Acoustic modelling

Within the planning of noise containment or reduction, TerrAria supports Authorities in the preparation of Strategic Noise Mapping, Noise Mapping and Action Plans. Specifically, TerrAria prepares the complete documentation, in compliance with regulatory obligations, assessing the population exposed to different noise levels, analysing the mitigation works implemented and planned, as well as the effects of these actions in terms of reduction of the exposed population, adopting a modelling approach for noise impact reduction.

In Europe noise pollution has become relevant as a factor of environmental degradation and a detriment to quality of life. However, noise often does not receive the same attention as other forms of environmental pollution and tends to be underestimated. The main causes of noise pollution are mainly:

• road traffic;
• rail and air traffic;
• industrial and commercial settlements.

Road traffic noise, in particular, is the cause that exposes the largest number of people to the highest sound levels in most urban areas. Given the importance and impact of noise pollution, the European Union defined Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. In implementation of this directive, Italy issued Legislative Decree 194/2005, with the aim of preventing and reducing harmful effects deriving from exposure to environmental noise. This decree defines the procedures for the preparation of noise maps, strategic noise maps, action plans and noise abatement plans for noise impact reduction.