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Road noise barriers are an essential tool for reducing traffic noise in urban and suburban areas. They use a combination of soundproofing materials and structures to absorb, reflect, and block sound waves from entering the surrounding environment. This article will explore the technology behind road noise barriers, including the types of materials used, their design features, and how they work to reduce traffic noise. Additionally, we will look at some of the common use cases for road noise barriers, such as reducing highway noise pollution or creating a more peaceful environment in residentia
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How Do Road Noise Barriers Work? Exploring The Technology of Soundproofing When driving on the highway, sometimes the roar of traffic can be overwhelming. Many cities and towns have installed soundproofing systems to help reduce road noise that affects residents living in nearby neighborhoods. What are road noise barriers? These are designed to attenuate, or reduce, traffic noise. There are several types of noise barriers, including those made of concrete, masonry, earth berms, and vegetation. Earth berms are created by excavating soil and then stacking it up to create a mound or hill. Berms can be planted with vegetation to further reduce noise levels. Berms are typically less expensive than concrete or masonry barriers but require more maintenance over time as the vegetation grows and needs to be trimmed back. How do they work? These are designed to reduce the amount of noise that is generated by vehicles traveling on a road. The most common type is a sound wall, which is a solid barrier that is built along the side of a road. Sound walls are usually made of concrete or metal, and they can be up to 30 feet tall. Another type is berms. Berms are earthen mounds that are built next to roads. They can be up to 10 feet tall, and they are typically planted with grass or other vegetation. They work by absorbing sound waves and reflecting them into the environment. Sound waves are generated when vehicles travel on a road, and these waves bounce off of the ground and travel through the air. When these waves reach a sound wall
or berm, they are reflected into the environment. This reflection creates an "echo" that cancels out some of the original sound wave, which reduces the overall level of noise. What are the benefits? These are effective ways to reduce traffic noise. They can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, wood, and metal. Barriers can be placed on both sides of a road or just one side. The most common type is the sound wall. Sound walls are usually made of concrete and are tall enough to reflect sound toward the source. The reflective surface of the sound wall absorbs some of the noise, which reduces the amount of noise that reaches homes and businesses near the highway. Another type is the acoustic fence. Acoustic fences are made of metal or wood and are placed along the edge of a highway. The fence absorbs sound waves, which reduces traffic noise. Barriers can also be placed underneath a highway to absorb sound before it has a chance to travel up to homes and businesses. These types of barriers are called baffles or underground berms. Baffles are usually made of concrete or asphalt and are buried several feet below ground level. Underground berms are made of soil and vegetation and are also buried several feet below ground level. These are effective ways to reduce sound pollution and improve the quality of life in affected areas. The technology behind these walls is complex but, as we have seen, it can be used quite effectively to block out unwanted sound. Understanding how road noise barriers work gives us a better understanding of the importance of soundproofing and demonstrates why governments should invest more money into research for improved designs and materials that will make them even more efficient at blocking out unwanted noise levels.
