Geospatial Visualization of Logarithmic Attenuation of Pile-Driving Noise Based on Field Measurements
Abstract
Pile-driving operations in construction generate intense pulsed noise, creating safety problems at the construction site and potentially causing concern in nearby communities. This study presents field measurements of sound pressure levels (SPL) from active pile driving at various distances, modeling decay using a logarithmic attenuation function and integrating the results with geospatial visualization. The measured time history of the SPL showed periodic fluctuations (amplitude ~17 dB) corresponding to the hammer impact cycle. By applying a logarithmic model (with distances calculated using the Haversin equation) to each measurement interval, we obtained attenuation coefficients that provided a high degree of confidence (R2 > 0.8 in 77.5% of cases; the maximum value is 0.97). The model's predictions corresponded to the observed SPL values with an average error of about 2.6% and minor deviations (underestimation over medium distances). A noise map was compiled throughout the site, and 3D visualization was performed, identifying areas exceeding 85 dB near the source that require hearing protection and showing a decrease in SPL to safe levels (~55 dB) at the site boundary. These results demonstrate a novel integration of empirical measurements with logarithmic modeling and geospatial mapping to support construction noise assessment and protective zone planning.