Design Of Noise Barriers Research Articles

Open noise barriers for peri-urban environments

Noise as an environmental pollutant in peri-urban environments has become a constant annoyance. Implementing noise-reducing elements to solve this problem is necessary to mitigate noise nuisance and promote the quality of daily life in these areas. This project analyses using trees as scattering elements, using the typology of acoustic barriers based on sonic crystals. Different tree configurations are analyzed using numerical models to determine their effectiveness in scatter sound and absorption, complemented with field studies to validate the models. The results show that specific arrangements and species combinations can significantly reduce noise, proposing a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution for noise mitigation in peri-urban areas. This approach offers an effective method of noise control and contributes to the improvement of the ecosystem surrounding these populated areas. Integrating acoustic engineering and ecology principles in this study opens new perspectives in the design of noise barriers, marking a milestone in the search for innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.

Research on the design and noise reduction performance of periodic noise barriers based on nested structure

The rapid development of highway transportation has led to a gradual deterioration of the sound environment along highways. The theory of periodic structures provides a new approach for the design of traffic noise barriers. However, the lack of practical numerical models and on-site experimental validation has hindered the widespread application of periodic structure sound barriers. This study investigates the noise reduction performance of nested structure periodic sound barriers. Results from semi-anechoic chamber tests demonstrate excellent wave attenuation at the air gap of the barrier, achieving a peak noise reduction of 16 dB without the addition of any sound-absorbing materials or treatment measures, particularly at local peaks in the highway noise spectrum. To enhance the noise reduction performance of nested structure periodic sound barriers, three optimization measures were explored: filling sound-absorbing materials inside the scattering elements, adding micro-perforated panels, and their combined effects. The results indicate that both porous sound-absorbing materials and micro-perforated panels can improve noise reduction effectiveness, especially outside the air gap. In the optimization design of nested structure periodic sound barriers, adding porous sound-absorbing materials inside the micro-perforated panels effectively enhances noise reduction within the air gap. Considering the abundance of abandoned w-beam guardrails in highway projects, which also meet the requirements of scattering elements, this study proposes the use of abandoned w-beam guardrails as scattering elements. This approach aligns with principles of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability, and it provides design guidance to promote the application of nested structure periodic sound barriers in traffic noise control.

Hands-on Learning Pedagogy in Teaching Concepts Relevant in the Analysis, Design, and Maintenance of Transportation Infrastructure Systems

Learning critical concepts that are centered on the analysis, design, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure systems poses a measure of difficulty for undergraduates in engineering. Therefore, hands-on learning pedagogy should be an excellent precursor to increase understanding of these concepts, since the pedagogy incorporates real-life experience in the delivery. This paper describes how a hands-on learning pedagogy called experiment-centric pedagogy (ECP) has been used to teach these concepts to undergraduate students at a historically Black university. The research questions are as follows: (1) How well can ECP improve students’ understanding of concepts essential to the analysis and design of transportation infrastructure systems? (2) How has the ECP facilitated the achievement of the learning objectives of these concepts? and (3) Does an ECP increase the engagement of undergraduate students in their transportation infrastructure engineering learning and lead to measurable lasting gains? To answer these research questions, ECP was implemented and assessed when used to teach the concepts of stress and strain utilized in the analysis of bridges and other transportation infrastructure, sound used in the development and design of noise barriers, moisture content in controlling compaction of highway infrastructure systems, and degradation of infrastructure systems exposed to various environmental settings. Assessment results from 92 undergraduates reveal an increase in students’ motivation and cognitive understanding of the relevant concepts, as well as learning gains and an improved success rate compared to the traditional method of teaching.

Acoustic Requalification of an Urban Evolving Site and Design of a Noise Barrier: A Case Study at the Bologna Engineering School

The increase in new infrastructure development has raised closer attention to the environmental noise of new expansion areas. This study investigates the urban evolution of Terracini Street’s surrounding area in the Navile district, Bologna, Italy. In the last 20 years, this area has undergone various transformations, from a suburban industrial area to a new university and residential one. First, the morphologic and infrastructural characteristics of the site are established. Then, the existing regulations (acoustic, urban, and infrastructural regulations, whether local or national) are evaluated. Next, the results of environmental noise measurements are presented. Since a heavily trafficked infrastructure is very close to the occupied public area, noise limits are severely exceeded. A noise mitigation design stage follows, focusing on a novel noise barrier design. Specifically, particular attention is paid to the visual and ecological impact of the noise barrier on the area’s landscape, which must be representative of the new location of the School of Engineering. The sonic crystal technique is exploited to implement an effective noise barrier (average insertion loss of 10 dB(A) in the 200 Hz–1 kHz range), allowing air ventilation and visual transparency. This case study could further evolve using other acoustic metamaterial techniques or in different application sites.

