Noise Reduction Using Concrete Barriers: A Case Study

Abstract Noise pollution is becoming more and more acute, and hence many researchers are studying the noise attenuation effect and prevention of noise. In this study an attempt has been made to find the reduction in noise levels at National Highway 45 near peerkankaranai in Chennai. Two sensitive places were selected along NH 45 by examining attenuation of noise by providing noise barriers in the form of concrete structures. The primary goal of this project was to identify innovative design of noise barrier that has the potential to be implemented in NH 45, Chennai. Based on the research and evaluation conducted for this study, it was recommended that two innovative barrier designs be implemented in Chennai. First, a noise prediction is made at the specified location on the highway under certain traffic conditions in order to determine the noise level by measurement and decide on the barrier requirement. The installation of sound barriers is feasible enough to cause a significant decrease in noise pollution at the roads. Considerable noise attenuation is achieved by providing concrete noise barrier. The paper provides Leq at the time of traffic data recorded was 105.1 dBA at NH45 and 91.108 dBA at NH5 during the time of observation at installation of barrier the values are 70.09 dBA 79.11 dBA, respectively. Noise reduction is possible and noise reduction is predominantly reduced by providing barrier.