Environmental Noise Barriers : A Guide to Their Acoustic and Visual Design

by Kotzen; Benz

• ISBN13: 9780419231806
• ISBN10: 0419231803
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-05-12
• Publisher: Spon Press

Summary

Environmental Noise Barriersgive practical solutions to the increase in enviromental legislation and environmental concerns and issues regarding noise and intrusion and the effects of development on the environment. This book looks at all the issues surrounding environmental noise barriers, including acoustic, architectural, engineering, landscape, ecologic effects and that provide a palette of ideas and possibilities for resolutions.

Author Biography

Colin English is a chartered acoustic engineer and a consultant with Arup Acoustics.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Locations of photographs

Introduction

Background

Environmental noise barrier terminology

Noise is a landscape issue

Barrier use: a contrast in provision

References

Defining the need for barriers

Legislation and policy: introduction

The Land Compensation Act 1973

The Noise Insulation Regulations,1975

The Highways Act, 1980

National Government Policy

Local government policy

Alternative European approaches

The Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations, 1996

European Union directives

Risk to health

Design process

Acoustic assessment

Landscape decision making process

Landscape assessment

Assessment of visual intrusion

DMRB assessment, consultation and design process: Summary of mitigation design strategies

References

Acoustic performance of barriers

Introduction

Barrier theory

Sound insulation

Barrier placement

Barrier length

Bunds versus screens

Dealing with reflections from barriers

Reflections from high-sided vehicles

Improving the acoustic performance of a screen: Introduction

Cantilevered barriers

Tunnels

Galleried barriers

Louvred covers

Diffracting-edge modifications

Noise leakage through gaps

Varying longitudinal profiles

Noise screening by vegetation

Acoustic performance testing

References

Barrier morphology and design

Anatomy of barriers - elements and characteristics

Top section and top edge

Middle section

Bottom section and bottom edge

Barrier facades

Ends

Vertical profile - angled and cantilevered barriers

Support structures, transitions and foundations

Fixings

Other considerations: Viewing at speed

Two-faced barriers

Barriers: Vertical or horizontal landscape elements?

Repetition

Pattern

Texture

Colour

Light and shade

Profiling

Materials and design

Choosing materials - visual neutrality and compatibility

Reference

Types of barrier and barrier materials

Introduction

DMRB guidelines

Noise barrier types: Earth mounds

Earth mounds and planting

Timber barriers

Sheet-metal barriers

Concrete barriers

Brick barriers

Plastic, PVC and fibreglass barriers

Transparent barriers

Cantilevered barriers

Thatch barriers

Bio-barriers

Integrated barriers

Barrier materials on bridges

Barriers and solar panels

Tunnels

Escape routes

Planting and barriers

References

Engineering, safety, environmental and cost considerations

Introduction

Engineering considerations

Environmental considerations

Costs

References

Index of manufacturers, installers and suppliers

Author index

Subject index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.