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1- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
2- Department of Environment, Ha. C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
3- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran.
2- Department of Environment, Ha. C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
3- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran.
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background: Among urban features, alleys have a unique potential to influence noise patterns through their structural attributes. This study aims to evaluate how specific alley characteristics, such as width, building height, and curvature, can mitigate traffic noise in urban environments, particularly in arid regions with limited greenery.
Methods: This field-based observational study, conducted in Isfahan, Iran, during spring 2024, investigates the noise-attenuating effects of alley characteristics, where noise levels and structural variables were analyzed using a non-linear mixed-effects model across six measurement points from 0 to 50 m within selected alleys. Initial noise levels at alley entrances averaged ≈70 dB (mean), decreasing to ≈44 dB at 50 m, demonstrating a significant reduction.
Results: The mixed-effects model revealed that fixed effects of structural characteristics explained 73% of the variance in noise attenuation (Marginal R² = 0.726), while the full model with random effects for alley variations accounted for 89% (Conditional R² = 0.888). Entrance width showed a positive association with noise, whereas building height and curvature significantly reduced noise propagation. Vegetation indices showed no significant impact on noise levels, likely reflecting the very low vegetation density (NDVI ≈0.14). This suggests that structural alley features, rather than greenery, dominate noise mitigation in arid regions.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of urban alley design in noise management, highlighting the role of narrower entrances, taller buildings, and curved pathways to enhance livability in noise-prone urban areas. Optimizing these structural features in urban planning can significantly reduce noise exposure, and future research should explore their applicability across diverse urban contexts.
Methods: This field-based observational study, conducted in Isfahan, Iran, during spring 2024, investigates the noise-attenuating effects of alley characteristics, where noise levels and structural variables were analyzed using a non-linear mixed-effects model across six measurement points from 0 to 50 m within selected alleys. Initial noise levels at alley entrances averaged ≈70 dB (mean), decreasing to ≈44 dB at 50 m, demonstrating a significant reduction.
Results: The mixed-effects model revealed that fixed effects of structural characteristics explained 73% of the variance in noise attenuation (Marginal R² = 0.726), while the full model with random effects for alley variations accounted for 89% (Conditional R² = 0.888). Entrance width showed a positive association with noise, whereas building height and curvature significantly reduced noise propagation. Vegetation indices showed no significant impact on noise levels, likely reflecting the very low vegetation density (NDVI ≈0.14). This suggests that structural alley features, rather than greenery, dominate noise mitigation in arid regions.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of urban alley design in noise management, highlighting the role of narrower entrances, taller buildings, and curved pathways to enhance livability in noise-prone urban areas. Optimizing these structural features in urban planning can significantly reduce noise exposure, and future research should explore their applicability across diverse urban contexts.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Occupational and Industrial Health
Received: 2025/10/11 | Accepted: 2025/12/13
Received: 2025/10/11 | Accepted: 2025/12/13
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