Freeway sound walls get installed with the sole purpose of the reduction of noise produced by speeding vehicles. The walls have become the subject of several federal, state, and local studies and discussions about their need and usefulness in the highway noise barrier. In the past, the blockades made from metal, brick, concrete, or wood absorbed and reflected the loud noises produced by highway traffic. The materials enable the prevention of the offensive freeway sounds from seeping into local neighborhoods and business districts, interfering with their activities. The first attempt to block the sounds came with several challenges as the materials used did not reduce the sounds in the targeted areas. It got discovered that sufficiently not tall highway walls allow sounds to penetrate over the barriers. The second observation was that sound-reflective concrete walls on both sides of the highway caused the noise to bounce back and forth across the interstate, which caused the noise to become louder. When noise-prone Industries and activities get situated close to the neighborhoods, it becomes necessary to have noise barriers to shield the noise from the locals.
Disadvantages of Concrete Highway Barriers
Research determines that concrete sound barriers fall under the worst offenders to create unwanted and unpredictable reflected noise issues. The incompetence of the concrete walls in the noise barrier comes from the sound waves hitting the wall and the reflective surfaces of the concrete making the sound move in opposite directions. The movements beat the logic of noise SoundWalls.com barrier wall constructions.
Health Challenges Related to Noise Pollution
The noise pollution from the sound-intensive activities causes discomfort in the surrounding neighborhood and impacts the individuals. One of the health issues includes circulatory problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and nervous system problems that include irritability, depression, mood swings, and anxiety. The loud noises also interfered with sleep which leads to trouble in getting noise barrier walls restful slumber. Also, immune suppression and healing problems and chronic health issues cause significant health issues for those affected by the noise.
Benefits of Highway Noise Control
The failure of the concrete walls led to the advancement and creation of acoustic noise barrier wall panels, which help reduce the high and low-frequency noise levels. The improvements provide a tremendous advantage for government entities and local municipalities in enhancing the locals’ health. Some of the health benefits from the effective noise barrier walls include fewer headaches and hearing problems, better rest, improved work production, and enough sleep, which translates to better attendance. The fiberglass diffuses most of the sound instead of reflecting it or trying to block it, making it kill the noise by making the sound wave use the energy as it passes through the strategic panel openings. In addition, the panels come free from rust as the walls get designed with the best materials that have a protective UV coating that prevents deterioration in extreme temperatures, and their light nature enables them to work well in weight restriction areas.
