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
Oetzberger schrieb:
The closed noise barrier wall in the form you have drawn will definitely be effective.
On laermorama, you can calculate some values; the reduction will roughly be within that range—if the wall is continuous and made from a suitable material. Depending on wind and weather, the wall can sometimes be a few decibels more or less effective, but it is certainly worthwhile. You just have to accept the wall itself and possibly the shadow it creates. Thanks, Oetzberger, I didn’t find that simulation site when I googled. Great tip!
MayrCh schrieb:
Nothing at all. You won’t manage it just 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 at reasonable heights for reducing noise impact. The further the barrier is moved away from the source towards the receiver, the higher it needs to be to have any effect. In your case, it would need to be building height—if the reflections weren’t an issue.Oetzberger schrieb:
Try simulating on various sun position websites whether the shadow cast by the wall at the planned height will actually be significant. If your plan is oriented to true 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 initially build only the left half of the wall. Then you can see if there is any notable noise coming from the right side behind the house. That could already provide sufficient screening. If you are very sensitive to noise, then build the entire wall right away.That was roughly the plan. First, a building permit application including the noise barrier, and whether it would then be necessary would become clear. I was thinking of the wall being about 2.5 m (8 feet) high. The house will be one or two stories.
MayrCh schrieb:
Nothing at all. You simply won’t manage it alone because of the reflections from the surrounding buildings. Take a closer look at sound propagation. Sound barriers as an active noise control measure are only effective near the source at reasonable heights to reduce noise exposure. The further the barrier is from the source towards the receiver, the taller it needs to be to have any impact. In your case, it would have to be as tall as a building—if it weren’t for the reflections.
Orient the buildings more along a north-south axis, like building 87 and the terrace of building 87 facing south.
As I said, 15 dB is unrealistic.
Given the distance to the noise source and reasonable wall heights... probably not feasible. Maybe psychoacoustically, but any measurable effect will be limited. I have already looked into sound propagation quite a bit. Ultimately, sound spreads spherically: direct sound waves travel strongly, while diffracted ones are weaker. Reflections are a serious problem and are very difficult to control.
Without measurable benefits, a noise barrier would be a waste of money. Let’s see how the specialist company assesses the situation and whether they can provide any definitive statements.
H
hampshire9 Jun 2021 12:53The greatest impact can be achieved by advocating for a 30 km/h speed limit (20 mph) within the town and a bypass road. Noise levels will not be significantly reduced for you through construction measures alone. You are right that noise negatively affects health. There are options available—some parties and candidates address this issue both locally and at a regional level. Everyone has to weigh this for themselves if they are not a single-issue voter.
If you build the terrace as suggested by @MayrCh, it should be relatively quiet. Of course, you will hear the traffic, but it won't be very loud. Our terrace is fairly well protected from noise (similar to what @MayrCh recommended). I only realized how loud it was when I spent some time chatting with the neighbor in his yard.
Moving traffic is not really the problem; it’s the engines starting, car doors slamming, etc.
We manage without a noise barrier. However, our terrace is about 120 cm (4 feet) above street level.
Moving traffic is not really the problem; it’s the engines starting, car doors slamming, etc.
We manage without a noise barrier. However, our terrace is about 120 cm (4 feet) above street level.
hampshire schrieb:
The greatest impact can be achieved by advocating for a 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limit within the town and a bypass. Noise will not be significantly reduced for you through construction measures. You are correct that noise has a negative effect on health. There are options—some parties and candidates address this issue both locally and at a higher level. It is up to each individual to weigh their priorities if they are not a "single-issue" voter. The road is classified in a way that a 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limit is not possible. I don’t remember the exact name of the regulation responsible or the legal framework anymore, but the definition was clear.
The city is only required to implement noise protection measures for residents if there is a significant structural change to the road.
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