Landside Noise and Vibration Assessment for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Arup Consulting Engineers appointed AWN Consulting to identify the noise and vibration impacts associated with the second terminal of Dublin Airport to form part of the EIS document. The scheme comprises a new terminal capable of handling up to 15 million passengers per year. The overall project also includes an improved network of internal campus roads, a major utilities upgrade, a new multi-storey car park and the provision of sites for a new ground transportation centre and a future metro station.

A comprehensive brief was agreed as summarised below:

• extensive baseline noise monitoring surveys at noise sensitive locations on surrounding site boundaries;
• prediction and assessment of construction noise levels at nearest noise sensitive locations;
• assessment of noise impacts associated with increased road traffic movements and changes in road network infrastructure generated by the development;
• assessment of the generation and propagation of vibration during construction and operational phases.

Construction Phase

Current and relevant criteria relating to permissible levels of construction noise and vibration were identified. Typical sources of noise and vibration associated with the construction of the proposed development were identified. Noise and vibration emissions associated with various stages of the construction program were predicted at nearby noise sensitive locations. The output from this process was a detailed series of specifications for construction noise and vibration mitigation measures.

Operational Phase

Current and relevant criteria were identified relating to the impact of potential changes in noise and vibration levels on road networks in the vicinity of the airport.

Detailed prediction calculations were carried out in order to identify the likely increase in noise levels for the opening and design year of the development. Noise and vibration impacts during the operational phase of the development were identified as insignificant.

Work on this project commenced in 2007; the development is due to open in 2010.