Simulation of road traffic noise pollution in Kragujevac using QGIS software

Abstract

Noise is characterized as an environmental problem that represents an exceptional danger to human health. With increased urbanization and motorization, road traffic has been identified as the dominant source of noise in urban areas. The traffic noise originates from vehicle exhaust and braking systems, devices for giving sound signals, engine operation, or as a result of contact between the wheels and the road. In urban areas, the intensity of traffic noise depends on the speed of the vehicle, the flow of traffic, and the surface on which the vehicles are moving. This study aims to monitor traffic noise using the device Brüel & Kjær 2250 on the territory of the city of Kragujevac at specific locations along the roads and during peak hours. Based on the numerical modeling of traffic noise in the Quantum GIS software (abbr. QGIS), it is possible to identify impacts of noise pollution as well as deviations of real noise values from the permissible noise limits. Serbian law regulates that the highest noise level along city roads can be 65 dB (A). The final results obtained by this research can be used to assess the current state of environmental noise pollution, which can be taken into account in the future process of transport planning in the city of Kragujevac.