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Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction

Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction; one person covers a window with a mattress.

It was way past midnight.

Therefore, why was Block 424 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 still under construction?

The noise was described as “totally unbearable” by one resident.


“This has been the same every night from Monday to Saturday for over a month,” Stomp contributor Vincent wrote, attaching a video of two cranes that were still in operation at 3.30 a.m.

Every night, earplugs are required for the family member who stays in the front rooms. To go asleep, my daughter needs to be extremely exhausted.”

Along with the picture, he posted was of his neighbor blocking out the racket by leaning a mattress up against a window.

The North-South Line’s Ang Mo Kio MRT station is directly across the street from where the Stomp contributor resides.

The upcoming Cross-Island Line is the purpose of the construction.

A Land Transport Authority (LTA) representative responded to a Stomp inquiry by saying, “LTA is currently carrying out diaphragm wall construction works for the Cross Island Line-Ang Mo Kio interchange station.”

When building a diaphragm wall, a large volume of concrete is poured into the excavated area to form the wall structure. This process requires deep excavation.

“For safety reasons, these works must be carried out continuously to prevent any collapse of cut trench walls and ensure the stability of the surrounding ground and building structures,” stated the spokesperson.

“We are aware that the nearby residents may experience some disruption and inconvenience as a result of these works. We have already explained the nature of these important works to the residents through door-to-door engagements and circulars.

“In addition, we have put in place a series of noise mitigation measures, such as the installation of noise barriers and localised noise shields around the machines as well as work zones.”

The spokesperson went on to say that precautions have also been taken to reduce machinery movement at night.

By the end of this month, the current phase of diaphragm wall construction near the Stomp contributor’s block should be finished.

The LTA spokesperson stated, “We seek residents’ understanding on this matter.”

“We will continue to work closely with our contractors to make further adjustments if needed.”

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has established maximum allowable noise levels for construction work near various types of buildings based on the day of the week and time of day in order to reduce noise pollution.

Between 10 p.m. on Saturdays and the eve of public holidays and 7 a.m. on the Mondays that follow or the days after public holidays, no construction work is permitted.

On certain Sundays and public holidays, construction sites in the architectural or project completion stage are permitted to conduct quieter work; however, contractors must apply for a permit from the NEA in order to do so.

References

www.asiaone.com

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Asia Noise News

A resident is kept awake at three in the morning by loud road construction in Singapore

SINGAPORE: A man complained on social media about the loud noise coming from the road construction going on close to his house. He complained about how difficult it was to figure out who to contact for assistance.

On Sunday, October 22, at 3 a.m., Mr. BK Tan posted on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page stating that the noise levels from the road construction had reached over 65 dB within 150 meters of a residential area. He then asked, “Is it allowed?”

He continued by saying that he had made several unsuccessful calls to the National Environment Agency (NEA). Additionally, he stated that by Monday, October 23, the agency had responded, stating that the roadwork is considered a “critical infrastructure diversion” and must be finished. This would account for the reason that work continued through the hours of midnight and five in the morning.

But he also wrote that the project team informed them that no new updates had been received and that the roadworks had to end at 11:00 in accordance with previous correspondence. Furthermore, as of October 23, there had been no responses from the LTA.

In addition, Mr. Tan included a link to a page on the NEA website about construction noise control. This page details the permissible noise levels according to the time of day, the kind of building that is affected, and whether the noise occurs on a Sunday or a public holiday.

He also uploaded the following queries:

“Question: NEA’s regulations apply across other agencies, (LTA)??

Question: Does LTA aware of NEA’s noise regulations?

Question : Does LTA still approve works if they aware of the Noise’s regulations?

Question: To Meet critical milestone of the project, rules (as above) can be ‘negotiated’?

Question: What avenues (besides) for concerned resident to go other than MP and PMO?”

Not just Mr. Tan, but other locals have voiced their displeasure with the noise caused by road construction. Residents complained about the ongoing “awful noise” brought on by the construction of the North-South Corridor in January of this year.

A number of Singaporeans spoke about the challenges they face as a result of the construction; one 24-year-old said that while working from home, he must “deal with the pounding and whirring of machines.” He described the noise as “horrible” and said he had to shut his curtains and windows to block it out.

A Marymount resident went to considerable measures last year to record the noise level outside his home that was keeping him up at night. He even purchased a noise level monitor and posted a video of their nightly struggle on TikTok.

