Traffic noise is an important public health issue and factor of annoyance. Auralization enables its perceptual evaluation in virtual environments. In outdoor sound propagation simulations, however, geometric modeling often focuses on large-scale features, while smaller roadside structures are neglected or simplified. For vehicle noise sources located close to the ground, roadside structures of similar height can modify the sound field and become perceptually relevant. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether these effects lead to perceivable changes in auralization. To address this question, this study investigates sidewalks as an example of small-scale roadside structures. A Boundary Element Method (BEM) model based on a 2D reduction is developed and validated against measurements. The model is then used to compare flat and different sidewalk geometries, including curb shapes and street cross-sections with complex surface impedance. The results are analyzed using frequency responses and psychoacoustic parameters loudness and sharpness. Finally, to evaluate the potential for future use, a Geometrical Acoustics (GA)-based model is compared with the BEM results. The results show that sidewalk geometry modifies the sound field by altering reflection paths, introducing edge diffraction, and changing interference patterns, with effects depending on the source–receiver configuration. Curb shape has an additional but secondary influence, while surface impedance and material transitions further affect reflected and diffracted components. Psychoacoustic analysis indicates that these acoustic differences may influence loudness and sharpness, suggesting that small-scale roadside structures such as sidewalks should not be regarded as acoustically negligible for perceptually meaningful outdoor auralization. The GA-based model shows good agreement for some configurations but also limitations for soft ground surfaces and impedance discontinuities.

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