You have seen them, everyone has. They are called construction noise barriers. Just as the name implies, these are giant walls made to buffer out the noise of construction, which as anyone who has ever been by a construction site, is quite loud. These are also used to drown out the noise of highway traffic. Eighteen wheelers and large trucks, such as dump trucks, when driving by are loud. If they hit potholes they are even louder.
The walls you see are not the only noise barriers. Vegetation is and has been, a major choice for years. The problem with vegetation is, that sometimes it dies, or winds not trees over, hence the walls. There are also all different kinds of wall barriers, as well as shapes of these wall barriers.
Depending on the severity of the noise, and the amount of traffic is taken into consideration when building these walls. There is solid wood, fiberglass, brick, rubber, concrete, and or concrete-filled walls. The land that the barriers sit on, is also taken into consideration. Sometimes higher or heavier walls cannot be put on some hillsides, as they may collapse over time, and possibly hurt passing motorists. This is why there are different materials used.
The thickness of construction noise barriers also helps determine the noise levels. Generally, the thicker the material, such as dense concrete, the better, if the land can hold it. If the land is not stable enough, then different materials will work at reducing the decibel levels.
There are also different shapes of walls. This is all in response to some noise levels actually being raised through neighborhoods with the problems of echoing noise. These walls may help stop the “Rumble” of noise, but not the echo. This is why there are different shapes. By shapes, we are really referring to the tops of the walls.
If it is pliable, the higher the wall is usually better for more sound protection, and projection. If it can’t be built taller, a “T” is placed upon the top. This helps to also reduce the decibels, by making the sound bounce back in. Another option is making the top a “Y” shape. This sends the sounds upwards and out. An arrow top is designed to make it bounce back in as well. There are also curved walls, cylindrical, and pear-shaped tops as well. At this time, the “T’ shaped toppers seem to be doing the best at reducing noise levels.
When taking into consideration what walls to use, the communities involved also get a say. They are given all the information on what materials provide what sound protection, as well as cost. Many communities consider aesthetics to be equally as important. Maybe they don’t want a huge concrete wall and would appreciate a more natural look.
Another very important matter to consider is the lasting quality of a wall. Can it be easily damaged from flying tires, vehicle crashes, and more? What if it is built with rubber, and somehow catches fire. The burning rubber is extremely toxic. The same goes for wood walls. Do they cause more concern that neighborhoods could burn if these huge walls catch fire?
There is also the option of zig-zagging walls. This is important to allow regular maintenance, or perhaps even to let residents get around them if needed. Sometimes, the thought of a giant wall that you can’t get over, makes people feel isolated. Even if they never need, or will ever want to go on the other side, it gives them that little peace of mind, knowing they can. All these options are considered!