The resident uses the TikTok account Noisymarymount, and it seems that this was the reason behind its creation. “Noise due to the construction of North South corridor along Marymount” is how it is described. (TISG)

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Asia Noise News Environment

Ganesh Visarjan: Police will take stern action against violators and noise levels will be monitored at 22 locations

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the College of Engineering, Pune’s environment department will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

The police have vowed to take strict action against violators during Thursday’s immersion procession because noise levels in the majority of Pune’s central areas have exceeded the allowable limit thus far during the 10-day Ganeshotsav.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the environment department of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

Pune Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaar advised mandals to take precautions to ensure that noise levels did not exceed permitted levels during the designated time period.

“We’ve made the decision to conduct sporadic inspections and keep an eye on noise levels in the city’s center and other key areas. Strict action will be taken against violators if anyone is found to be going beyond the boundaries set forth,” he said.

Kumaar asserts that each mandal will lead two to three dhol-tasha groups in the procession, as stated by the city police.

“Dhol-tasha groups are also limited to carrying a combined total of 50 dhol and 15 taashas. Mandals that play music are permitted to carry double-layered music systems. There will only be three stops for Mandals, Kumaar said.

During the Ganesh immersion procession in the city, noise pollution is a significant concern. In addition to breaking noise pollution regulations, excessive loudspeaker use by Ganesh mandals is bad for everyone’s health, especially those who are exposed to the noise for extended periods of time.

Dhol-tasha pathaks, which were once thought of as a less harmful alternative to loudspeakers, now produce the same amount of noise as the speakers.

As the grand procession passes through this area, the central city will be the exercise’s main focus. In addition, the MPCB will record noise levels in the city’s suburban areas. The activity will be conducted by the board both during the day and at night, according to Nitin Shinde, sub-regional officer for the MPCB in Pune.

“According to last year’s observations, noise levels in nearly all of Pune’s neighborhoods were significantly above the recommended levels. The noise restrictions were broken on the first day of the Ganesh festival this year as well.

According to MPCB officials, the police department is in charge of taking enforcement action against noise pollution violations.

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Building Accoustics

Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control textbook (Wiley Series in Acoustics Noise and Vibration) 1st Edition

ENGINEERING ACOUSTICS
NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL

A masterful introduction to the theory of acoustics along with methods for the control of noise and vibration

In Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control, two experts in the field review the fundamentals of acoustics, noise, and vibration. The authors show how this theoretical work can be applied to real-world problems such as the control of noise and vibration in aircraft, automobiles and trucks, machinery, and road and rail vehicles.

Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control covers a wide range of topics.

The sixteen chapters include the following:

  • Human hearing and individual and community response to noise and vibration
  • Noise and vibration instrumentation and measurements
  • Interior and exterior noise of aircraft as well as road and rail vehicles
  • Methods for the control of noise and vibration in industrial equipment and machinery
  • Use of theoretical models in absorptive and reactive muffler and silencer designs
  • Practical applications of finite element, boundary element and statistical energy analysis
  • Sound intensity theory, measurements, and applications
  • Noise and vibration control in buildings
  • How to design air-conditioning systems to minimize noise and vibration

Readers, whether students, professional engineers, or community planners, will find numerous worked examples throughout the book, and useful references at the end of each chapter to support supplemental reading on specific topics. There is a detailed index and a glossary of terms in acoustics, noise, and vibration.

From the Back Cover

ENGINEERING ACOUSTICS
NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL

A masterful introduction to the theory of acoustics along with methods for the control of noise and vibration

In Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control, two experts in the field review the fundamentals of acoustics, noise, and vibration. The authors show how this theoretical work can be applied to real-world problems such as the control of noise and vibration in aircraft, automobiles and trucks, machinery, and road and rail vehicles.

Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Vibration Control covers a wide range of topics.

The sixteen chapters include the following:

  • Human hearing and individual and community response to noise and vibration
  • Noise and vibration instrumentation and measurements
  • Interior and exterior noise of aircraft as well as road and rail vehicles
  • Methods for the control of noise and vibration in industrial equipment and machinery
  • Use of theoretical models in absorptive and reactive muffler and silencer designs
  • Practical applications of finite element, boundary element and statistical energy analysis
  • Sound intensity theory, measurements, and applications
  • Noise and vibration control in buildings
  • How to design air-conditioning systems to minimize noise and vibration

Readers, whether students, professional engineers, or community planners, will find numerous worked examples throughout the book, and useful references at the end of each chapter to support supplemental reading on specific topics. There is a detailed index and a glossary of terms in acoustics, noise, and vibration.

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Environment

Narayan Peth records the loudest noise pollution during Dahi Handi at 110 dB

The Central Pollution Control Board’s standard limit was exceeded by 110 decibels during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Pune.

