Construction Noise Assessment and Noise Control Practice—Sites Investigation

Construction activities with inherent noise generation have become a major problem for human health. Thus, this study focuses on the monitoring of construction noise at the low-density residential areas within Bandar Baru Perda and Hospital Seberang Jaya, Penang. The noise measurement was monitored for 12 h during the daytime commencing from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. by using a precision sound level meter (SLM) Class 1 to obtain the continuous equivalent sound level (LAeq), Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50 and L90. Each of the 10 different characteristics of the sampling points was taken in 1 h (the sound level meter recorded every one-second noise level) in the study area. The results of LAeq values obtained were analyzed descriptively and statistically. The difference in characteristics of sampling areas produced diverse noise levels. The result from the study shows noise levels range from 51.9 to 77.9 dB (A) recorded within the low-density residential areas which exceed the maximum permissible sound level (LAeq) pegged at 60 dB (A) during daytime by the Department of Environment, Malaysia. The findings from this work can serve as a reference for government regulatory agencies and policy frameworks for modern less noise-polluted cities.