BEM and FEM simulations of the vibro-acoustical response of finite noise barriers

Abstract Noise barriers are one of the primary means in noise abatement for traffic-related noise in the proximity of roads and railways. The efficiency of noise barriers concerning sound absorption and sound insulation nowadays is evaluated with different experimental methods. On the other hand simulations are very helpful for noise barrier manufacturers and are a cost-efficient tool for predicting and planning new noise barrier solutions. In the following paper the focus is placed on the vibro-acoustical interactions of the noise barriers with the surrounding sound field. This means that the sound produces a vibration in the barrier which then emits additional sound waves. This aspect, often ignored, is responsible for the transmission of sound through the noise barrier. Boundary and finite elements methods are best apt to simulate this kind of interaction. Simulations have been performed and different sound sources (plane wave, point source, line source) have been analysed.