Abstract
The main scope of this proposal is the development of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to mitigate noise in complex urban environments, where multiple and diverse noise sources, mainly roads and railways, coexist across densely populated areas. Low noise pavements and low-height noise barriers are the main targeted solutions, to be upgraded and revisited in order to abate their costs (LCC) and improve their sustainability. To that end, recycled materials (e.g., textiles, papers, cardboard) will be used. The need to reduce noise levels in outdoor urban areas is imperative since according to the World Health Organization, 20% of the European population is exposed to noise levels exceeding 65 dB(A) during the day, whereas the maximum recommended level is 55 dB(A). Mitigating noise in such environments generally excludes the use of solutions that might interfere with the urban context, such as noise barriers, for many reasons. First of all the proximity of receivers to the noise source, typically roads. Secondly, the visual impact: noise barriers reduce the visibility of the surroundings and air circulation, causing local temperature rise (especially in summer) and social denial. This is why noise mitigation measures acting directly on the source are recommended, such as low noise pavements and traffic calming for roads, dampers, rail grinding and silent brakes for railways. However, these solutions have been proven to be poorly effective over time and consequently quite expensive. In this proposal, innovative and sustainable low noise pavements and low height noise barriers will be developed and demonstrated in real test sites, to provide transport owners and managers solid information to support their widespread use. To that end, the proposal includes also the preparation of special procedures to manage their implementation in complex urban scenarios, as well as tools to standardize their characterization and plans to prepare their launch to the market.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Massimo Garai
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale
Coordinator:
Anas Spa - Societa' Con Socio Unico(Italy)
Other Participants:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna
(Italy)
RFI S.p.A. - GRUPPO FERROVIE DELLO STATO ITALIANE
(Italy)
Italferr S.P.A.
(Italy)
Arpat Ag. Regionale Per La Prot. Ambientale Della Toscana
(Italy)
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
(Italy)
Università degli Studi Mediterranea di REGGIO CALABRIA
(Italy)
Mopi S.R.L.
(Italy)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 1.590.015,73
Project Duration in months: 60
Start Date:
01/09/2023
End Date:
31/08/2028
Cordis webpage
Project website
This project has received funding from the European Union's LIFE Programme under grant agreement No 101114310