What Are Sound Walls?
Noise Barriers and sound walls rely on a practical understanding of acoustical engineering, acoustical materials and sound propagation to be effective. Correctly evaluating the noise impact and isolating the source or sources of the sound energy allows for a correct mitigation solution for the particular project to be designed. Understanding the acoustical properties of the materials and the placement of said materials are absolutely vital in order to obtain the desired result of effective sound mitigation.
Sound walls and barriers should be installed either close to the source of the sound (around pumps, generators, pile-drivers or other equipment) or they should be put in close proximity to the receivers that are being impacted (residential areas, public spaces, hospitals or employees). The choice of using a sound absorptive material or sound reflective material for the barrier to block or absorb the energy is vital to getting the desired result.
A wall sitting on top of an earth berm provides additional height to the combination barrier, which improves its effectiveness as more area behind the barrier is shielded. The wall on top of the berm must be made of an effective noise blocking material without gaps or else it will be ineffective at providing additional benefit. The experts at Florida Engineering Solutions are highly skilled in determining the correct heights, lengths, and composition of proposed solutions. We can perform computer modeling with the current approved and industry accepted prediction models.
Sound walls can be employed to absorb or block noise from a variety of applications and may be made from a variety of materials. Commercial noise, residential sound, industrial noise, and the sounds of transportation can all be blocked or highly mitigated with the use of a properly designed sound wall. Concrete is one of the more popular materials for building sound walls, as it is accessible and able to be formed to any project. Composite materials are also used, as well as steel and concrete. Absorptive materials are used to eliminate the sound problems from reflected sound waves that might impact new areas. There are a variety of acoustic factors to consider when preparing to erect a sound wall, which is why it is a good idea to have a team of experts with proven sound wall construction backgrounds at the ready to ensure your project is protected from excessive and unnecessary sounds. Our engineers are adept at creating a variety of walls to suit almost any purpose.
Benefits of Sound Walls
There are many benefits to including a sound wall in your design plan. Noise barriers can act as very effective tools in the pursuit of eliminating noise pollution, which assists workers and residents by eliminating the stresses that excessive noise can cause. Prolonged excessive noise, such as that generated by a nearby roadway, has been shown to increase blood pressure and stress levels in those in the surrounding areas.
Moreover, excess noise has been shown to greatly affect sleep patterns, which can lead to a large number of health concerns. Luckily, with proper design and installation, a sound wall can prevent these issues from ever occurring. Sound walls absorb and distribute sound from external factors, rerouting it from areas where residents will be impacted so that they do not experience any negative consequences.
Sound walls can also be very easy to create and install. The structures can be made of precast concrete, allowing for simple installation, savings, and lasting durability. Precast concrete is made before a job even occurs. Once the order is placed for a sound barrier, it’s as easy as shipping the piece to the desired site and installing it.
This creates savings on labor and construction costs from the beginning of the project. In addition, precast concrete is incredibly strong and stable, so the structure is sure to last, with little need for maintenance. Precast concrete’s need for little upkeep, as well as its durability, makes precast concrete a great choice for a project that requires longevity and safety.