What is Noise Barrier Solution and Why Do We Use Them?

Welcome to another edition of Frequently Asked Questions about Noise, Vibration, and Acoustics. In this video series, we answer the questions we hear most often from clients or through inquiries via our website.

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My name is Harry Cai, a project consultant at HGC. Today’s question is: What are noise barriers, and how should they be implemented?



Noise barriers are a form of engineered noise control measure in the form of a fence, wall, an earth berm, or a combination of these. The goal of a noise barrier is to attenuate sound levels at a noise sensitive area, such as a patio or bedroom window to a desired level. Noise barriers are a common noise control measure to address excessive noise exposure that requires mitigation, such as in the case of a patio that is adjacent to a busy highway or railroad.

Common Scenarios Requiring Noise Barriers

There are two common scenarios where noise barriers are most effective. In the first scenario, noise barriers are often located close or at the noise sensitive area, such as in the case of having noise fences surrounding an outdoor amenity area.

Second, noise barriers are often found close to the noise source, such as having noise barriers surrounding a loud rooftop ventilation fan.

Noise Fences/Walls vs Privacy Fences 

It is important to know that noise fences are different from a non-noise fence, such as a privacy fence. Privacy fences often have gaps in their construction and are only constructed to block sight-lines, whereas a noise fence must be constructed to a tight standard in order to be effective at attenuating sound.

To achieve this, noise fences need to have no gaps or cracks in their construction. Even small gaps or cracks can greatly reduce their effectiveness. Secondly, noise fences need to be constructed of a material of a sufficient mass in order to be effective in attenuating transmitted sound. Government and regulatory bodies often have guidelines on the minimum surface density required for noise fence materials. For example, in province of Ontario, the Ministry of Environment requires a minimum surface density of 20 kg per meter squared for acoustic barriers, whereas lower densities can be sufficient in certain scenarios if they are technically justified.

Noise Barrier Specifications

So how should noise barriers be implemented? Typically, noise barriers are first specified by acoustical consultants and the specifications often include the height and location of where it needs to go. The construction, the choice of material and the manufacturer is done at the discretion of the client based on the specifications given. The final design and construction of the noise barriers should then be verified to validate their performances. And this verification is often required by government or regulatory bodies prior to occupancy or for the release of securities from the municipalities.

Attributes of Noise Barriers

The following attributes of noise barriers should be verified: One, height. Noise barriers need to be of a sufficient height, depending on how much attenuation is needed. This is also dependent on the geometry, such as where the noise source is located, and where the noise sensitive area is located, and by the topography in between.

Second, noise barriers should be verified according to their specified location. Location is crucial in providing adequate protection. As previously mentioned, noise barriers are effective, either close or at the noise sensitive area or close to the noise source. Lastly, the construction and the workmanship and the material of the noise barrier should be verified as well. Noise fences and barriers should be constructed without gaps or cracks and be constructed of an appropriate material.

Noise Wall Construction & Materials

Now a variety of different materials can be used for the construction, such as wood, glass, pre-cast concrete, or metal, as long as they meet the material criteria. Noise fences can also be decorative, such as in the case of green noise walls, which are acoustically performing noise walls decorated with soil and plants.

Conclusion

In summary, noise barriers are specified by acoustical consultants and their final design, and construction should be verified to validate their performances.We hope this answers your question. If you have any other questions about noise fences or barriers, or any other questions you’d like to see answered in this video series, please feel free to reach out. Thank you and bye for now.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Noise Barrier Solution.

Noise pollution is increasingly becoming a major concern in both bustling urban areas as well as rural areas cherished for their quiet locations.   Businesses strive to minimize noise distractions in their day-to-day operations to enhance productivity and foster a more pleasant working atmosphere. One way to address this issue is by implementing soundproofing measures, such as using acoustic panels or sound-absorbing materials. Additionally, quieter equipment and machinery can help reduce noise levels.

Addressing noise pollution in the workplace can positively impact employee satisfaction, concentration, and overall well-being. This, in turn, can lead to increased efficiency and performance for businesses. Let’s explore the role of sound barrier walls in effectively reducing noise in commercial and industrial spaces.

