Preliminary Study on Soundscape Methodology in SCANIA Truck Cabins

Sammanfattning

While truck sound environments have been widely studied, the way individuals perceive these sound environments remains underexplored. Using Soundscape and sound quality methodology, this study examines how both truck drivers and non-truck drivers experience sound environments in trucks. Sound samples were recorded in both laboratory and field settings for both an ICE and a BEV truck and were presented in a listening test to be compared. A questionnaire was used to gather evaluations from 11 truck drivers and 10 non-truck drivers. Results indicate that prior experience and regular exposure to truck noise significantly influence preferences regarding engine type and loudness. Ensuring a realistic representation of the truck sound environment is crucial to prevent discomfort, particularly among experienced truck drivers. Individuals' perceptions were assessed partially using eight attributes, summarized and visualized through density plots. While electric engines are generally preferred for their quieter qualities, the absence of wind noise as a masking element can lead to an unpleasant and tiring auditory experience. Consequently, field recordings provide a more accurate representation of a truck’s real-world sound environment. Additionally, future studies using similar methods should prioritize participants with strong analytical skills to ensure time efficiency and accurate result, as this study encountered challenges where some participants provided contradictory and inaccurate evaluations, highlighting the importance of selecting individuals capable of assessing sound environments. To complement such assessments, visual elements are also recommended for a more comprehensive Soundscape study.