Although grand, this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations in Pune were equally loud. Narayan Peth recorded a noise level of 110 decibels, the highest recorded between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday, according to measurements made by the environment department of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) Technical University. Live performances, loudspeakers, and disc jockeys all added to the city’s noise pollution.

Under the direction of the department head Mahesh Shindikar, Jaywant Nandode and Indrajit Deshmukh from COEP recorded noise levels in various locations. Ten locations throughout the city’s center were used to collect the readings.

According to the data, Narayan Peth recorded the highest noise level, 110 decibels, which is significantly higher than the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) standard limit.

According to CPCB regulations, residential noise levels are limited to 45 decibels at night and 55 decibels during the day. The limit is set at 65 during the day and 55 at night in commercial areas. It can be up to 50 (during the day) and 40 (at night) for quiet zones.

The monitoring of noise levels used to be restricted to the Ganesh festival and Diwali because of the increased use of loudspeakers and firecrackers during those times. However, the increased use of loudspeakers and sound systems has led to higher noise levels at the Dahi Handi festival in recent years.

The COEP Technical University’s environment department head, Mahesh Shindikar, stated, “This is the first time we have recorded noise pollution during a Dahi Handi celebration. At every location, the noise level has been recorded as being higher than what is allowed. Exposure to such loud noises for an extended period of time is unhealthy for humans.

Pune’s joint police commissioner, Sandeep Karnik, declared: “The police administration has instituted vigilance in the city. We will investigate the information and complaints we have received and follow the law.

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Asia Noise News Environment

Noise pollution among top issues concerning citizens in Pune

PUNE: On the evening of August 17, a frazzled senior citizen from Mundhwa contacted the Pune police via their designated WhatsApp number to complain about a dhol-tasha troupe’s “loud noise.” The complainant and other locals were greatly relieved when a beat marshal took immediate action on the complaint.

Since its July 10 launch, the Pune police’s “anytime complaint” initiative to assist citizens in need has received positive feedback. The Pune police have received 1,224 complaints through WhatsApp through a 50-day period ending on August 30 from all over the city, including a small number from other districts.

As soon as the WhatsApp message was received, the sender’s location was sought, and the relevant police station was notified, according to a police officer speaking about the Mundhwa case. The dhol-tasha practice was in progress when the beat marshal arrived. He instructed the group to turn down the music and respect the 10 o’clock curfew. The group complied, so the police contacted the complainant and requested his input,” the officer said.

According to an analysis of the complaints that were submitted as a result of the initiative, “noise pollution” accounted for the second-highest number of complaints that the Pune police received during the two-month period. Since the WhatsApp number’s debut, 247 loud noise complaints from bars, hotels, and restaurants, also known as dhol-tasha pathaks, have been sent to it. As soon as the complaints were received, patrol marshals were dispatched to the locations, according to Pune police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr.

On the WhatsApp number, some odd complaints that fell outside of the police’s purview were also received. A person who got lost in another district made one of these complaints.

“The initiative’s main goal was to motivate women and girls to file complaints about issues that affect them. Our primary goal is to reduce crimes against women. We could better serve the women if we received a simple text message on their WhatsApp number, according to Kumaarr.

At least 70 women and girls filed complaints on the provided number up until August 30, which allowed police to take action. When commercial establishments’ noise levels exceed the established limits, senior citizens, children, and the ill frequently find themselves in a difficult situation. They find it very convenient to solve the problem by simply sending a text message with the location and address while they are still in their homes. The police commissioner stated, “Our team is working effectively to ensure that all complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

Anshuman Choudhari, a local of Wadgaonsheri, complained that the restaurants and bars in the area have been too disruptive. We will definitely use the initiative from the Pune police, which appears promising. The Pune police team contacts the complainants again to get their feedback after receiving the complaints via the WhatsApp number and taking appropriate action.

A Dhayari resident praised the initiative and suggested that police raise awareness of it to encourage more people to file complaints about problems that affect them. “Noise from commercial establishments is a serious problem, particularly at night. The resident suggested that more people call the special helpline to voice their concerns.

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Asia Noise News Environment

Fighting noise pollution Dhaka

It is alarming to learn that the majority of the time in this city, the noise level is more than twice the acceptable standard, which is permanently harming the physical and mental health of city dwellers. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published its “Annual Frontier Report, 2022,” which ranked Dhaka as the world’s most noisy city. In accordance with the 1999 WHO guidelines for community noise level, the recommended limits are 55 decibels for residential areas and 70 decibels for traffic and commercial areas. However, the report found that the average noise level in Dhaka was 119 decibels, the highest in the world in 2021. There is no denying that the media has given air and water pollution issues a lot of attention, but there seems to be less awareness of the issue when it comes to noise pollution. The negative impact of noise pollution, which is no longer just a minor health risk, has still not received enough attention. A little progress has been made over the years to stop this issue from getting worse.

