Design Method for Parallel Traffic Noise Barriers

Abstract

One of the large analyses in this country of the need for sound absorptive treatment on highway noise barriers was conducted on the Interstate 440 project in Nashville, Tennessee. Special considerations had to be made of potential multiple reflections problems between noise barriers on both sides of the highway, and between vertical rock faces in deep‐cut sections. This paper presents a detailed discussion of the analysis process and the resultant design of nearly 1/2 mile of sound absorptive barriers. The purpose is to provide information to noise analysts on potential analysis techniques and on problems and pitfalls that may occur. The use of one analysis tool, a computer program developed at Vanderbilt University, will also be described briefly.