Abstract

Nowadays, each individual is exposed to noise on a daily basis, and noise is often referred as in literature as a plague of modern society. Noise pollution is often overlooked when compared to other environmental pollutions (e.g. air, water, soil pollution). However, same as the all aforementioned pollutions, noise exposure has an accumulating character, meaning that the harmful effect of noise is detected only after a long period of time. Long exposure to noise pollution can be displayed as a bad mood, fatigue, insomnia, headache and loss of concentration, which causes reduced work ability and ultimately permanent hearing impairment. The goal of this chapter is to present two different approaches (traditional and contemporary) in noise reductions. The aim of both approaches is to link objective and subjective acoustic parameters, in order to plan future urban infrastructures while keeping in mind the existing acoustic environments, and to create and implement new solutions that will design, preserve and improve acoustic environments. Thus, we can conclude this chapter will be oriented towards human health and overall quality of life in terms of noise reduction.

Highlights

  • Noise pollution is defined as any disturbing or unwanted noise that affects or deteriorates human or wildlife

  • Research and calculations done in this paper suggest a new specific noise barrier cost parameter (Ke) that must be taken into account during the optimization process of noise barrier shapes and materials while using computational calculations and optimization methods

  • The noise barrier sound-absorbing properties are qualified according to EN 1793-1 [14], while the airborne sound insulation index which corresponds to the transmitted noise barrier losses is defined in EN 1793-2 [15]

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Noise pollution is defined as any disturbing or unwanted noise that affects or deteriorates human or wildlife. Noise constantly surrounds us, noise pollution generally receives less attention than, for example, water quality and air quality concerns, because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. It is an indisputable fact that noise has a negative impact on everyday life especially if we observe urban areas. We present two ways of dealing with noise pollution in terms of reducing its levels. The first major section will describe noise barriers with all their advantages and disadvantages, while in the second major section, soundscape approach will be discussed. The common goal of both approaches and of this chapter is to address the problem of noise pollution while bearing in mind the overall quality of life especially in urban areas

A traditional approach: noise barriers
Noise level reduction with noise barriers
Noise barrier types
Panel noise barriers
Free standing noise barriers
Material features
Concrete Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials
Transparent panels
Plastic
Composite materials
Noise barriers transmission loss (TL)
A contemporary approach: soundscape
Soundscape definition
Soundscape classification
Soundscape analysis
Using the soundscape as a noise reduction instrument
Combining the traditional and contemporary approach
Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.