Installing sound barriers is an efficient way to help reduce highway noise. They are made of compact material that mitigates the travel of sound as it enters the premises of structures located by the roadside. Highway noise is one of the most common distractions to activities held in nearby structures and properties. Schools, hospitals, churches, and as well as offices situated by the roadside are those immediately exposed to highway noise. The people in these places may have grown accustomed to the unwanted sounds after a period of time, but the noise can put a toll on their overall wellbeing too.
There are many ways in which a sound barrier can significantly lower the effects of highway noise. These include:
1. Blocking the travel of sound.
Sound barriers are like high walls constructed by the highway. They are made of materials that are designed to block the travel of sound by either or both of the two approaches:
Absorption – absorbing the soundwaves so that their effects can be heard with lesser impact in terms of volume, echo, and reverb.
Reflection – the soundwaves bounce back to their source once they hit the surface of the barrier.
There are sound barriers that only reflect the soundwaves, so the noise stays concentrated on the highway. Meanwhile, there are also sound barrier types that absorb the soundwaves and remove some of their attributes as they pass through.
2. Redirecting the sound.
Sound barriers have the capability of redirecting highway noise, especially when they are strategically designed and installed to curb the travel of soundwaves. Instead of being constructed straight-up, sound barriers are built with a concave ending, which serves to redirect the sound waves to the highway and stay within the said area.
Sound barriers with this kind of design are usually found in highways that are near suburban areas, such as residential villages or industrial parks. They are likewise found along streets where churches and schools are situated.
3. Removing the intrinsic features of sound.
When we hear sound, the first thing we notice (and the one that stays with us the longest) is its volume. We get annoyed or distracted based on its level of loudness, that is why we ask its volume to be turned down if possible.
However, sound is not all about volume. It also has other intrinsic properties, such as echo and reverberation. We may not hear these features each time we encounter noise, but we feel them unconsciously. They can be heavy not only to the ears, but to other senses as well.
Highway noise comes with a lot of echo and reverb. They may not be as loud in terms of volume, but they can be felt through lingering vibrations. Sound barriers then function by absorbing these features as the sound waves pass through them. This way, the sound that reaches the nearby property is not only softer in volume, but has no echo or reverb too.
What to do when you live or work near the highway?
When you live or work near the highway, then for sure you are exposed to highway noise on a daily basis. It may be best to have a sound barrier installed in your area so that the effects of roadside sounds are reduced and allow you to live or work more comfortably in your area.
You may want to consult a sound barrier contractor to get to know more about the type of sound control approach to use based on your needs and your surrounding premises.
Hebei Jinbiao is a leading company in Noise Control products and Fencing products in Singapore. We guarantee to provide you with the most high-quality Noise Control and Fencing products along with our dedicated assistance. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to helping you solve your noise issues and protect you from noise pollution.