A comparative study of wood highway sound barriers

Prototype designs for wood highway sound barriers meeting the multiple criteria of structural integrity, acoustic effectiveness, durability, and potential for public acceptance have been developed. Existing installations of wood sound barriers were reviewed and measurements conducted in the field to estimate acoustic insertion losses. A complete matrix of design options for wood barriers was developed into a set of 35-mm slides along with several concrete designs, and presented in a controlled test to a group of human subjects for evaluation. Results of this testing showed that the wood barrier designs present an acceptable appearance, both to the driver and to the community behind the barrier. Moreover, the tests indicate a preference for moderate relief treatment, or a variety of design elements that are simple in plan layout and panel orientation. The results of the human subject and acoustic testing have been incorporated into a modified design matrix of wood barriers with common details, allowing for a systematic approach to the design of several types of sound barriers. A prototype barriers was build and its acoustic insertion loss measured with horizontal gaps between panels, without gaps, and without a T-top, and without gaps with a T-top.

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