Wind Sensitivity of Recycled Plastic Soundwalls

Abstract

Dynamic properties of a prototype soundwall composed of recycled plastic members are determined by experimental testing on a full-scale field structure. An impact hammer is used to impart transient excitation to individual columns, isolated wall panels, and the entire soundwall, and response of structural members is recorded at different locations with accelerometers. System identification and a peak-amplitude method are utilized in complementary analyses to determine essential dynamic properties such as natural frequencies and damping. A frequency spectrum associated with a design wind event is developed and compared with natural frequencies of the prototype soundwall. Then, a finite element model of the soundwall is used to simulate deterministic and probabilistic effects of strong winds. Estimates of maximum deflection and acceleration at the top of the wall are obtained by numerical simulation. Behavior is determined to be quasi-static.