Effect of urban morphology on the distribution of traffic noise

The thesis explores the effects of the urban morphological characteristics on the general level and the spatial distribution of urban traffic noise with employing the state-of-the-art noise mapping method and a series of quantitative research approaches. In a systematic applicability test, it was found that the state-of-the-art EU noise mapping method is applicable in most of the complicated urban space scenarios selected in China; while for some complicated urban environment features, optimisation of the calculation configuration, modelling method, or calculation algorithm is required to ensure acceptable accuracy. A comparison study was then conducted between a series of urban areas with similar functions and distinct urban morphological features in two typical urbanised areas selected in the UK and China. The result reveals strong influences of urban morphological features on the noise distribution patterns. The effect of the social-economic factors on the spatial distribution of traffic noise was also explored. A parametric study based on a series of idealised cases was conducted to further explore the effects of urban morphological features on the traffic noise. A number of urban morphological indices were found to have significant effects on the general level and distribution of traffic noise and series of prediction models were also developed based on multilinear regression analyses, and it was found that the variation of up to 73.1% of the ground noise level and 70.7% of the indoor noise level can be predicted by 2-3 urban morphological indices. Based on the findings, a series of practical suggestions were then given for the potential of predicting and mitigating the traffic noise impact through urban planning and urban design measures.