Effect of artificially established broadleaf stands on traffic noise attenuation

Abstract

An artificially established mixed broadleaf stand consisting of Norway maple, black locust, and other hard broadleaves was researched in the region of Belgrade, Serbia. The level of traffic noise was measured during the winter and summer periods, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, at the distance of 0, 100 and 150 m from the noise source, in the open and in the forest. The measurement was performed at twelve measurement points. Noise levels recorded in the open and in the forest during the winter were lower than noise levels recorded in summer, regardless of the time of day. Also, noise levels were significantly decreasing with the increase of distance from the noise source. The reduction was substantially greater in the forest, especially during the growing season, where the reduction in the initial noise level at the distance of 150 m from the noise source was 46.1%, and 23.6% in the open. During the winter, the reduction in noise level at the distance of 150 m from the noise source was 36.7% in the forest, and 20% in the open. As for the time of day, registered noise levels were highest in mornings, while differences in noise levels at noon and in the evening were minimal. Based on the study analyses, it can be concluded that the broadleaf stand consisting of Norway maple, black locust, and other broadleaves had a significant effect on the noise level attenuation.