AVAS: Rethinking Vehicle Noise Through Soundscape Design

Abstract

Soundscape examines the acoustic environment through human perception, considering both the context and the qualitative experience of sound within an environment. BS ISO 12913 establishes a comprehensive framework for analysing soundscapes by integrating subjective assessment, quantitative measurement, and standardised terminology. Central to this framework is the circumplex model, which organises eight perceptual attributes into a two dimensional representation, enabling practitioners to visualise how different environments are perceived.

The standard encourages detailed evaluation of the prevalence of specific noise types. By understanding how individual sources contribute to the perceptual attributes, interventions can be prioritised to either reduce undesirable sounds or enhance positive elements with road traffic noise being traditionally categorised as chaotic and therefore detrimental to the Soundscape.

The shift away from internal combustion engines has reduced the overall noise from road vehicles but has also created a safety hazard for road users when vehicles are moving at low speeds, as there is no longer an acoustic warning as to the presence of a vehicle. To address this, UNECE Regulation 138 mandates the installation of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) on quiet running vehicles produced after July 2021. AVAS functions as a substitute for engine noise, providing essential cues for vulnerable road users.

In support of TFLs Healthy Streets and Vision Zero initiatives, TFL developed a sound and set of requirements for AVAS deployed on London’s bus fleet which exceeded the requirements of Reg. 138—maximising safety and comfort by retaining the required acoustic conspicuity, minimising intrusiveness, and intentionally shaping the sound to move towards more desirable regions of the circumplex model.

The talk will be followed by a short Q&A session.

Bio

Graham is a Senior Noise & Vibration Engineer at Transport for London.

He acts as an in-house subject matter expert in the field of Acoustics, bringing his knowledge and expertise to TFL projects and other activities. He works principally in the areas of safety and accessibility for both TFLs bus fleet and engineering teams. His work includes the development of TFLs award winning Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), development of driver assistance sounds, passenger warning sounds and the integration of assistive listening systems. He has also recently been working with the engineering teams at London Underground the improve the management of hand-arm vibration.

Having discovered a love of both science and music at a young age, he graduated with BSc (Hons) Physics with Acoustics from the University of Salford in 2010 and spent five and a half years working as a Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) engineer with the Ford Motor Company, specialising in the collection and interpretation of noise and vibration data as part of the product development process.

He is working towards Incorporated Engineer status.

Details

As usual, we will be heading to the pub after the talk to catch up and continue the conversation. It would be great to see as many people in person as possible.

Those planning to attend in person MUST register for security access. The link to register for in person attendance can be found below:

https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=674A22332B325FE6BA123CF22AB56BF

Registration for in person attendance closes on Monday 8^th June at 17:00.

Please arrive at 5.45pm for prompt 6pm start. The nearest Tube stations are Aldgate East and Aldgate.