Studies of parallel barrier performance by acoustical modeling

An investigation is presented into the performance of parallel barrier configurations, using acoustical scale modeling. A realistic geometry is investigated, with the source being positioned over a paved roadway and the receiver over grass-covered ground. The grass-covered ground surface was properly modeled in terms of its impedance. Results were obtained for a range of barrier types, and demonstrate that frequency dependent effects are evident in barrier insertion loss data. In most cases, the barrier on the far side of the source did not significantly affect sound levels at the receiver. The most effective barrier design was found to be that of a gradual grass-covered slope up to an upright, thin barrier.