Page 728 - Automotive Engineering Powertrain Chassis System and Vehicle Body

22.1
Chapter 22.1

Exterior noise: Assessment

and control

Matthew Harrison

22.1.1 Pass-by noise homologation Single vehicles (produced in the UK or imported)
that do not enjoy type approval by virtue of their
22.1.1.1 Background to homologation unique construction or subsequent modification, or
were imported from a country without suitable type
approval.
Most countries restrict the types of vehicle that can
operate legally on their roads by some form of national In addition to national legislation, many countries place
legislation. Taking the United Kingdom (UK) as an ex- restrictions on type approval according to international
ample, the relevant legislation is the Road Vehicles agreements. In the UK (as in other European Community
(Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, sections of (EC))countries, restrictions areplaced in accordance with
which have been amended many times since first coming EC Directives.
into operation on 11 August 1986. The 1986 Regulations Economic Commission for Europe (UN–ECE)
specify minimum requirements for the construction Regulations.
(and hence design), maintenance and use of road vehicles
(including heavy goods vehicles, passenger service vehi- There are a significant number of UN–ECE Regulations,
cles and track-laying vehicles) for the following: mostly concerning individual components or systems.
The principal EC Directive for type approval is 70/156/
dimensions and manoeuvrability; EEC and this has been amended many times since first
brakes; publication (notably 92/53/EEC). In the UK, the
wheels, springs, tyres and tracks; mechanism by which the Secretary of State regulates EC
steering; type approval is currently provided by the Motor Vehi-
vision; cles (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1998.
instruments and equipments; Homologation is the process by which approval for sale
fuel; or use of a vehicle in a particular country is obtained. This
control of emissions (including noise); varies from one country to other and may take the form of:
laden weight; Type approval (conducted by an independent body).
the use of trailers; Single vehicle approval (conducted by an
the avoidance of danger when in use. independent body).
Compliance with the requirements of the 1986 Regula- Self certification by the manufacturer (who certifies
tions is ensured by a mandatory vehicle type approval that the vehicle complies with all the legislative
scheme (Statutory Instrument No. 981, 1984; The Road requirements).
Traffic Act, 1988) that covers: Automotive EC Directives require third-party approval
which has three components to it:
Mass-produced vehicles for sale or use in the UK.
Low-volume-produced vehicles for sale or use in the 1. Testing (to particular technical EC Directives).
UK. 2. Certification.
Vehicle Refinement; ISBN: 9780750661294
Copyright Ó 2004 Matthew Harrison. All rights of reproduction, in any form, reserved.