DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL MODULAR FORM OF SOUND ABSORBENT FACING FOR TRAFFIC NOISE BARRIERS

Solid traffic noise barriers may reflect noise in undesirable directions. Consequently, various forms of sound absorbent barriers have been developed and installed in locations where reflections may cause problems. Such constructions are normally more expensive than simple solid barriers. Retro-fit treatment of solid barriers which were installed without due consideration of adverse reflections were costly. The surfaces of sound absorbent barriers are vulnerable to the accretion of particles thrown up by traffic and of water and ice due to natural precipitation: performance is consequently degraded. This paper describes the design and model scale evaluation of a modular form of sound absorber which may either be incorporated into a basic construction or may be easily and quickly retrofitted to existing reflective barriers. The initial tests indicate that the acoustic performance will be at least comparable with those of existing designs and it is suggested that this form of absorbent facing may be less prone to undesirable aggregation.