SoundPLAN - Software Modules

Software Solutions

SoundPLAN is modular, which means that the software can customized to meet the application needs of the user.  Modules can be added as needed.

A typical software package for Industrial Noise Application includes:

A typical software package for OSHA Application includes:

A typical software package for Road or Railroad Noise Application includes:

Description of SoundPLAN Modules

Basic Modules

1. Geographical Database:

Generates and manages all geometrical and descriptive data, result files and spreadsheets. The Run File assembles the input data with the calculation commands and prepares the data for graphical output.   Import and digitize x/y coordinate information from bitmap files.  The digitizing process can be accelerated by using SoundPLAN's digital ground data to provide the ground elevation information.   Simple data manipulation tools (transformation matrix and coordinate operation) help to shift or rotate input data.  Import of AutoCad DXF files into SoundPLAN Geographical Database and export SoundPLAN data (geometry, contour lines).

2. Road Noise Propagation:

Calculates road traffic noise and noise from parking lots in accordance with the various user selectable standards: FHWA RD-77-108, RLS90, CRTN, ...

3. Railroad Noise Propagation:

Calculates railroad traffic noise and noise from parking lots in accordance with different user selectable standards: Schall03, OEAL 30, Nordic Rail Method, CRRTN, ... (Application Example)

4. Industry Noise Propagation:

Calculates frequency dependent industry noise propagation (point, line, area) in accordance with user selectable standards: ISO 9613, VDI 2714 /VDI 2720, General Prediction Method and/or CONCAWE.

5. Indoor Factory Noise:

Calculates frequency dependent industry noise sources (point, line, area). For OSHA assessments in workrooms and/or preparation for outdoor noise calculations. The method implemented in SoundPLAN is based on VDI 3760 (Application Example). The computation allows the user to predict the sound pressure level for specific locations. An additional calculation process called "Sound Decay Curve" allows the user to characterize the room response compared to free field propagation. (Interested in the Indoor Calculation Method -> Calculation Equations)

5. Distributed Computing:

The module Distributed Computing allows to processed time consuming calculation like Grid Noise Maps, City Noise Maps & Facade Noise Maps on multiple PCs at the same time.  With increasing number of computers the calculation is completed in a fraction of the normal time. The time overhead is almost not measurable. A network of 20 PCs will do the calculations overnight that otherwise would have run for a week.

Graphic Modules

6. Grid Noise Map:

Calculation of sound pressure levels on an equidistant grid and the graphical presentation of the grid data (i.e., levels) or the splined contour lines. The contour generator allows the splining of the grid levels based on 3 different spline methods. The maps created in the graphics allow the user to visualize specific conditions or the differences between two conditions.

7. Grid Noise Map Evaluation:

Allows the direct visual comparison of the calculated grid noise levels with the corresponding noise ordinances (or allowables) specified for the area. Areas which exceed the noise ordinance are plotted with reference to a user created scale. A conflict table allows the user to analyze the noise impact considering the sound levels and population densities.

8. Cross Sectional Noise Map:

Calculation of sound pressure levels on an equidistant vertical grid. The cross section is define with two points and the calculation height. The graphical presentation is identical with the Grid Noise Map [Contour Maps, Difference Map]. The Cross Sectional Noise Maps created in the graphics allow the user to visualize show the shadow zone of barrier or buildings. (Railroad Example with Noise Barrier)

9. Facade Noise Map:

Automatic calculation of noise levels on the facade of a building at set spacing (i.e., every 5', 10', etc.). The results can be visualized in color maps and documented in result tables.  In combination with the Grid Noise Map allows the computation of Meshed Grid Noise Maps.

10. Cartography:

Generation of noise (contour) maps from measured sound pressure levels. The module allows the ASCII import of full and third octave band data (or overall levels). The resulting noise maps can be used by the Grid Noise Map Module and compared with either predicted noise levels and/or noise ordinances. The Cartography module add additional features to the SoundPLAN Graphics such as:  multiple maps on a graphic sheet,  output of bitmaps,  labeling contour lines with text, graphic generator for symbols, lines and areas.

Tools

11. Wall Design:

Allows the user to optimize the configuration (height and length) of berms and walls used for noise control. The optimization can be based upon the surface area of the berm/wall or cost of construction. Cost - performance diagrams allow the user to develop the most effective noise control design. The user can also specify certain wall configuration constraints (height/length) during the optimization procedure.

12. Dimensioning of Sound Isolation of Windows:

This analysis tool calculates the required sound transmission loss for a given noise impact and boundary condition (room size, wall and window size, ..).

SoundPLAN Expert

13. Aircraft Noise Propagation:

Calculates aircraft noise in accordance to AZB and DIN 45643

14. Expert System Industry Noise:

The Expert System combines all results, propagation and source information into one comprehensive system. The graphic display [Bar diagrams of noise spectra, distributions over 24 hr and propagation loss] provide a quick overview of the noise propagation and the impact. The module allows the ranking of receivers and sources according to levels and other specified criteria. Optimization utilities enable the user to determine the most cost effective noise control solution(s).

15. 3 D Graphics:

Enables three dimensional viewing and plotting of the model with hidden line and hidden surface algorithms. Colors are shaded in relation to a specified light source. The animation allows the 3 D graphics to be converted into a sequence of frames (i.e. a digital movie) showing the model from the perspective of a driver, pedestrian or pilot.

Data Exchange

16. Moss Genio Input/Output:

Import of MOSS Genio files into SoundPLAN Geographical Database and export SoundPLAN data (geometry, contour lines).

17. FHWA TNM v2.5 Data Import & Export Interface:

he SoundPLAN software offers a TNM v2.5 interface.  TNM v2.5 project data (i.e., road, elevation line, barriers, receptors, ground definitions areas) are directly imported with the geometry and attributes into a SoundPLAN project.  SoundPLAN projects geometry and attributes are exported back into a TNM v2.5 project files (i.e., *.dat, *.idx)

18. ArcInfo Shape File Import:

Import of ArcInfo Shape Files (Geometry and Object oriented information) into SoundPLAN Geographical Database, Export Noise Contours back into ArcInfo Shape Files.

Send mail to webinfo@navcon.com questions or comments..
Copyright © 1997 - 2007 Navcon Engineering Network
Last modified: June 25, 2009