Community noise survey of Cincinnati, Ohio

In a field investigation of noise levels in Cincinnati, Ohio, 20-min noise recordings were made at 19 sites during 19 weekdays, at ten different times, according to an incomplete Latin-square statistical plan. L10, L50, and L90 values were determined for each sample. An analysis of variance was carried out separately for each of the three parameters and the significance of sampling hours and days analyzed. L10 and L90 values were found highly correlated to L50 values (r = 0.96 and 0.93). However, the L10 − L90 difference which is the basis of the Traffic Noise Index was found to be poorly correlated to L50 levels (r = 0.44). Subject Classification: 50.70; 50.75.