Line-of-Sight Wall versus Conventional Noise Wall for Traffic Noise Abatement: Field Performance Comparison
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29, Issue 6
Abstract
The constructed cost of conventional noise walls is about $2 million per linear mile. In many areas, the cost-effectiveness criteria of $25,000 per benefited receiver are exceeded so that these areas are not eligible for federal-aid funding for noise abatement. Consequently, the residents in these areas are dissatisfied that no noise reduction measures are provided to them. To address these issues, the Indiana Department of Transportation evaluated the line of sight (LOS) wall to improve customer satisfaction at a less expensive cost. Three different LOS walls were installed and compared with the conventional concrete noise wall. Such information will be useful to state departments of transportation not only to develop specifications for LOS walls, but also to upgrade their traffic noise policy to improve customer services.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported in part by the Joint Transportation Research Program administered by the Indiana Dept. of Transportation and Purdue University. The authors would also like to thank the study advisory committee members, Mark Miller, Barry Partridge, John Wright, Will Wingfield, Roland Fegan and Ken McMullen of INDOT, and Larry Heil and Adam Alexander of FHWA, for their guidance and expertise. Sincere thanks are extended to Robert Zier, Ted Pollack, Rob Goldner, and Ben Lawrence of INDOT for their support. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein, and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the sponsoring organizations. These contents do not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Reference to any specific commercial product does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by INDOT, or any agency thereof.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29 • Issue 6 • December 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 10, 2014
Accepted: Jun 3, 2014
Published online: Sep 16, 2014
Discussion open until: Feb 16, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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