Noise pollution of the territories adjacent to the automobile road and some means of fighting it

Problem. The article discusses the issues related to environmental pollution by road traffic noise and considers possible solutions to these problems. The article has a review character and applies a systematic approach based on general scientific methodological principles that take into account objects as systems. The objects of study in this article are the noise load from the highway and the means of protection against it.
 Several methods of protection against noise pollution of residential areas adjacent to the highway are considered. Goal. The goal is to analyze noise pollution from highways and analyze solutions to reduce this pollution. Methodology. This research is aimed at analyzing measures to reduce the level of noise arising from traffic and create comfortable conditions for residents of settlements located near highways. Results. Environmental sustainability can be taken into account in the design and construction of noise barriers by using, for example, materials with high renewable amendability or materials that can be recycled. With the right choice of materials, design and placement of noise barriers, a significant reduction in environmental noise levels can be achieved and the quality of life of the occupants can be improved. In each case, a sound engineering assessment should be carried out and an individualized plan developed to achieve optimal noise protection results. The overall effectiveness of noise barriers will be determined by a large number of factors, and each project should be analyzed and designed in detail to meet specific needs and conditions. Practical value. These measures help to improve the quality of life and preserve the health of residents by creating comfortable and safe living conditions. The general approach to noise protection in residential areas involves integrated planning, which takes into account the noise characteristics of transport routes and roads, as well as the design of buildings and the internal layout of housing. This helps to create favourable conditions for residents and reduce the negative impact of noise on their physical and psychological health.

NOISE BARRIERS EFFICIENCY DEPENDENCE ON THEIR SHAPE AND GEOMETRY

The work examines noise barriers and evaluates their effectiveness when changing their geometry and shape. Noise barriers are one of the most effective and widely used methods of reducing noise caused by road and railway transport. The effectiveness of the barrier depends on the materials used in the construction, the barrier’s height, geometry, shape, and the acoustic properties of the additional elements installed on top of the barriers. The aim of the work is to review and analyze the scientific literature, which would allow to evaluate the dependence of the acoustic characteristics of noise-reducing barriers on the geometry and shape of the barrier, and to provide recommendations for the design and selection of noise barriers.

Explore the Common Measuring Errors and Quantify the Errors of New Noise Barrier Designs for Mitigating Traffic Noise

Explore the Common Measuring Errors and Quantify the Errors of New Noise Barrier Designs for Mitigating Traffic Noise

Investigation of simultaneous effects of noise barriers on near-road noise and air pollutants

Noise barriers are one of the common solutions to control road traffic noise. Many studies have also shown that noise barriers cause reductions in near-road air pollutant concentrations. In this study, the simultaneous effects of a specific noise barrier application on near-road noise and air pollution at a specific location were investigated. In this context, air pollution, noise, and meteorological parameters were measured simultaneously at two points, road and receptor sides of a 50 m long, 4 m high glass fiber reinforced concrete noise barrier on a highway section. Results indicated that the noise barrier has an average 23 % reduction effect on the NOx concentration in addition to the noise level reduction at the receptor side. Besides, bi-weekly average passive sampler measurement results for BTEX pollutants indicate lower values at the receptor side of the barrier compared to the free field measurement results. In addition to real-time and passive sampler measurements, NOx and noise dispersions were modeled using RLINE and SoundPLAN 8.2 software, respectively. Comparisons of the measurement results with the model results indicated strong correlations. Model-calculated NOx and noise values under the free field conditions are highly compatible with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.78. Although the noise barrier has a reduction effect on both parameters, it has been observed that their dispersion mechanisms are different. This study showed that noise barriers considerably affect the dispersion of road-sourced air pollutants at the receptor side. Further studies are needed to optimize noise barrier designs with different physical and material properties and application scenarios considering noise and air pollutants together.

