A comparative analysis between the noise simulation outcomes carried out with the algorithms defined by the former Annex II of the END and the 2015/996 Directive: the case of the Anchor Life project

Annex II of Directive 2002/49/EC (END) defines algorithms for conducting noise modeling activities for the assessment of the indicator population exposed to noise. The END was updated by Directive 2015/996, which introduced new algorithms that became mandatory for all END-compliant studies after the end of 2018. This study carried out within the activities of the European ANCHOR Life project "Advanced Noise Control strategies in HarbOuR" compares the outcomes of noise simulations for a pink noise point source placed at a height of 1.5 m from a flat terrain using both the former Annex II of the END directive and the updated CNOSSOS (2015/996) models. The comparison focuses on the impact of source distance, receiver height, and ground factor on the results of the simulations. The results showed significant differences between the two models, especially for a highly sound-absorbing ground (G=1). These differences have significant implications for the assessment of marine and harbour noise, as the choice of simulation model can greatly impact the results. The study provides a valuable contribution to the field of noise modeling and highlights the importance of considering factors such as source distance, receiver height, and ground factor when using different noise simulation models. The results indicate that the CNOSSOS model provides more accurate results in port noise assessments and other industrial sources, and this has important implications for future studies in this area.