Abstract
During operation, construction machines generate high noise levels which
can adversely affect the health and the job performance of operators. The
noise control techniques currently applied to reduce the noise transmitted
into the operator cab are all based on the decrease of the sound pressure
level. Merely reducing this noise parameter may be suitable for the
compliance with the legislative requirements but, unfortunately, it is not
sufficient to improve the subjective human response to noise. The absolute
necessity to guarantee comfortable and safe conditions for workers,
requires a change of perspective and the identification of different noise
control criteria able to combine the reduction of noise levels with that
of psychophysical descriptors representing those noise attributes related
to the subjective acoustical discomfort.
This paper presents the results of a study concerning the “customization” of a
methodology based on Sound Quality for the noise control of construction
machines. The purpose is to define new hearing-related criteria for the
noise control able to guarantee not only reduced noise levels at the
operator position but also a reduced annoyance perception.
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