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:

  • 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

Site plan: blue house with terrace, red dashed line marking noise area, yellow cars.
O
Oetzberger
9 Jun 2021 14:06
Now don’t unsettle the original poster like that. Just sit once in front of a house on a busy road and then on the terrace behind the house. The difference will be huge. And if there’s a small wall added, even better. It won’t be a place where you can hear a pin drop, but it will reduce the extreme noise peaks from very loud individual vehicles right next to the street, which can be really annoying.