Modelling of traffic noise along urban corridor: a case study of amman

Noise became one of the main environmental indicators of the quality of urban life. The aim of this study was to develop a traffic noise model for an arterial road in Amman, the capital of Jordan, which was being subjected to a persistent increase in traffic and its related issues. The characteristics of the traffic and its relevant noise were analysed to develop a noise prediction model using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). A geographic information system (GIS) was then implemented to model the current noise along the arterial road. The results of ANFIS model showed that traffic delays and the percentage of heavy vehicles were the main causes of traffic noise generation within the urban area. However, the developed ANFIS model can simulate traffic noise with a relatively low root mean square error. Furthermore, this study will help to improve the perception about traffic noise and its development along arterial roads.