Project Experience

Transportation

Heavy Trucks

About These Projects

Trucking noise-related projects have included modelling of future noise impact from proposed alignments, design and specification of roadside barriers, area-wide noise monitoring programs, development and implementation of legislation and testing procedures. The following are selected examples of relevant project experience involving noise from truck traffic:

Common Acoustical Challenges:

Engine compression braking
Tire and exhaust noise
Acceleration and start-up noise
Haul routes near communities
Truck route planning
Federal noise compliance testing

Highway 1/99 Brake Check

West Vancouver, BC

Noise impact assessment plus evaluation of mitigation options for noise created at new brake check from truck engine compression braking (i.e., Jake brakes), brake air release and acceleration. Noise wall options were modelled using Cadna/A to compare the benefits at neighbourhood locations for the three types of noise.

Davidson Mine

Smithers, BC

Performed the noise impact assessment on a new underground molybdenum mine near Smithers, BC. The most significant potential noise impact was from a new haul route that would pass near the community; an increase in highway truck traffic was also assessed. Both construction and operation phases were assessed with noise contours calculated using Cadna/A.

Cleveland Dam Seepage Control Project

North Vancouver, BC

This large construction project had an access road used by off-highway haul trucks that was adjacent to approximately 40 residences. BKL evaluated and compared several alternative construction plans, predicted noise levels for the chosen option and assisted in providing specifications for a temporary 4.5 m high noise barrier. Post-construction measurements showed that noise bylaw limits were being met with the barrier in place which confirmed the predicted results.

South Fraser Perimeter Road

Delta, BC

Noise impact assessment for proposed 2.5 km truck route along the waterfront of an existing community. This included an initial feasibility study of several alternate two lane and four lane road designs and attendance at public open houses.

Deltaport Way

Roberts Bank, BC

Prediction and assessment of noise from future truck traffic on a new road to serve the Deltaport Container Terminal.

Evaluation of Test Methods for Truck Noise

Transport Canada

Two stationary noise test procedures for heavy duty trucks were assessed to determine their ability to predict the results of a standard pass-by test. Sixty diesel trucks were tested in accordance with all three standards. The results of the study were published by the Society of Automotive Engineers. A subsequent study assessed the site-to-site repeatability of the two stationary test procedures. This was accomplished by testing a smaller number of trucks at a large number of sites.

Noise Compliance Testing of Motorcycles and Heavy Duty Trucks

Transport Canada

Numerous noise compliance test programs have been conducted for Transport Canada on new motorcycles, heavy duty trucks and buses to confirm that noise emissions are in compliance with federal government regulations. Well over (100) vehicles have been tested according to SAE pass-by test standards.

Bus Start-Up Noise Testing

BC Transit

Development and implementation of a test procedure to measure maximum pass by noise levels of buses starting up under maximum acceleration conditions on a hill. Overall levels, tonal components, and noise variations with time (from gear up shift and downshift) were analysed with respect to complaints received for various buses.

Featured Case Study

Industrial & Energy

Fibreco Redevelopment Project

The Fibreco Redevelopment Project is a port upgrade initiative in North Vancouver that supports future grain export operations by sea. The project includes major improvements such as the installation of railcar indexer and dumper systems, expansion of rail yard facilities, upgrades and additions to conveyor systems, enhancements to dust collection systems, construction of new grain storage silos, and installation of a new shiploader along with modifications to the existing berth. Due to the port's proximity to long-established residential communities, including Norgate, and its closeness to Bodwell School in the Harbourside area, environmental noise was an important consideration during permitting with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) and in addressing the noise regulations of the District of North Vancouver (DNV). BKL's objective was to develop a clear understanding of the existing noise environment, simulate current and future noise conditions, and assess changes at noise-sensitive receptors. A key requirement for the project was to demonstrate that the redevelopment would not result in an overall increase in noise levels affecting the surrounding community. As the environmental acoustics consultant, and in response to requirements from both VFPA and DNV, BKL developed a structured scope of work focused on measurement, modeling, and noise impact assessment: BKL's approach supported the assessment and permitting process in several important ways: Have a project in mind? Get in touch today.

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