Analysis of the Efficiency of Sound Barriers as a Method for Passive Control of Traffic Noise

Abstract

In recent decades, the introduction of stricter environmental noise laws has resulted in a series of noise reduction measures of a different nature. These include urban planning measures such as the designation of noise-sensitive areas, regulations on vehicle speed limits or traffic restrictions, measures to improve the acoustic performance of vehicles, pavements and buildings, and the construction of noise barriers. The most used method to reduce noise on thoroughfares and highways is the installation of sound barriers that are constructed and constructed along the highway. There are three types of acoustic barriers, namely reflective, absorptive, and reactive. Absorbing barriers are opaque and contain a porous element that absorbs sound, such as fiber concrete and granulated concrete. Reflective barriers can be opaque or transparent and do not contain sound-absorbing material (concrete, cement, metal or wood) in their construction. Reactive barriers are opaque and are constructed to have cavities or resonators that are designed to absorb or reduce only certain frequencies that are part of the noise they are exposed to. Determining the effectiveness of noise barriers has attracted the attention of researchers over the past 40 years, and a wide variety of mathematical and experimental methodologies have been developed to assess it.