Traffic noise propagation through four Vancouver laneways

Authors

  • Rosa Lin British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • Maureen Connelly <p>British Columbia Institute of Technology</p>

Abstract

The acoustical environment of Vancouver's laneway housing is compromised by increasing road noise, laneway attributes and small building characteristics.  Sound propagation through four different Vancouver laneways was investigated by empirical measurements, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) algorithms and Odeon software.  Based on the laneways' varying form and surface reflectivity, sound decayed at different rates relative to degree of open space and vegetation.

Measured point source decay rate (difference dBA/doubling distance) of the country lane was two times that of the new-development lane; measured point source level in the commercial lane at 160m was 17dBA higher than that in the country lane.  Odeon modelling showed comparable trends.  Accuracy of the modelling tools require specific application improvements.

Keywords: laneway acoustics,urban canyon, small building, sound propagation, urban noise, Odeon, CMHC, road traffic noise

Author Biographies

Rosa Lin, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Research Analyst at the BCIT Centre for Architectural Ecology, School of Construction and the Environment.  Currently researching quantification of and strategies for improving architectural acoustics and urban sound ecology.  She did her MASc. Building Science/Building Engineering at BCIT and BA Architecture at U.C. Berkeley.

Maureen Connelly, <p>British Columbia Institute of Technology</p>

Dr. Maureen Connelly PhD| Director, Faculty | Centre for Architectural Ecology | BCIT School of Construction and the Environment.Current research focus is on architectural acoustics with a specific focus on living architecture.  Research subjects she currently leads includes: urban acoustics, outdoor sound propagation, building envelope noise control and sound transmission, acoustical building materials, quantification of the acoustical capacity of living architecture to reduce sound transmission through buildings, reduction of noise build up in urban areas, and enhancement of personal and shared soundscapes.  Current course delivery includes BSCI 9060 Advanced Acoustics (graduate level course) and BSCI 7200 Acoustical Science and Ecology.  Maureen is currently leading an initiative on soundscape and acoustical integration into whole building performance.

Additional Files

Published

2015-08-19

How to Cite

1.
Lin R, Connelly M. Traffic noise propagation through four Vancouver laneways. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2015 Aug. 19 [cited 2025 Feb. 20];43(3). Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/2774

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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