Different things like traffic, hydraulic horns, aircraft, construction and repair work, industrial operations, and more all produce noise. A study suggests that the primary cause of noise pollution in Dhaka is the hydraulic horns of moving vehicles.

It’s important to note that 25.3% of professionals employed as road workers in the five city corporations of Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Rajshahi, Cumilla, and Sylhet have hearing impairment.

According to experts, noise pollution impairs sleep, raises blood pressure, causes headaches, indigestion, and auditory fatigue. Any person can become completely deaf after working in a loud environment for a long time.

Due to their work regulating traffic, traffic police are more susceptible to hearing issues. Hearing issues have been identified in the field traffic police who have worked together for many years.

Additionally, it has been noted that pregnant women who live close to major airports give birth to more immature, deformed, and crippled children than those who live elsewhere.

It’s time to act decisively to reduce the amount of noise pollution in the city. We must develop the necessary strategies to enact pertinent laws to address noise pollution and take it more seriously. Regulations and rules for noise monitoring should be implemented by the relevant authorities.

We think that with proper management, the level of noise can be reduced and the detrimental effects of sound pollution can be eliminated for Dhaka residents.

Categories
Environment Noise-th

Pattaya police crack down on noise nuisance and street racing

Thailand’s Pattaya – In response to the urgent problem of street racing and noise disturbance brought on by Arab tourists in the Soi 18 and Pattaya Second Road areas, Pattaya police launched a comprehensive crackdown on reckless driving and disorderly behavior on August 5.

As a result of their loud vehicles and disruptive behavior, large groups of Arab tourists have started congregating in South Pattaya’s notorious Soi 18 neighborhood. Both locals and visitors in the area have experienced discomfort as a result of the constant engine revving and the ensuing cacophony of noise.

The traffic police have already taken action to reduce erratic driving and noise pollution. They have intensified their efforts by sending more officers to strategic locations where these Arab groups are known to congregate and engage in street racing, though, in response to recent unruly incidents.

The traffic department has consistently enforced traffic discipline measures, according to Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Sapanont, head of the Pattaya City Traffic Police Division. However, given the unique difficulties presented by the Arab groups, they have stepped up their presence in key areas to discourage and capture those who engage in street racing and causing disturbances.

“Offenders caught participating in illegal street racing and causing noise disturbances will face severe penalties,” police lieutenant colonel Arut warned. To address the violations, the traffic police will issue two separate summonses. The first summons targets motorists who are observed operating vehicles without valid licenses, without helmets, or with unauthorized modifications, such as loud exhaust pipes.

Those rental companies connected to these unlawful activities will receive a second summons. They run the risk of having their vehicles impounded and a 2,000 Baht fine. Police confiscated 10 motorcycles during the crackdown, including two that had illegal modifications.

Categories
Environment

Active or Passive noise control, what is the difference ?

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Environment Noise and Vibration Product News

Experimental sound power measurements following ISO standards with MEMS and Spherical Array (Comparison)

EXPERIMENTAL OF SOUND POWER MEASUREMENT: ISO CONVENTIONAL METHODS AND MEMS SPHERICAL ARRAY MICROPHONE COMPARISON

Punyakorn Sourachai Geonoise (Thailand), Bangkok, Thailand email: punyakorn@geonoise.asia

Pitipong Sarapho Geonoise (Thailand), Bangkok, Thailand email: pond@geonoise.asia

Sound power level determines the actual performance or strength of a sound source, which can range from a portable loudspeaker to gigantic machinery. Methods to measure sound power have been introduced since the 80s by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), determining sound power with sound pressure in ISO 3740 series. Later, ISO 9614 series were introduced with methods based on sound intensity. Both methods have been adopted and are well-known throughout the field. Nowadays, the technology of MEMS microphones is widely spread in the industry, as well as the method of combining multiple microphones to form an array, allowing engineers to localize sound source location and capture multiple acoustic parameters simultaneously. This paper presents an experiment measuring sound power level with the RSS using conventional ISO methods from sound pressure and intensity known to be able to provide accuracy higher than survey grade, compared with a spherical array microphone that was more recently introduced. An in-situ measurement is also presented to experiment with the practicality of each method.

Theme areas: Acoustical and vibration measurement and instrumentation

Full paper available at https://www.aac.asia

 

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