What is EN ISO 9613-2:2018?

EN ISO 9613-2:2018 is a technical standard for sound propagation outdoors. It provides guidance on predicting the outdoor sound pressure levels based on the source sound power level and the characteristics of the environment.

Importance of Outdoor Sound Propagation

Understanding the way sound propagates outdoors is crucial for various industries. For example, in urban planning, it helps to assess the impact of noise from transportation systems or industrial activities on the surrounding areas.

Moreover, the standard is particularly useful in environmental impact assessment studies for projects such as airports, wind farms, and highway construction. It enables the estimation of noise levels at different distances and helps organizations maintain compliance with local noise regulations.

Main Components of EN ISO 9613-2:2018

The standard comprises several key components:

Source Sound Power Level: This refers to the total acoustical power radiated by the sound source and serves as the initial input for the calculations.

Propagation Path: It accounts for factors like atmospheric absorption, ground effects, barriers, and reflections that affect sound propagation.

Receiver Point: This represents the location where the sound pressure levels need to be predicted.

Calculations and Results

The calculations involved in EN ISO 9613-2:2018 are complex and require specialized software or mathematical models. They consider factors such as meteorological conditions, ground type, distance, and source characteristics to estimate sound pressure levels at the receiver point.

The results obtained from these calculations are typically presented as a set of contour lines on a map, indicating different sound pressure levels at various distances from the source.

Conclusion

EN ISO 9613-2:2018 is a valuable tool for predicting outdoor sound propagation. Its utilization helps in assessing and managing noise impacts associated with diverse projects and activities. Adhering to this technical standard enables informed decision-making, ensuring that the surrounding communities are not unduly affected by excessive noise levels.