Acoustic Performance Of New Designs Of Traffic Noise Barriers: Full Scale Tests

• Published in: Journal of sound and vibration 1994-10, Vol.177 (3), p.289-305
• Main Authors: Watts, G.R., Crombie, D.H., Hothersall, D.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Noise: its effects and control; Physics; Road transportation and traffic
• ISSN: 0022-460X; 1095-8568
• DOI: 10.1006/jsvi.1994.1435

Full scale tests of acoustical performance are reported on a range of promising traffic noise barrier shapes which had previously been identified by mathematical and scale modelling work. The designs chosen for testing were T-shaped, multiple edge barriers and double barriers. A test facility was established at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in order to examine effectiveness under full scale conditions. This consisted of a 20 m length of noise barrier with interchangeable barrier panels, a large flat asphalt surface and a transportable speaker system capable of sufficient output to represent typical traffic noise. Screening performance was measured up to 80 m behind the barriers over a flat grassland area and at heights above the ground of 1·5 and 4·5 m. It was concluded that the average increase in acoustic screening of 2 m high T-shaped, multiple edge and double barriers compared with a simple plane reflecting barrier of identical overall height ranged from 1·4 to 3·6dB(A) depending on detailed design. It was suggested that a full scale test of a promising design should be carried out at a suitable highway location in order to validate fully these test results.