Impact of traffic noise on human health and effectiveness of mitigation measures in Singapore

• Main Author: Shaira Amelia Sha'ari
• Other Authors: Qian Shunzhi
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/68220
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Traffic noise is one of the rising problem in Singapore. In seeking to improve the quality of life of the people, reducing the environmental noise is one of the way that can be looked into. This has become an element of tension between the quality of life and economic development. This research will touch on the issue of noise pollution in Singapore, focusing on schools beside expressway. This research covers the impact of human health, the source of the noise pollution from the roadways, the actual noise level present and given standards, and the mitigation measures. Experiments were carried out to analyse the noise from the roadway and its impact on the school, so as to help in the reduction of noise and improve the quality of learning and teaching in the school. There will be two types of collection of data, the fieldwork and an interview. An actual fieldwork experiment is the primary data and the interview is the secondary data to help in corroborating the results of the experiment done. Through the data collected, traffic volumes have a huge impact on the noise pollution in the surrounding environment. Higher traffic volume generates higher noise level. This mostly contributed by the interaction of the tyres and the engine. Data collected from the roadway beside the school were compared with the National Environment Agency (NEA) standards, showing noise measurements were well below the noise limits. However, the interview with a staff of the school suggested otherwise. Even though noise barrier were installed and trials of changing the type of pavement used around Singapore is ongoing. This does not only affect the schools but the residential areas as well. This shows that the noise limits needs to be reviewed to accommodate the satisfaction of the many people and at the same time improve the living, learning and teaching environment. Even though the noise level can only be compared with the National Environment Agency (NEA) noise limit standards for construction works, noise is highly subjective. Hence, the relevant authority needs to look deeper into this issue, then further improve by installing a more effective noise barrier to at least satisfy most people or reduce complains. With better and effective noise barriers installed, health, sleep, teaching and learning can be improved, giving a better and conducive place for people to be in.