ᐅ Reducing Traffic Noise Through Construction Methods and Noise Barrier Walls
Created on: 9 Jun 2021 09:30
W
werner71
Hello,
we are planning to build a small single-family house on our plot. The location of the plot is generally good, but there is increased noise in the mornings and evenings due to rush hour traffic.
I measured the sound pressure level using a smartphone app. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the values, but they roughly correspond (subjectively) to confirmed measurements from similar plots that I know of.
When no vehicle passes by: 55 dB.
With a car: up to 68 dB.
With a truck: up to 78 dB.
At the moment, the noise level outdoors seems too high to me. To still be able to build on the plot, I am considering a noise barrier wall and a house design oriented away from the street (solid construction, soundproof windows, insulation with mineral wool) (see attachment, noise barrier wall marked with red dashed line).
I have no doubts about achieving the desired quietness inside the house through these measures. My question is: what about the outdoor areas?
I am already in contact with a specialist for soundproof walls, and the next step will be to discuss the overall planning with an architect. For this, I wanted to provide a few wishes and ideas. That’s why I have the following questions:
Thank you very much for your suggestions!
Best regards
Werner
we are planning to build a small single-family house on our plot. The location of the plot is generally good, but there is increased noise in the mornings and evenings due to rush hour traffic.
I measured the sound pressure level using a smartphone app. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the values, but they roughly correspond (subjectively) to confirmed measurements from similar plots that I know of.
When no vehicle passes by: 55 dB.
With a car: up to 68 dB.
With a truck: up to 78 dB.
At the moment, the noise level outdoors seems too high to me. To still be able to build on the plot, I am considering a noise barrier wall and a house design oriented away from the street (solid construction, soundproof windows, insulation with mineral wool) (see attachment, noise barrier wall marked with red dashed line).
I have no doubts about achieving the desired quietness inside the house through these measures. My question is: what about the outdoor areas?
I am already in contact with a specialist for soundproof walls, and the next step will be to discuss the overall planning with an architect. For this, I wanted to provide a few wishes and ideas. That’s why I have the following questions:
- What do you estimate the noise reduction would be from a suitable building design on the terrace (e.g. -15 dB)?
- Do you have any suggestions for the design to keep noise levels low on the terrace?
- Are there any experiences with noise reduction from the combination of a noise barrier wall and a terrace oriented away from the street (e.g. noise barrier wall - 15 dB, house design an additional - 8 dB)?
- Do you have any other suggestions for measures I could take to keep noise exposure low?
Thank you very much for your suggestions!
Best regards
Werner
MayrCh schrieb:
Nothing at all. You won’t achieve anything because of the reflections from the surrounding buildings. Take a look into sound propagation. Noise barriers as an active noise control measure are only effective near the source and at reasonable heights to reduce noise exposure. The farther the barrier moves away from the source towards the receiver, the taller it needs to be to have any effect. In your case, it would have to be building height—if the reflections weren’t there.
Orient the building more north-south, like 87 and 87.Terrace facing south.
As I said, 15 dB is unrealistic.
Given the distance to the source and reasonable wall heights... most likely not. Maybe a psychoacoustic effect, but the measurable impact will be limited. Exactly. The noise is only in the morning and afternoon for about 2 hours. The noise barrier, if it even does anything, would split the property in half.
I agree with MayrCh. Orient the house more north-south and install proper soundproof windows facing the street. That would probably bring significantly more benefit than a wall in the garden and would likely be more cost-effective.
The reflection from number 91, for example, remains with or without the wall. So placing a 2.5m (8 feet) high wall there is just to enjoy the view 🙂
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Oetzberger9 Jun 2021 13:01werner71 schrieb:
Direct sound hits with full force, diffracted sound is weakened. Reflections are a serious problem and are difficult to control. In your specific situation, I am quite confident that the wall will be effective.
Criteria:
- Wall continuous without gaps
- Effective wall height sufficiently high (using noise simulation software like lärmORama gives a first indication), terrain height profile considered, terrace not built too elevated
- Noise barrier placed either close to the source or close to the “listening location” – the latter applies here
- No continuous high wall to the south that could cause strong reflections. If construction occurs there in the future, reflections might appear
- You won’t be able to avoid reflections from neighboring buildings. However, you are located close to the road where direct sound is much more disturbing than diffusely reflected sound. The goal is to reduce the sharp impact of a single loud motorcycle or passing construction vehicle, and this can be achieved quite well if the direct sound is blocked.
You won’t create a completely quiet retreat, but the wall has a good chance to reduce noise significantly. Consulting professionals, as you plan, is the right approach.
haydee schrieb:
If you build the terrace as @MayrCh suggested, it should be relatively quiet. Of course, you can hear the traffic, but not too loud. Our terrace is fairly well protected from noise (similar to what @MayrCh recommended). I only realized how loud it is when I spent a longer time chatting with the neighbor in his yard.
Continuous traffic isn't much of an issue, but starting engines, slamming doors, and similar sounds are.
We don't need a noise barrier. However, our terrace is about 120 cm (47 inches) above street level.That sounds good. Let’s see what the architect says (once I have one).Oetzberger schrieb:
You won’t create a quiet retreat, but at least the wall stands a good chance. And the approach of consulting professionals is the right one.Well, if the professional is a specialist (and seller?) for soundproof walls, you can already guess how the result will turn out ;-)Oetzberger schrieb:
In your specific situation, I would be quite confident that the wall will be effective.
Criteria:
- Wall continuously without gaps
- Effective wall height sufficiently high (using Lärmorama provides an initial reference), taking the terrain profile into account, terrace not built too elevated
- Noise barrier either close to the source or close to the “reception point” -> the latter applies here
- No continuous high wall on the south side that could cause strong reflections. If something is built there later, reflections might occur
- You won’t be able to avoid reflections from side buildings. However, you are located close to the road, where direct sound is much more disturbing than diffuse reflected sound. The goal is that each loud motorcycle or passing bulldozer doesn’t sound as loud, and you can reduce this quite well if the direct sound is blocked.
You won’t create a completely quiet retreat, but the wall at least has a good chance of success. And seeking advice from professionals is definitely the right approach. I am really grateful for your contributions! This helps a lot in broadening one’s perspective.
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Oetzberger9 Jun 2021 13:06Hannes S schrieb:
The reflection from no. 91Well, it will be significantly quieter than the direct sound just because of the distance attenuation.Similar topics