Softwares

Using a complete range of software, Décibel Consultants Inc. can answer your most accurate needs regarding acoustic.

Allow us to introduce you two of our most highly specialised software:

SoundPlan

This software traces sound radii between the noise sources and the receivers, calculates the attenuation caused by distance and air absorption, and takes into account the ground effects and the effects of noise abatement from finite length barriers (buildings, screens, topography). These calculations are performed according to the ISO standard 9613 Parts 1 and 2 entitled “Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors.”

The sound power of identified sources of noise constitute input parameters for the SoundPLAN® sound propagation software. Therefore, for each source of noise, the associated sound power was calculated. The SoundPLAN® sound propagation software takes into account all noise sources and obstacles (buildings, walls, topography).

TNM

The noise impact of road traffic was assessed using TNM 2.5 (Traffic Noise Model) software from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The MTQ requires the use of this software for noise impact studies.

The main elements that can affect noise propagation and that are factored in by the software are :

average reference energy level for each class of vehicle (cars, intermediate trucks, heavy trucks, bus and motorcycles) assessed from sound measurements on about 6,000 vehicles;
Two noise levels per vehicle : 0 m tire-pavement contact and 1.5 m above the pavement for vehicles and 3.66 m for trucks;
Free flow and controlled (stop, traffic lights, etc.) traffic;
Distance between source and receiver;
Type of ground;
Length of road segments;
Road gradient (when above 1.5%);
Attenuation caused by obstacles (buildings, row of houses, densely wooded areas, etc.).

The source data necessary to evaluate road noise are :

Traffic volume per class of vehicle (cars, intermediate trucks and heavy trucks);
Speed limit;
Localization of the road, natural or artificial barriers, and receivers;
Type of ground (absorbent or reflective).

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