Effects of Urban Form on Ambient Air Filter Noise Exposure in Open Areas

Although ambient air filters are commonly used to improve air quality in urban areas, their operation often produces significant noise levels. In this study, we investigated and addressed the issue of ambient air filter noise exposure in open areas of Chinese cities, with a focus on various typical urban forms. Firstly, fifteen common urban blocks with different forms and of 250 × 250 m each were chosen as sample sites, for which urban form indices and noise distribution indices were defined. Then noise mapping was conducted to investigate air filter noise exposure in open areas and the effects of urban form indices on noise distribution indices. Results show that urban form has considerable effects on filter noise exposure in open areas. Among the six urban form indices examined, the distance between the first-row building and the air filter was found to be the most critical factor affecting noise levels with the highest correlation coefficient (R = 0.754). The orientation of the first-row building shows the significant resisting effect on both average and background noise levels. Furthermore, the resisting effect of first-row buildings can create a maximum reduction of 12.0 dB (A) for peak noise. These indices could be profiled and used as an “a priori” tool for urban sound environment planning.