TRAIN NOISE AND HOW IT AFFECTS TALL HDB BLOCKS

Abstract

In a densely populated country like Singapore, it is common for people to be exposed to many sources of traffic noise on a daily basis. As residential buildings are built taller and taller, it becomes apparent that traffic noise is affecting residents on higher floors as well. Train noise in particular, seems to generate a larger noise level which can create a negative impact on such residents. This can lead to many health problems which take a toll on their health, mentally and physically. As such, this paper aims to establish the relationship between train noise levels and the impact it has on taller residential blocks. This dissertation will look at key areas of concern affecting train noise and whether such noise does pose a bigger problem on higher floors. This would require a look at a case study in Ghim Moh Valley estate and measurements will be taken to see if higher noise levels are indeed observed. Although the results from case study may not be extensive enough to determine the level at which train noise is most prominent or how noise levels fades away, they are still able to give an overview of its impact on higher levels. This study will show how noise from trains can be of a bigger problem to higher levels of the buildings and this will be discussed further in the paper.