Department links
Pavement Topics
- Standards
- Plans and Specifications
- Types
- Best Practices
- Pavement Foundations
- Rock Products
- Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
- Environment & Traffic
- 2011 State of the Pavement Report
Quick Reference
Quick Links
Caltrans
Government
University/Research
Industry/Research
Typical Noise Levels
Intensity and the Decibel Scale
| Source | Intensity Level |  |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Perforation of Eardrum | 160 dB | |
| Military Jet Takeoff | 140 dB | |
| Threshold of Pain | 130 dB | |
| Front Rows of Rock Concert | 110 dB | |
| Walkman at Maximum Level | 100 dB | |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 80 dB | |
| Busy Street Traffic | 70 dB | |
| Normal Conversation | 60 dB | |
| Whisper | 20 dB | |
| Rustling Leaves | 10 dB | |
| Threshold of Hearing (TOH) | 0 dB | |
(WAV, 1.4MB) |
(WAV, 1.4MB) |
Please forward any questions/comments/suggestions toShira Rajendra(shira_rajendra@dot.ca.gov). Last updated 04/29/2011.