An automatic decision model for optimal noise barrier plan in terms of health impact, productivity, and cost aspects

Construction noise from several urban construction sites damages both construction companies and residents by creating an unpleasant acoustic environment. Noise barriers can be a great option to manage construction noise at a level that satisfies both construction companies and residents when installed considering construction project conditions. This study developed an automatic decision model to determine the optimal noise barrier plan regarding health impacts, productivity, and costs. Among several mathematically formulated noise barrier plans, the optimal noise barrier plan was determined using simulated annealing with consideration of the three objective functions in the trade-off relationship. A case study was conducted to validate the feasibility of the developed model. In the case study, the optimal noise barrier plan reduced the total expenditure of the construction company by up to 2.4% (USD 170.5 for ten days) and the health impacts of residents by up to 39.5% (USD 4,020.2 for ten days). The developed model is expected to be utilized to improve the urban acoustic environment while ensuring the profitability of construction companies. Furthermore, various social problems (civil complaints, disputes, etc.) in urban areas caused by construction noise can be prevented through an improved urban acoustic environment.