Optimisation of railway noise barrier design using finite element and boundary element modelling methods

The prediction of environmental noise barrier insertion loss (IL) is commonly undertaken from widely available empirical methods derived from measurements and geometrical acoustic approximations. The accuracy of these methods is limited when analysing non-standard design parameters, such as geometry; characteristics and location of sound absorbing materials; or diffraction effects close to the barrier. This article presents a new methodology to optimise the design of a railway noise barrier using a simplified numerical method. The numerical method is based on a two-dimensional hybrid finite element and boundary element analysis. The numerical method has been calibrated and tested against measurements of high speed trains. The model assumes an infinitely long train with pre-defined sound sources (e.g. rolling source, body aerodynamic, etc.). The numerical model quantifies the effect of various parameters upon the barrier IL including material properties; area and location of sound absorbing materials; diffraction over the barrier top; and analysis of energy build-up between train and barrier. These parameters are not easily quantifiable using standard methods and hence the innovation aspect of the methodology. The outcome of this study can be used to optimise and improve confidence in the detailed design of complex noise barriers.

Aerodynamic impacts of high-speed trains on city-oriented noise barriers: A moving model experiment

Two types of city-oriented noise barriers, i.e., fully-enclosed noise barrier and bilateral inverted l-shaped semi-enclosed noise barrier, have been gradually adopted in city centres along high-speed railways to reduce noise pollution. The aerodynamic impacts of high-speed trains present a threat to the long-term durability of the city-oriented noise barriers. To promote the usage and increase the sustainability of city-oriented noise barriers, a moving-model experiment system with city-oriented noise barriers and HST with a scale ratio of 1:16.8 is established. The train type is CRH380A and the train speed is up to 350 km/h. A systematic comparative study on the aerodynamic performance of the two types of city-oriented noise barriers is conducted. The similarities and differences of transient pressure time–histories, spatial distribution of pressure peaks and spectral characteristics of aerodynamic pressure acting on the two types of noise barriers are compared and discussed. Moreover, the influence of train speed on the characteristics of the train-induced aerodynamic pressure is also investigated. The results show that the pressure fluctuation of the two types of noise barriers is caused by different reasons. Compared with the fully-enclosed noise barrier, the transient pressure of the semi-enclosed noise barrier is more sensitive to train speeds. The research results may provide a reference for the engineering design of city-oriented noise barriers on high-speed railways.

Contextual Design of Road Traffic Noise Reducing Devices

Abstract The authors present the first ideas of contextual design (CD) of noise barriers (NB), which integrates acoustic, architectural, environmental, and economic aspects of a holistic approach to the design of these engineering structures. The paper presents an example of an economic subsystem of CD focused on the economical optimization of NBs with an emphasis on the circular economy. It also demonstrates the significant potential of NBs to improve the architectural visual appearance of built-up areas as essential spatial elements and improve the microclimate of their surroundings. The authors focused on comparing the costs of construction of NB with acoustic elements made of the most used materials in the Slovak Republic: aluminium, chipped cement, transparent NB, and NB made of recycled plastic. The comparisons show that the most cost-effective option is a noise barrier made of recycled plastic. Despite the higher cost, its higher sound absorption and the environmental durability of the acoustic elements are decisive. The use of secondary raw materials is also a significant advantage of CD. Waste plastics, mainly from municipal waste, are used for production, making it possible to recycle 100 % of them again.

Design of tunable low-frequency acoustic energy harvesting barrier for subway tunnel based on an optimized Helmholtz resonator and a PZT circular plate

This paper presents a tunable, low-frequency acoustic energy harvesting barrier, which contains the following four parts: the noise acquisition input module, the Helmholtz resonator optimization module, the resonant frequency tuning module, and the electricity generation module. The aim of this study is to make rational use of the huge noise energy inside the subway tunnel and convert it into electric energy to power the sensing and detecting equipment and lighting equipment along the railway. In this work, the optimal harvester unit and resonant frequency tuning part were pertinently designed to increase the output power of the unit. Experimental results show that one unit of the system can generate 317.5 mV instantaneous voltage and 100.8 μW instantaneous maximum power at 100 dB, and it verifies the efficiency and practicability of the proposed acoustic energy harvesting noise barrier. The device has a broad application prospect and can be adapted to different tunnel environments, including high-speed railway tunnels, highway tunnels, urban subway tunnels, etc., with excellent conversion efficiency. These results can provide valuable ideas for the design and practical application of new multi-functional noise barriers in the future.

