Meteorological influence on highway noise barrier performance: A case study.

Abstract

Local meteorological conditions such as cross-winds and temperature gradients have long been recognized as factors that can negatively affect noise barrier performance. However, this relationship is seldom demonstrated with empirical data and neither are prevailing meteorological conditions routinely taken into consideration in the design of highway noise barriers. In this case study, a post-construction acoustical investigation was undertaken for a barrier that was installed as part of a recent highway improvement project and where neighborhood residents persistently complained that the barrier was not providing expected noise reduction. Several days worth of noise level measurements and meteorological data were collected and analyzed. The results of the analysis indicated that, while the area residents were not actually impacted under applicable federal and state noise policy, the noise barrier performance was indeed being significantly influenced by documented meteorological conditions. Interaction with area residents also revealed a remarkable example of the wide variation in different individuals’ subjective response to virtually the same noise environment.