Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, June, 1999. / Title from PDF t.p.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

The aim of this inquiry was to investigate the most appropriate measures to reduce noise impacts from road traffic on the Nydala recreational area in Umeå municipality due to the planned re-routing of the E4 motorway to an existing road along this area. The sound environment is an important part in the experience when we are visiting recreational areas. Noise is not only disturbing; the liberty from unwanted sounds also allows us to perceive natural sounds that are a benefit for the cultural experience. Therefore it is important to take actions to protect this well used area from traffic noise. The reasonable options to avoid noise impact in this case are to lower the speed limit, using a noise reducing coating or use noise protection screens and walls. To estimate the measures suitability the starting points were to measure the effects on noise, the impact on the landscape, coasts and other possible side effects. It is important that the noise issue may not be replaced by other problems such as barrier effects, significant effects on the landscape or worsening living environment. To assess the reducing effect of the noise, calculations have been made. These showed that the measures that reduce noise spread were more favorable compared to those which prevent noise generation. The most appropriate measure in this case, based on the noise impact and influence on the landscape, is a 2 meter high acoustic screen in a combination of 0,5 meter wood and 1,5 meter tempered

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 2000. / Title from PDF t.p.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, June, 1997. / Title from PDF t.p.

There is not much research done on how traffic noise on schoolyards affect children and teachers although noise pollution from traffic often are high and affect both groups in several ways. It is a well-established fact that a positive sound environment affects health and learning as well as the working capacity by reducing stress levels. The purpose of this study is to examine whether sound pollution is prevalent in elementary schools in Umeå, if the personnel have knowledge pertaining to the effects of sound pollution, and whether the examined schools have specific routines and self-monitoring mechanism for dealing with sound pollution. The study also aims to inquire whether the schools take any preventive measures with regards to minimizing sound pollution and if they have assigned responsibility for these matters to anyone in the organization. Two methods were used in the study, a questionnaire for teachers and interviews with the principals. The questions were formed in such a way so as to shed light on the above mentioned purposes of this study. The answers to the questionnaire illustrate if and how the teachers perceive and deal with sound pollution on the schoolyard. The interview questions aimed to assess the perception of the principals regarding the sound pollution in their respective schools, the level of knowledge the school management had with regards to sound pollution as well as the routines used for ameliorating and preventing sound pollution on the school yard. The study was performed in four elementary schools in the municipality of Umeå and the questionnaire had 32 respondents. One major reason for using a questionnaire was to maximize the amount of respondents in a time efficient manner. The study intends to shed light on a problem (i.e. sound pollution) that schools usually tend to disregard but nevertheless a problem that, possibly, could lead to dire consequences if not taken into account. The results of the study show that 10 of the 32 teachers perceive traffic noise as a problem that affects both children and educational activities negatively on their schoolyard. The results of the study indicate that teachers perceive sound pollution to be a problem on their schoolyard. However, they seem to lack adequate knowledge regarding the health outcome of such noise pollutants. In conclusion, it is evident that teachers need more support information, resources and education in order to enable them to achieve a positive sound environment on their workplace - both for themselves and the children. The results show that there still remains a lot to improve in schools with regards to noise pollution. In many cases, even those responsible at the schools lacked the knowledge necessary to understand the health problems with noise pollution.