A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR RAILROAD NOISE BARRIER

Abstract

Noise barriers are structures that inhibit the direct transmission of airborne noise emitted by traffic. They play an important role along railroad lines to protect residential areas from high noise pollution. Noise barriers are currently made of very energy-intensive materials such as concrete, glass, aluminum, impregnated wood, etc. In addition to the high costs and large amount of energy input during construction, a recycling process is rarely possible when the noise barriers should be replaced or demolished. Therefore, it is necessary to develop inexpensive and sustainable alternatives. With its low primary energy requirement, regional availability and complete recyclability, loam can be a best suitable alternative. Loam is produced in large quantities as excavated material during railroad and road construction. Hence, rather than disposing excavated material expensively, the direct utilization of it should be found out. In addition, loam offers an optimum sound insulation because of its mass and porous surface. The study identified and compared possible noise barriers techniques using loam. This contribution gives insight into (i) the building techniques could be suitable for noise barriers; (ii) the standards and regulatory frameworks as well as (iii) lifecycle costing and advantage of loam noise barrier as compared to the conventional ones.