An approach to the design of photovoltaic noise barriers and a case study from Istanbul, Turkey.

Solar energy solutions that do not require additional space are critical. Noise barriers, which are built in low-value lands next to noise sources, provide effective areas for PV modules. There are many studies on using noise barriers as a sub-structure for photovoltaic systems, providing electricity generation besides noise reduction targets. Photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) technology combines noise control measures with renewable energy generation. In this study, it is aimed to develop an integrated design method that embeds solar energy technology in noise protection structures. The method is exemplified in an existing settlement located on the side of the road with heavy traffic. According to local climate and solar data, optimum tilt angles have been determined for annual, semi-annual, seasonal, and monthly periods. Noise barrier alternatives are derived with combinations of different diffraction edge sizes of barrier top and determined optimum inclination angles. The performance of the criteria that affect the PVNB effectiveness for alternatives was calculated through software tools. The energy generation potential of PVNB and its shading in adjacent blocks were calculated with PVsyst 6.7.7. The noise control efficiency of the structure was computed via SoundPLAN 7.2. TOPSIS method, one of the most common multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, was used in the evaluation. As a result of TOPSIS, the best PVNB solution in the case study is the alternative that has 3-m and 2-m-wide edges and 58° and 31° tilted edges. In comparison with the current situation, the selected alternative will decrease 44% of the number of receiving points affected by noise and provide 524,804 kWh annual electricity generation.

Noise Reduction Using Concrete Barriers: A Case Study

Noise pollution is becoming more and more acute, and hence many researchers are studying the noise attenuation effect and prevention of noise. In this study an attempt has been made to find the reduction in noise levels at National Highway 45 near peerkankaranai in Chennai. Two sensitive places were selected along NH 45 by examining attenuation of noise by providing noise barriers in the form of concrete structures.The primary goal of this project was to identify innovative design of noise barrier that has the potential to be implemented in NH 45, Chennai. Based on the research and evaluation conducted for this study, it was recommended that two innovative barrier designs be implemented in Chennai. First, a noise prediction is made at the specified location on the highway under certain traffic conditions in order to determine the noise level by measurement and decide on the barrier requirement. The installation of sound barriers is feasible enough to cause a significant decrease in noise pollution at the roads. Considerable noise attenuation is achieved by providing concrete noise barrier.The paper provides Leq at the time of traffic data recorded was 105.1 dBA at NH45 and 91.108 dBA at NH5 during the time of observation at installation of barrier the values are 70.09 dBA 79.11 dBA, respectively. Noise reduction is possible and noise reduction is predominantly reduced by providing barrier.

Noise assessment of elevated rapid transit railway lines and acoustic performance comparison of different noise barriers for mitigation of elevated railway tracks noise

Subways or rapid transit railways can be found in many major cities. These rapid transit railways are typically built above ground whenever possible to avoid the high capital cost of tunneling and also the high running cost of air conditioning and ventilation. However, noise from trains running on elevated tracks or viaducts close to residential and commercial buildings or houses is a problem for many cities. Noise barriers have been used extensively to mitigate noise from motorways, heavy trunk roads, and construction sites. On the other hand, relatively few reported studies on the design and performance of noise barriers for elevated railway tracks or viaducts to mitigate rapid transit train noise. The effectiveness of noise barriers on elevated railway tracks or viaducts for the mitigation of train noise may be different and challenging to predict due to complex street canyons and surrounding buildings beside the barrier designs and construction materials. Riding on the Singapore Railway Noise Barrier Programme, the present research conducted on-site measurements of several housing estates in Singapore to investigate the effect of noise barriers on the mitigation of train noise. Comparisons were also carried out to examine the performance of two different designs, Taiwan's Taipei subway track noise barriers and the vertical noise barriers used by the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Acoustic mapping revealed that the simulated noise mitigation barriers led to a 5–12 dB(A) reduction in noise levels reaching the resident apartments.

