ᐅ Reducing Traffic Noise Through Construction Methods and Noise Barrier Walls

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:

• 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

The best results happen in your mind. After a few days, you no longer hear the traffic. I also live directly on the street. Despite a soundproof wall and plenty of greenery, you can still hear the trucks, but you don’t notice it unless you pay attention. What bothers me more at the moment is my neighbor, who starts his car right in front of my bedroom window at 6:00 a.m. I also planned my bedroom specifically on the side facing away from the street.

These are developments you cannot stop. First came the double garage and basement, now a lot of bicycles that block the garage. Now he parks in front of the garage.

I wouldn’t be in favor of soundproof walls on the property.

Thank you, hanghaus2000.
That’s true, the actual "disturbance" often happens in the mind. Still, there are studies confirming that noise can cause a variety of health issues.

To avoid regretting my decision later, I want to eliminate all possible disrupting factors.

I realize I might be too picky and end up achieving nothing, but that’s clear to me.

Right now, I’m reading all kinds of posts online about desensitization to noise. Let’s see if I can make progress here. Ultimately, I have to be able to live with my decision rather than regret it.

The noise barrier wall you have designed will definitely be effective in the shape you have drawn.

You can calculate some approximate values on laermorama, and the reduction will roughly fall within that range—provided the wall is continuous and made of a suitable material. Depending on wind and weather conditions, the wall’s effectiveness may vary by a few decibels, but it is certainly worthwhile. You will need to accept the wall itself and any shadow it may cause.

Try simulating the shadow cast by the wall at the planned height on various sun position websites to see if it will actually be significant. If your plan is oriented north, it could work quite well as planned. How high is the wall planned to be compared to the terrace?

I could also imagine that you might build only the left half of the wall first. Then you can observe if any significant noise comes from the right side behind the house. It might already be sufficiently shielded. If you are very sensitive to noise, then build the entire wall right away.

werner71 schrieb:

What do you estimate as the possible reduction achievable through a suitable building design on the terrace (e.g., -15 dB)?

Nothing. Due to reflections from surrounding buildings alone, you won’t achieve that. Study sound propagation. Noise barriers as an active noise control measure are only effective near the source at reasonable heights to reduce exposure. The farther the barrier moves from the source toward the receiver, the taller it needs to be to have any effect. In your case, it would have to be as tall as a building. That is, if the reflections weren’t present.

werner71 schrieb:

Do you have suggestions for a building design to minimize noise exposure on the terrace?

Orient the building more along a north-south axis, for example like 87 and 87.Terrace facing south.

werner71 schrieb:

Are there any experiences with noise reduction combining a noise barrier and a terrace away from the street side (e.g., noise barrier -15 dB, building shape another -8 dB)?

As mentioned, 15 dB is unrealistic.

Oetzberger schrieb:

The closed noise barrier in the form you drew will definitely be effective.

As said, given the distance from the noise source and reasonable barrier heights, probably not. Maybe a psychoacoustic effect, but the measurable impact will be limited.