Evaluation of noise barriers for sound scape perception through laboratory experiments

Abstract

Soundscape qualities have been investigated for the different types of urban noise barriers. Field measurements were performed: the SPLs in front and rear of the barriers were measured and the pictures were taken. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the soundscape quality when each noise barrier existed. The experiments consisted of three parts; 1) audio-only condition, 2) visual-only condition, and 3) audio-visual condition. As a result, the soundscape design elements for designing urban noise barriers were derived from the subjective preferences both in aesthetical and spectral characteristics of the noise barriers.