Design of noise barriers for the mitigation of construction noise

Noise pollution is a major problem in many major cities in particular a small island state like Singapore with residential buildings very close to the major trunk roads and expressways. The problem is aggravated by the ongoing city redevelopment and construction of new mass rapid transit lines. Construction noise is therefore a common theme of public complaints and therefore there is an increased interest in the development of more effective mitigation measure for construction noise. In this work, a Flat-tip jagged-edge profile was investigated and applied on the edge of a cantilever (slanted up for 45 degrees, facing the noise source) which was mounted at the top of a passive noise barrier. Besides the numerical simulations, the full sized prototypes were also experimentally tested on a construction sites with noise generated by a boring machine. Both numerical simulations and experimental results showed that this barrier with a slanted Flat-tip jagged cantilever would perform better than the traditional barrier having a Straight-edge cantilever of same height, with a maximum additional attenuation of 5.0 dBA experimentally obtained. The barrier with slanted Flat-tip jagged cantilever could also extend the shadow zone behind the barrier to higher levels of the building.

Using horizontal sonic crystals to reduce the aeroacosutic signature of a simplified ICE3 train model

The design of noise barriers for high-speed trains is challenging due to the flow interaction between the train body and barriers. A failed design could affect the flow that in turn introduces additional aerodynamic loads to the train and generates extra noise. This study is the first investigation to numerically explore the detailed effects of noise barriers on high-speed trains. In particular, horizontal sonic crystals are compared to vertical, closed at the ground barriers in order to investigate the detailed effects of different noise screens on high-speed trains. The compressible IDDES is used to simulate the flow. The focus of this study is twofold. The first is to test if an alternative barrier typology can effectively reduce the noise signature, without having an impact on the train’s aerodynamic performance. The second is to explore the connection between the near-field velocity fluctuations and the far-field noise. A few specific tonal frequency components have been commonly reported but not clearly explained in the literature. It is unclear if the specific tonal components are less dependent on the Reynolds numbers, although, in general, energetic flow structures are dependent on inflow speeds. Concerning the noise reduction, the results show that the sonic crystal barrier case has a significantly better performance. A modal analysis is used to explore the causes of the tonal peaks and the association of the underbody swirling vortices to the far-field noise is described.

Noise mitigation based on noise barrier for railway Makassar - Parepare line

This research aimed to analyze the noise reduction based on the noise barrier along the Makassar-Parepare railway. The measurement was conducted on Makassar-Parepare line, which consists of 4 types of areas. Six of the observation points are in residential areas, 1 point in commerce area, 1 point in the green open space area, and 1 point in the station area. Each region has 6 measurement points. So that the whole measurement points are 54 measurement points. The noise level measurement was conducted using simple SLM (sound level meter) placed at 3 meters from the side of the road with a height of 1.2 meters from the road surface and omitted the background noise by using windscreen from the SLM. Measurements were operated every 10 minutes for four-time intervals which are 06.00-09.00, 09.00-14.00, and at 14.00-17.00. The research result shows the settlement areas consisting of 36 measurement points, in which 69% has exceeded the quality standard, and 31% are still below the standard. For the green open space area which includes six measurement points, 17% has exceeded the quality standard, and 83% are still below the standard. For the commerce area and stations which consist of 6 measurement points, 100% of the areas are still below the standards. The noise barrier design could reduce the noise level 5.0 until 7.7 dB.

Numerical Analysis of Temperature Field of Outdoor Transformer with Noise Barrier

In order to meet the heat dissipation requirements of outdoor transformers equipped with sound-absorbing barriers, this paper uses the finite element analysis software ANSYS Fluent to simulate the temperature field of outdoor transformers. Firstly, the simulation calculation model is established according to the actual typical outdoor transformer, and the finite element mesh is divided accurately. Secondly, the simulation parameters are set according to the field operation. Then, the distribution of the temperature field of the outdoor transformer and the effect of noise barrier on heat dissipation of outdoor transformer are obtained by the simulation calculation model. The simulation results in this paper provide a preliminary reference for the design of noise barriers of outdoor transformers.

Design of Passive Transport Noise Barrier Having Areas of High Noise Level for Acoustic Energy Harvesting

Design of Passive Transport Noise Barrier Having Areas of High Noise Level for Acoustic Energy Harvesting