Masonry Magazine January 1973 Page.17
NCMA-TEK
An Information series from National Concrete Masonry Association
Concrete Masonry in Highway
Construction Appurtenances
52
Figure 1-HIGHWAY NOISE (dBA, L10) AT VARIOUS
DISTANCES FROM EDGE OF 4-LANE HIGHWAY
TRAFFIC: 5,000 VEHICLES PER HOURS, 5% TRUCKS, 53 MPH
100 125
RIGHT OF WAY
LINE
200
300
400
76 75
72
69
67
71 70
67
64
62
64 63 60
57
55
61 60 57
54
53
71 70 65
62
59
Introduction
The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1970 requires that noise be taken into consideration when providing for fast, safe, and efficient transporation. Accordingly, the Federal Highway Administration has proposed noise standards for use by its field offices and by State highway agencies to assure that noise levels resulting from highway traffic do not exceed those compatible with various land uses. The proposed standards are summarized in Table 1. There are several noise reduction measures which can be employed either singly or in combination, to achieve noise levels which do not exceed the Federal Highway Administration standards. These measures include construction of depressed roadways and erection of noise barriers. This study discusses the fundamentals of noise reduction, and the use of concrete masonry both in noise abatement and in related highway appurtenances.
TABLE 1-DESIGN NOISE LEVEL/LAND USE RELATIONSHIPS
Land use Design noise level-L-10
category
Description of land use category
A 60 dBA (Exterior)
Tracts of lands in which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public
need, and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intend-
ed purpose. Such areas could include amphitheaters, particular parks or portions of parks, or open spaces
which are dedicated or recognized by appropriate local officials for activities requiring special qualities of
serenity and quiet,
70 dBA (Exterior).
Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, picnic areas, rec-
reation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, and parks.
75 dBA (Exterior).
Developed lands, properties or activities not included in categories A and B above.
55 dBA (Interior)
Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and auditoriums.
See paragraph 1.c of this attachment for method of application,
(FR Doc. 72-8804 Filed 6-12-72:8:45 am)
TEK 52 1973 National Concrete Masonry Association