Huang, Xinyu; Luo, Hanbin; Kang, Jian; Liu, Jiajing; (2025) Worker-Centric Construction Noise Management: A Systematic Review of Assessment, Monitoring, Modelling, and Control. Building and Environment , 280 , Article 113131. 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113131.

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Abstract

Construction noise is a significant occupational hazard affecting workers’ health, productivity and safety. This systematic review explores the auditory and non-auditory impacts of construction noise, as well as advanced monitoring and modelling practices, and control strategies. A structured search was conducted using keyword combinations across Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering literature from 2014 to 2024. After applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 82 studies were included for full analysis. Noise impacts are assessed through questionnaires and physiological measurements, with prevalence and severity varying by trade, age, gender, health condition, and noise sensitivity. To capture these effects, monitoring uses wearable and Internet of Things-based sensors for real-time exposure tracking, while modelling applies stochastic simulations and machine learning to map current noise distribution and predict both individual and task-specific exposure levels. To mitigate these effects, noise control strategies target the source, transmission path, and receiver, alongside construction planning measures. Reviewed studies show that existing interventions, such as active noise control systems, acoustic metamaterials, hearing protection devices, and multi-objective optimisation planning models, have achieved noise reductions of approximately 5-30 dB(A), depending on the application context. Despite these advances, notable gaps remain, including insufficient consideration of contextual factors in assessment, limited interoperability between monitoring and modelling tools, and a lack of multidimensional evaluations of control measures. This review highlights the need for an integrated, worker-centric framework that dynamically combines noise assessment, monitoring, modelling, and control strategies to reduce construction noise exposure, mitigate impacts and promote safer, healthier work environments.

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