Below, we will provide answers to the following questions:

• Can you please explain what a sound barrier wall is?
• Could you please explain how sound barrier walls function?
• What are the applications of this?
• What factors need to be taken into account for their implementation?

Having a good grasp of sound barrier solutions can greatly enhance the work environment and have a positive effect on your financial performance, regardless of whether you’re overseeing an office, restaurant, or retail store.

So What is a Sound Barrier Wall?

Also known as noise barriers, sound barrier walls have long been used as an effective means to address outdoor noise issues. Initially, these systems were utilized along roadways and highways. They were traditionally constructed from basic concrete materials.

However, as urban populations have grown and acoustic technology has advanced, the application of sound walls has expanded to various settings beyond just highways. Modern sound barrier walls are constructed using materials that block sound waves and absorb and dissipate them, resulting in enhanced noise reduction.

This evolution in sound barrier materials allows for more effective noise mitigation in diverse environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Understanding the principles behind sound barrier walls is essential for comprehending their role in creating quieter and more peaceful surroundings amidst the bustling urban landscape.

How Do They Work?

After understanding what a sound barrier wall is, site managers must also consider how this technology works to maximize its utility in the workplace. Remember that sound barrier walls intercept and absorb sound waves destined for targeted Receivers, diminishing them before they impact.

These barriers have a line-of-sight requirement, which refers to the need for a direct line between the noise source and the receiver for effective noise reduction. If obstacles obstruct this line, such as buildings or terrain, the effectiveness of the barrier may be reduced. 

Several factors should be considered to best position and deploy sound barrier walls and effectively mitigate industrial noise: 

• Proximity to the Noise Source: Placing the barrier as close to the noise source as possible maximizes its effectiveness in intercepting sound waves before propagating further.
• Orientation: Aligning the barrier so it effectively blocks the line-of-sight to the Receiver is imperative.
• Height: Barriers must be sufficiently taller than the noise source.
• Surrounding Terrain: Natural features like hills or trees can either enhance or detract from the barrier’s effectiveness by reflecting or absorbing sound waves.
• Absorption and Reflection: Using materials that absorb and dissipate sound waves rather than reflecting them can improve the barrier’s effectiveness, especially in reducing reverberation.

By carefully considering these factors, sound barrier walls can be positioned to provide optimal noise reduction in industrial settings, creating quieter and more comfortable environments for nearby residents and employees.

Sound Barrier Wall Applications

Sound barrier walls have many applications in mitigating outdoor noise sources. Here are some common uses:

• Outdoor Air-Cooled Chiller Noise: These barriers help reduce the noise generated by air-cooled screw chillers, which are commonly used for cooling processes in industrial and commercial settings.

• Cooling Tower: Sound barrier walls can attenuate the noise produced by cooling towers, which are integral components of HVAC systems in buildings and industrial facilities.

• Substation and Transformer: These barriers minimize the noise emitted by electrical substations and transformers, ensuring a quieter environment for nearby residents or workers.

• Rooftop HVAC Equipment: Sound barrier walls can be installed to mitigate the noise of rooftop HVAC units, such as air conditioning systems and ventilation fans.

• Power Generation for Data Centers: Barrier walls help reduce the noise from primary and secondary power generation systems used to maintain uninterrupted power in data centers, ensuring a quieter working environment for personnel.

• Dust Collector, Blower, and Compressor: These barriers are employed to attenuate the noise generated by industrial equipment such as dust collectors, blowers, and compressors, improving the overall acoustic environment.

• Industrial and Commercial Mechanical Equipment: Barrier walls mitigate the noise of various mechanical equipment used in industrial and commercial settings.
• Any Outdoor Noise Source: Sound barrier walls can be deployed to address noise from any outdoor source, providing effective noise reduction solutions for various applications.

Sound barrier walls provide a versatile solution for industrial and commercial noise. They can be deployed and customized to various workplace settings, tailored to the needs of your business.

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