarily present in the noise. The characterization includes frequency-specific variation in the noise levels with time and location. The analysed data indicate existence of noises of two predominant frequencies, i.e. 63 Hz in the low frequency and 1 kHz in the high frequency domains. Sampled observations indicate the presence of fluctuations in the noise levels. The comparison of the observed noise levels with equivalent preferred noise criteria and noise rating curves suggests that the stipulated limits were not met particularly at 1 kHz frequency and thus it is associated with potential health hazards.