Construction Noise Management using ANC Technique on Sites

Abstract

Recently, many people have been seriously impacted by noise generated from construction sites. Accordingly, there have been increasing numbers of complaints and disputes. These complaints and disputes can cause delays and stops of project, resulting in the loss of time and money. For this reason, the Korean government is trying to improve the passive noise control system depending on soundproof walls. However, passive noise control is insufficient to reduce low-frequency noise, and only efficient for lowering high-frequency noise. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to suggest a noise management model using active noise control (ANC) as a new approach to supplement the limitations of passive noise control in construction sites. The ANC management model consists of pre-planning, simulation, and implementation phases. ANC simulations have been conducted to examine its applicability for construction equipment and have progressed in the single- channel system based on the assumption of applying ANC to the closest location. Based on the results of the experiment, it was confirmed that noise cancellation is highly efficient in low and mid-frequency bands of below 1000Hz, and its performance slows down as the frequency increases. In addition, the noise cancellation effects are high for equipment such as earth augers, vibration rollers, air compressors, dump trucks, and excavators. However, in the case of equipment that generates an impact sound, such as rock drills, jack hammer, and pump car, the noise cancellation effects are deficient compared to other equipment. This research is expected to be an improved solution for attenuating the noise generated from construction sites. In addition, the ANC management model can be utilized as an alternative to passive noise control.