Evaluation of non-acoustic properties of traffic noise walls

Abstract

The presented research aims to reduce the uncertainty in the selection of noise wall panel materials, and thus to improve the traffic noise management process in the Republic of Croatia. An evaluation of concrete, metal, wood, and transparent panels is performed to improve the panel material selection procedure in the planning and design of traffic noise walls. Properties of panels made of these four basic materials are studied under the assumption that the acoustic requirements relating to the wall structure have been fully met. Thus, the research focuses on six non-acoustic properties of panels (criteria that must be considered by civil engineers): mechanical resistance and stability, service life, construction, maintenance, and replacement costs, service life costs, and recyclability. These properties are analysed using the publicly available data from secondary sources. The data are systematized and subjected to a multicriteria analysis, which has revealed that concrete panels have the highest (weighted and unweighted) mean score.