Hintzsche M., Neuhofer R.

Building sites belong to the most annoying sources of noise in our cities. They practice longer time in the open air and frequently quit near of apartments. Between 2002 and 2005 The Federal Environmental Agency, Germany, built their new office building right in the city. The destination was to minimize the annoyance for the affected neighbourhood through the construction noise. In a first step, a forecasting of the immission values to be expected was created. The “invitations to tender” documents were examined with regard to the ”noise problems”. Where possible, alternatives for softer models were suggested. Especially noisy processes were controlled through measurements. In Addition, the population was informed of the necessity of the noisy works. The results of the project are: - The values, determined by measurement techniques are similar to the results of calculations on noise exposure. - A calculation needs clear statements about operation times likewise dates with reference to the noise level of machines and aggregates. - For calculations a focus on three, or at most five of the loudest noise sources is sufficient. - The main noise source identified during investigations at construction site has been hammer strokes. A calculation of the immission value in dB without the main emission source showed less than 6 dB(A) lower values. - The noise situation is determined by the individual tools handling factor (“The Individual Factor”) and technique controlling.