Assessing Wind Impact on Noise Level Measurements for Application in Architectural Acoustics: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT

In this study, we have used wind data obtained from an earlier work covering several locations in Nigeria to estimate the possible impact of wind on sound pressure levels. Estimated Weibull parameters were used to compute the most probable wind speed, the average wind speed and the duration for which wind speed exceeds or equal the most probable speed. Adopting the proposed criteria that wind is able to strengthen or weaken sound pressure levels by 3dB depending on wind direction, the effect of wind on sound pressure level was determined. Results showed that wind effect seemed more predominant for the sub-sahelian stations such as Sokoto, Kano, and Maiduguri where the impact was found to be +/- 3dB obviously due to the characteristic high wind speeds recorded at those stations. The situation is almost the same for the midland region except that moderate impacts were found in some of the stations like Yola, Yelwa and Bauchi. However, moderate wind impacts generally characterize the Guinea Savannah and the coastal regions with the exception of Enugu with an impact of +/- 3dB. The result for Warri was found to be insignificant. It was concluded that most locations within the Nigerian environment may attain the wind conditions that would necessitate an adjustment in noise level measurements for application in architectural acoustics. In order to further validate the results of this preliminary study, it was recommended that detailed field survey where all relevant parameters such as wind speeds, wind directions and noise levels are simultaneously measured be conducted.

Keywords: Sound Pressure Level, Wind, Environmental Noise, Architectural Acoustics, Noise Measurement

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