Projecting the Impact of New Medium and Heavy Truck Noise Regulation Strategies on Community Noise Levels

This paper discusses in some detail the mathematical model input data used by the Vehicular Noise Control Department of the General Motors Environmental Activities Staff to project the effects of various medium and heavy truck noise regulation strategies on future community noise levels.

The model projects that, for two typical traffic situations, the reduction of new truck sound levels below current requirements does not result in a corresponding decrease in community noise levels. Furthermore, the potential benefits anticipated from the implementation of new truck noise regulations will not be realized without the effective enforcement of operator in-use standards and the control of truck tire noise.