Sound propagation in cities

A new engineering model for sound propagation in cities is presented. The model is based on numerical and experimental studies of sound propagation between street canyons. Multiple reflections in the source canyon and the receiver canyon are taken into account in an efficient way, while weak reflections by distant buildings involving multiple diffraction are neglected. An application of the new model to traffic noise in the city of Amsterdam is presented. Distributions of noise exposure of inhabitants are presented. The influence of quiet sides of dwellings on noise annoyance is discussed. While current models for urban traffic noise tend to underestimate sound levels at quiet sides, the new model is expected to provide more accurate levels at quiet sides.