SOUND CHARACTERISTICS

INTRODUCTION:

Sound is a mechanical wave generated by vibrating objects, propagating through a

medium as longitudinal waves. These waves involve oscillations of particles in the medium,
creating regions of compression and rarefaction. The particle displacement occurs parallel to
the wave propagation direction. Humans can perceive sound waves with frequencies between
20 Hz and 20 kHz, known as the audio frequency range. Sound waves with frequencies above
this range are termed ultrasound, while those below are referred to as infrasound. Different
animal species have unique hearing ranges; for example, dogs can hear frequencies up to 45
kHz, and elephants are sensitive to infrasound.
To measure sound, we typically measure sound intensity, which refers to the rate at
which sound energy passes through a unit area. This intensity is directly related to the amplitude
of the sound wave and the power it carries. Sound levels are commonly expressed in decibels
(dB), a logarithmic unit that compares the intensity of sound relative to a reference level. This
reference is usually set at the threshold of human hearing, which corresponds to an intensity of
10−12 𝑊/𝑊2 .

OBJECTIVE:
a. To measure the level of noise at the selected study locations.
b. To analyze data and interpret the results of the experiment.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Sources:
The sound level readings in the study area were taken from different locations with
varying traffic flow. The noise sources include the sound of vehicles in motion, the application
of brakes, the traffic police whistles, pedestrian walking noise, and conversations among
people. Additionally, ongoing construction activities and noise from various machines in the
area also contributed to the overall sound levels.

Effects:
The harmful effects of noise are not just limited to human beings; it can also have an
impact on animals and the environment on the whole.For humans, prolonged exposure to high
levels of noise can lead to increased stress, irritability, and higher blood pressure. It can also
cause hearing impairment and disturb sleep patterns, leading to fatigue. Additionally, constant
noise can impair concentration, reducing productivity and overall well-being.
 For animals, the effects of noise pollution are equally damaging. It disrupts their
communication, mating, and navigation abilities. Continuous exposure to loud sounds can also
damage their hearing and interfere with predator-prey dynamics, making it harder for them to
hunt or avoid predators. In some cases, the stress caused by noise pollution can increase the
risk of mortality, as animals become more vulnerable to environmental threats.

CONTROL MEASURE:
1. Noise Barriers: Constructing sound barriers along roads and highways can help reduce
noise levels for nearby residents and workplaces.
2. Urban Planning: Implementing zoning laws that separate residential areas from major
roads and industrial zones can minimize exposure to traffic noise.
3. Improved Vehicle Technology: Promoting the use of electric or quieter vehicles, and
equipping vehicles with noise-reducing technologies such as silencers or mufflers.
4. Regulation of Traffic: Implementing stricter regulations on traffic noise, such as speed
limits, engine standards, and noise restrictions during certain hours.
5. Noise-Reducing Infrastructure: Installing soundproof windows in homes, offices,
and schools, or using noise-absorbing materials in construction.
6. Green Spaces: Planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along roads can act as
natural sound barriers, absorbing and diffusing noise.
7. Use of Quieter Vehicles: Encouraging the use of quieter vehicles.

METHODOLOGY:
A noise level meter is an electronic instrument designed to measure sound pressure
levels (SPL) in the environment. It works by capturing sound waves through a microphone,
which converts the fluctuations in air pressure caused by sound into an electrical signal. This
signal is then processed through a preamplifier, which matches the impedance between the
microphone and the attenuator. After this, the signal is amplified and passed through a
weighting network that simulates the frequency sensitivity of human hearing. The weighting
network adjusts the signal using either A-weighting or C-weighting, depending on the
measurement requirements. A-weighting is commonly used to reflect the sensitivity of the
human ear to different frequencies, especially for environmental noise, while C-weighting is
used for peak sound levels.
Once adjusted, the signal is passed to an RMS (Root Mean Square) detector, which
calculates and displays the noise level in decibels (dB). The decibel scale is logarithmic,
meaning it represents the ratio of the measured sound pressure to a reference sound pressure
level, providing a precise measure of sound intensity. Noise level meters can measure different
types of sound levels, such as peak levels, average levels, and time-weighted values, depending
on the setting. These instruments are widely used in various fields, including environmental
noise monitoring, industrial noise control, and noise pollution assessment. By simulating the
auditory characteristics of the human ear and providing accurate frequency-adjusted
measurements, noise level meters are essential for evaluating and managing noise pollution
effectively.
 As the actual noise level meter is often difficult to access, a mobile application was
used to measure the noise. mobile apps utilize the built-in microphone of the device to
capture sound and provide a convenient way to measure sound levels.
Application to use: Sound Meter (version; 4.0.1)
Duration of test: 30 to 45 seconds

Figure 1 Mobile Application for Sound measurement

RESULT:

Table 1 Noise Event Threshold Setting

Site Name Day Date Time Minimum Maximum Average

dBA dBA dBA
(am)

Kalanki 1 3rd Dec 9:38 55.3 78.6 64.7

2 4th Dec 10:2 48.4 75.3 60.1

3 5th Dec 9:49 53.1 75.0 64.3

Average 52.267 76.300 63.03

Soalteemode 1 3rd Dec 9:43 47.5 80.0 67.1

2 4th Dec 10:10 47.1 77.0 60.0

3 5th Dec 9:56 48.6 79.4 60.9

Average 47.73 78.8 62.67

Kalimati 1 3rd Dec 9:53 50.1 84.2 63.0

2 4th Dec 10:17 47.8 76.8 59.9

3 5th Dec 10:01 50.8 74.3 61.9

Average 49.567 78.43 64.267

Tripureshwor 1 3rd Dec 10:5 50.0 72.9 63.1

2 4th Dec 10:27 47.5 77.2 67.2

3 5th Dec 10:01 50.8 74.3 61.9

Average 49.43 74.8 64.067

Thapathali 1 3rd Dec 10:23 46.9 86.3 68.6

2 4th Dec 10:34 51.6 79.7 68.2

3 5th Dec 10:24 54.9 73.4 62.8

Average 51.13 79.8 66.53

Graphs

a. Average of maximum Sound Level Vs test places

b. Average of minimum Sound level Vs test places

c. Average of average sound level Vs average
CONCLUSION

The analysis of noise levels in different areas of Kathmandu, as depicted in the table, reveals
varying degrees of noise pollution. Thapathali emerges as the noisiest location with an
average maximum noise level of 79.4 dB, while Tripureshwor appears to be the quietest with
an average maximum noise level of 74.8 dB. These findings underscore the significance of
addressing noise pollution, as prolonged exposure to high noise levels can have adverse
health consequences, including hearing impairment, stress, sleep disturbances, and negative
impacts on overall well-being. To mitigate these issues, implementing strategies such as
vehicle noise regulation, promoting public transportation, and constructing sound barriers can
contribute to creating a quieter and healthier urban environment. It is important to note that
the accuracy of the data may be limited by factors such as the use of a mobile application
instead of a professional noise level meter, the timing of measurements, and varying traffic
conditions. Additionally, the data was collected from inside a moving bus, which could have
resulted in sound absorption and potentially lower recorded noise levels. Therefore, further
comprehensive studies with standardized methodologies and controlled conditions are
necessary to obtain a more accurate and reliable assessment of noise pollution levels in
Kathmandu.