• Construction Noise
  • Handbook
  • RCNM Version 1.1
  • RCNM Version 2.0
  • Special Report
• Measurement
• Noise Barriers
• Noise Compatible Planning
• Regulation and Guidance
• Resources
• Tire Pavement Noise
• Traffic Noise Model
• Training

Special Report - Measurement, Prediction, and Mitigation

Appendix A Construction Equipment Noise Levels and Ranges

The noise emission levels listed for various types of construction related machinery are, with the exception of the compressor data, based on limited samples. The values are presented in order to give the reader a basic understanding of where particular pieces of machinery fit on a noise-range spectrum of levels. Additional data and updated material should be added when it becomes available.

The majority of the data was provided by the American Road Builders Association. This data was taken during a 1973 survey in which member contractors were asked to secure readings of noise exposure to operators of various types of equipment. Additionally, the contractors were asked to take readings at 50 feet from the machinery. These 50-feet peak readings are provided in the appendix. The data was produced under varying condition and degrees of expertise, however, the values are relatively consistent.

The data provided for portable air compressors was taken from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publication EPA 550/9-76-004 which was used in the development of the final Portable Air Compressors Regulation. The data represents average noise level readings taken at 7m(23 ft.) using the CAGI/PNEUROP measurement method.