Performance of Barriers for Noise Control at a Construction Site

Abstract

Construction sites usually face tremendously high levels of noise, which results in noise pollution. This phenomenon is largely neglected by law enforcement authorities in India. Construction workers, being present at these sites for long hours, are exposed to these high noise levels with no protective gear for their auditory senses. This constant exposure to high levels of noise causes several long-term health complications among construction workers. The aim of this project is to develop a practical solution to reduce the excess noise pollution at most construction sites. This study explores the use of plywood noise barrier and plywood barrier with coconut coir as a sound absorbent to reduce noise pollution on construction sites.

Three different barrier models, plywood, plywood with coir filler (2% open area) and plywood with coir filler (10% open area) have been used to compare the insertion loss. A satisfactory insertion loss of up to 12dB
(decibels) was measured in all the three types of sound absorbers. The findings indicate that plywood barriers can be implemented at local construction sites to reduce noise pollution at very low costs. Fresh coconut
coir as a sound absorbent improved the insertion loss, depending upon the sound transparency of the perforated inner panel.

Keywords: Construction Noise, Noise Barrier, Insertion Loss, Plywood Barrier, Coconut coir filler.

Introduction

It’s a well-known fact that India faces a significant disadvantage of inadequate infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, residential and commercial properties, etc.).Red Full Article