The U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Acoustics Facility, in support of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Natural and Human Environment, has developed the “FHWA Highway Construction Noise Handbook” (the Handbook). This document reflects substantial improvements and changes in addressing highway construction noise that have evolved since the publication in 1977 of the FHWA Special Report titled Highway Construction Noise: Measurement, Prediction and Mitigation (ref. 001) (1977 Handbook). The Handbook along with the files contained on the companion CD-ROM, address both acoustical and non-acoustical issues associated with highway construction noise. While it is understood that both similarities and differences exist between construction-related noise and construction-related vibration, the focus of the Handbook and CD-ROM is confined to noise-related issues. The Handbook is also available on the web at
In 1977, the FHWA published the above-referenced guidance document plus a supplementary document, 1977 Symposium on Highway Construction Noise (ref. 002), to aid State Highway Agencies in addressing the problem of highway construction noise. Over the last three decades, there have been substantial advancements in the methodology and technology of identifying impact and mitigating the effects of construction-related noise. Increased community, contractor, and government interest has fueled the push to provide more effective, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly mitigation techniques. This increased interest has also fueled the push to improve noise measurement and modeling technologies that aid State transportation agencies in determining the level of impact and the most suitable mitigation techniques.
Construction noise related to transportation projects is typically addressed in the project’s noise analysis report and in the project environmental document. Most projects will not require modeling or any form of analysis associated with construction-related noise. In many cases, construction noise may be adequately addressed through a narrative discussion. Some projects may require application of a simplified manual calculation technique. For projects that require compliance with local ordinances, more detailed analysis techniques may need to be employed. Use of the most sophisticated and complex modeling techniques are typically required for the most complex projects such as the Big Dig (ref. 009) in Boston or the TREX (ref. 103) in Denver. Such projects may require in-depth analysis including modeling, operation scheduling, continuous noise monitoring, and enforcement. Regardless of the type of project, it is important that any abatement techniques developed to address construction noise consider cost-effectiveness. Also essential is that construction noise criteria are attainable, easily understood, and well communicated to contractors and the public.
A recently developed analysis tool is the accompanying FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) User Guide (ref. 083) along with the, state-of-the-art computer program (ref. 084). This tool enables the prediction of construction noise levels for a variety of construction operations based on a compilation of empirical data and the application of acoustical propagation formulas. The program enables the calculation of construction noise levels in more detail than manual methods while avoiding the need to collect extensive amounts of project-specific input data.
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of the Handbook in both hardcopy and electronic versions, are to identify factors that may be considered related to construction noise and provide information associated with reference sources related to the following issues and factors:
• Recognizing the potential for construction noise impact;
• Determining the extent and type of analysis appropriate to address the construction noise impact; and
• Evaluating and implementing techniques to effectively mitigate construction noise.
Every effort has been made to address and/or reference some common designs, materials, and techniques. However, it is impossible to encompass the proliferation of new concepts, equipment, construction techniques, and materials entering the market on a daily basis. Therefore, the specific discussions within this Handbook are not to be considered all-inclusive, and are not intended to limit the creativeness of the designer, manufacturer, and construction contractor. It is important that any new theory, design, material, or technique not addressed in this Handbook be evaluated with the general fundamentals of safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness in mind.
1.3 Handbook and CD-ROM Use
The intent of this Handbook is not to recommend techniques to be used in identifying construction noise impacts or to recommend related mitigation techniques for specific projects or types of projects. Rather, it is meant to be used in conjunction with the linked files available on the web version and the additional files contained on the CD-ROM accompanying the hardcopy version, (additional copies available from support@rcnm.us ) as a type of reference document containing a compendium of factors and issues that may be appropriate to consider in dealing with construction noise. While the hardcopy of the Handbook provides a summary of the range of issues and factors associated with construction noise, the companion CD-ROM and the web version contains significantly more data associated with relative sources of information intended for use by those charged with addressing the objectives listed above.
While the focus of the discussion herein relates to the effects of construction noise associated with humans, references are also provided to material associated with the effects of construction noise on animals.
Users will need Adobe Acrobat to view most of the reference documents contained in the companion CD-ROM. To download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader click here.
1.4 Handbook and CD-ROM Organization
Both the Handbook and the CD-ROM are divided into the following chapters:
• Chapter 1 - Introduction to Construction Noise;
• Chapter 2 - Terminology;
• Chapter 3 - Effects of Construction Noise;
• Chapter 4 - Construction Noise Criteria and Descriptors;
• Chapter 5 - Measurement of Construction Noise;
• Chapter 6 - Prediction of Construction Noise;
• Chapter 7 - Mitigation of Construction Noise;
• Chapter 8 - Public Involvement and Project Coordination;
• Chapter 9 - Construction Equipment Noise Levels and Ranges; and
• Chapter 10 - Construction Noise Contacts, Policies, and Reference Material.