Monitoring Environmental Noise and the Influence of Urban Surroundings
Traffic noise is one of the key environmental challenges in cities. In Warsaw’s growing Wawer district, a comprehensive study was conducted to measure road traffic noise levels and evaluate the acoustic shielding effect of buildings. The project addressed both compliance with noise limits and the effectiveness of urban structures in reducing environmental noise.
Measurement Operator
SVANTEK Consultants
Measurements were carried out by SVANTEK acoustic experts using two professional monitoring stations positioned at contrasting locations: one at the roadside façade and the other behind the residential building. Both setups followed best practices for environmental noise monitoring and enabled high-resolution, simultaneous data collection for comparative analysis.
Challenge
Assessing Acoustic Shielding in a Mixed-Use Residential Area
The main challenge was to measure actual road traffic noise under varying conditions and assess how much the residential building reduced its propagation. Objectives included:
Monitoring day and night noise levels
Measuring shielding effectiveness
Filtering incidental noise events
Verifying compliance with national environmental limits
Location of measurement points: by the road (P1) and behind the building (P2)
Technology Used
Noise Monitoring System from SVANTEK
SV 279 PRO – Noise Monitoring Station with SVAN 979 Sound Level Meter
SV 277 PRO – Noise Monitoring Station with SV 977 Sound Level Meter
Accurate Road Traffic Noise Assessment Confirms Effectiveness of Building Shielding
“This study clearly demonstrates how buildings reduce road traffic noise. Using high-resolution data and professional tools, we verified both environmental compliance and the acoustic benefit of architectural shielding.”
Mariusz Truszkowski, Noise Measurement Consultant
Noise measurement points in front of the building (P1) and behind the building (P2)
Result
Noise shielding reduced levels by ~10 dB at shielded location
All measured values complied with legal daytime and nighttime limits
Continuous high-resolution data enabled identification and filtering of incidental events
SVANTEK systems provided reliable results for both compliance and urban planning
Detailed view of acoustic events (car pass-bys) at observation points P1 and P2
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