Choosing the Right Noise Barrier for Your Needs

Which Noise Barrier Is Good For You?

With the growing boundaries of the urban areas, there is an indirect increase in the sources of transportation, increasing noise pollution. Noise barriers, also known as acoustic barriers or sound barriers, play an important role in controlling the adverse effects of noise pollution. These structures are designed to reduce the transmission of unwanted sounds from highways, railways, industrial zones, and other sources disturbing people in the nearby residential and commercial areas.

Understanding the importance of acoustic or noise barriers in combating the problem of noise pollution, today you will find different types of these barriers available in the market making it difficult for people to select the best for their use.

Reflective Noise Barriers:

Reflective noise barriers are the most common type of acoustic barriers, and they work on a simple principle — they bounce back sound waves towards the source. These barriers are typically made of solid materials like concrete, wood, metal, or composite materials. As soon as the sound hits the barrier, a significant portion of the sound is reflected toward the source. Reflective barriers are often used along highways and busy roadways to protect nearby homes and communities from traffic noise.

Advantages of Reflective Noise Barriers:

1. Highly effective in reducing noise levels.
2. Durable and long-lasting.
3. Can be aesthetically designed to blend with the surroundings.

Disadvantages of Reflective Noise Barriers:

1. May take time to establish if using vegetation.
2. Not as effective in reducing noise on their own compared to solid barriers.

Absorptive Noise Barriers:

Absorptive noise barriers are designed to absorb sound instead of reflecting it to its source of origin. These barriers are constructed using porous materials, such as fiberglass, foam, or specially designed noise-absorbing panels. When sound waves reach an absorptive barrier, the sound is absorbed within the material, reducing the overall noise level. Absorptive barriers are commonly used in urban areas near railways, industrial facilities, and other noisy environments.

Advantages Of Absorptive Barriers:

1. Effective in reducing noise pollution, especially for low-frequency sounds.
2. Can be customized with various textures and colors for aesthetic purposes.
3. Ideal for areas where reflective barriers might not be suitable.

Disadvantages Of Absorptive Barriers

1. Require periodic maintenance to ensure continued effectiveness.
2. May not provide as much noise reduction as reflective barriers in some cases.

Transparent Noise Barriers:

In recent years a new type of acoustic barrier namely transparent barriers has made their entrance into the world of sources to control the impacts of noise pollution. These barriers are made from transparent materials such as acrylic or polycarbonate panels. They control the noise reduction while allowing visibility through the barrier. Transparent barriers are often used in urban areas where maintaining visibility is essential, such as banks, hospitals, shopping malls and more.

Advantages Of Transparent Barriers

1. Maintain visibility, enhancing safety in certain situations.
2. Can be aesthetically pleasing and blend with the urban environment.
3. Effective in reducing noise from vehicular traffic.

Disadvantages Of Transparent Barriers

1. May be less effective in reducing noise compared to solid reflective barriers.
2. Require regular cleaning to maintain transparency.

Earth Berms and Green Barriers:

Earth berms and green barriers are a more eco-friendly approach to noise reduction. Earth berms are natural or man-made mounds of earth, while green barriers are planted vegetation like trees and shrubs. These barriers work by absorbing and blocking sound waves. They are often used in combination with other types of noise barriers to create a visually appealing and environmentally friendly solution.

Advantages of Earth and Green Barriers

1. Environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Can provide additional benefits like air purification and wildlife habitat.
3. Effective in reducing noise when combined with other barriers.

Disadvantages of Earth and Green Barriers

1. May take time to establish if using vegetation.
2. Not as effective in reducing noise on their own compared to solid barriers.

Epilogue: Acoustic barriers, also known as noise barriers, play a critical role in controlling the adverse effects of noise pollution in urban areas. They come in various types, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Reflective noise barriers bounce back sound waves, absorptive barriers dissipate sound energy, transparent barriers maintain visibility, and earth berms and green barriers offer eco-friendly alternatives.

The choice of the right type of noise barrier depends on various factors, including the location, the source of noise, and the visual impact on the surrounding area. In many cases, a combination of different types of barriers may be the most effective solution. Ultimately, the implementation of acoustic barriers helps improve the quality of life for individuals living in noise-affected areas and contributes to a quieter, more peaceful urban environment.