Conventional noise barriers of 3m to 6m height either have a structural foundation or a heavy base in order to sustain occasional and short-lived heavy wind loading from gusts. The lightweight noise barrier, currently on trial for construction noise control in Hong Kong, employs an automatic mechanism to relieve such occasional excessive wind load. Therefore, the structural loading requirement is reduced to approximately 1/10 of conventional noise barriers and a lightweight structure with density less than 4kg/m~2 (including structure but excluding base) and height of up to 8m can be achieved. Noise insulation panels are designed to be installed upwards from ground level without the use of cranes. Components within 1.35m width and 2m height are designed in modular form for easy transportation and erection. The entire installation process of one 8m high barrier unit can be completed within 15 minutes by two people and it is quiet enough to be conducted at night. Noise barrier structure is mounted to a simple metal frame or a water barrier with 1m to 2m wide extended base. Insertion loss of 12 to 20dB(A) were tested.
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