This tool calculates cylindrical divergence for continuous line sources like highways, where sound drops by 3 dB per doubling of distance using L2 = L1 - 10*log10(r2/r1).
Note: This is for preliminary estimation only, not a substitute for review by a qualified/licensed engineer.
For traffic noise consultants measuring highway noise impact, this tool instantly estimates how sound level drops when moving from one point to another along a continuous line source. Unlike point sources, continuous line sources—such as long stretches of highway traffic or industrial pipelines—exhibit cylindrical spreading, meaning their sound pressure level (SPL) decreases at a different rate with distance.
This calculator specifically models this phenomenon by applying the principle of cylindrical divergence, where sound levels drop by 3 dB for every doubling of distance. It's a critical tool for initial impact assessments, providing a quick way to predict noise levels at varying distances from, for example, a highway or a moving train line.
A: No, it only includes cylindrical spreading loss; atmospheric effects should be added separately.
A: The tool uses L2 = L1 - 10*log10(D2/D1) which reflects the 3 dB per doubling rule for line sources.
A: No. A point source spreads spherically and loses 6 dB per doubling of distance (20·log10 of the distance ratio), not 3 dB.
A: It's a preliminary estimate; consult a licensed engineer for detailed assessments.