NHI Noise Course Information

The Audio Arts & Acoustics Department will be hosting the
NHI Highway Traffic Noise course (FHWA-NHI-142051)
August 21 -August 23, 2012, 33 E. Congress Pkwy., Room 421

Register for the 2012 session here.

Just $559 complete.

Session Overview

This training will help educate engineers, environmental specialists, designers, planners, and consultants about traffic noise and ways to reduce the impacts caused by highway projects. Shaped by a technical panel of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) noise specialists and environmental specialists from State Departments of Transportation (DOT), the training is an introductory-- yet comprehensive-- overview of highway traffic noise.

Topics covered include the basic principles of acoustics, how to determine when a noise analysis is required, and typical strategies to mitigate noise in highway projects. The training also provides an overview of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (FHWA TNM), which was developed to predict noise levels and evaluate noise abatement measures.

As part of the training design, the National Highway Institute (NHI) commissioned a customized version of the Interactive Sound Information System (ISIS). ISIS is a noise simulation software program that employs high-quality digital recordings, precise sound control, and graphic imagery to present basic acoustical concepts and sounds from various traffic and other sources. ISIS also demonstrates the sound level reductions provided by various noise barrier configurations.

The course includes a presentation and activities on the July 2010 revision to the FHWA noise regulation (Title 23 Code of Regulations Part 772: Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise) and the related State highway agency noise policies interpreting the regulation.   And participants will learn about noise-compatible planning, which encourages local governments and developers to not develop noise-sensitive land uses adjacent to highways or to take measures to abate or mitigate potential noise impacts if they do.

Who should attend?

• FHWA staff
• State Department of Transportation
  • environmental specialists
  • designers
  • planners
  • engineers
• City or County
  • environmental engineers
  • coordinators
  • specialists
• Independent Consultants

To see a map of previous and current attendees, click here.

Instructed by:

• Adam Alexander, Federal Highway Administration
• Harvey S. Knauer, P.E., Environmental Acoustics, Inc.

Session Schedule

Day 1 Tuesday, August 21, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Basic Acoustics and Terminology
• Noise Legislation, Regulations, Policies and Procedures

Day 2 Wednesday, August 22, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Review and Preview
• Noise Study Requirements
• Noise Measurement
• Basics of Traffic Noise Modeling and Impact Determination
• Introduction to FHWA TNM
• Barrier Acoustical Concepts and Design

Day 3 Thursday, August 23, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Review and Preview
• Construction Noise
• Public Involvement
• Noise Study Documentation
• Noise Abatement Activities Related to Land Use and Source Control
• Highway Project-Related Noise Abatement
• Exam
• Exam Overview and Closing

Continuing Education Units (CEU’s)
1.8 CEU’s upon successful completion of the course exam and 100% attendance during the three days. 

Read participants' comments about 2009 and 2010 courses.

Watch a short video from the 2009 course.

Registration fee for 2012,  just $559!

Registration Fee* Includes

• All session training materials
• Certificate of completion
• Breakfast service each day and one networking lunch

* Fee includes surcharge above standard NHI fee to cover food and beverage service

Register for the 2012 session here. 

Tourism and travel information to help you plan your trip

Click HERE to get a PDF document with information about hotels and links to tourism and travel information to help you plan your trip.  Click HERE to get a schematic map of hotels, parking and public transportation in relation to the training site.

For more information contact

Ron Elling
Audio Arts & Acoustics Department
Columbia College Chicago
312-369-8820