Efficiency evaluation of a noise barrier

Abstract

Mechanization of industrial and agricultural production, increase of urban and rural traffic flows, modernization of domestic facilities cause a rapid expansion of acoustic discomfort zones. Since the noise level in any environment is one of the basic factors determining the human comfort indicator, investigation into noise processes is given special attention by researchers. Seaport freight discharge terminals are also connected with noise problems. Noise from AB KLASCO fertilizer discharge terminal of Klaipėda seaport cause great concern to local people. There is a noise barrier installed near the terminal. The present paper describes the efficiency evaluation of the noise barrier according to the noise level measurements performed, modelling of noise spread and mathematical calculations. The investigation was performed with noise measuring equipment Bruel&Kjaer mediator 2260. According to measurements, it is obvious that the noise level in the residential zone is 3–4 dBA above the limits (limits are given in HN 33-1:2003) in the daytime, and by 7 dBA at night. The modelling of noise spread was performed by CadnaA program which allowed to make different models according to variations of the noise level caused by changing conditions.