Abstract:

In the search for more effective noise attenuation methods, a number of candidate materials for road noise barriers and partition walls were tested at the Cooper Union Acoustics Research Center in a specially constructed enclosure divided into two sections by a wall constructed of these materials. The transmission losses of cinder blocks filled with various recycled materials constitute the acoustical property of principal interest. Three tests were executed for each type of material: (1) transmission loss measurements; (2) absorption coefficient measurements; and (3) diffraction effects. The intended applications of the designed materials are as noise barriers for urban highways and subway stations, and as partition walls for factories, classrooms, libraries, etc. Recycled materials experimented with would normally end up in land fills or incinerators. [See NOISE-CON Proceedings for full paper.]