Abstract
The rapid growth of transportation systems has resulted in significant noise pollution, negatively affecting public health. Foamed concrete can offer an effective solution for high-speed railways as a result of its porous and lightweight structure, which efficiently absorbs sound energy. This study presents a foamed concrete noise barrier (FCNB) designed for high-speed railways. The wind load resistance, impact resistance, sound absorption, and sound insulation properties of the FCNB unit panels, as well as the noise attenuation performance of the FCNB, were investigated experimentally. Results showed that the FCNB unit panels possessed competent wind load resistance, withstanding a load of 4.03 kPa, which was more than the Chinese standard limit of 3.5 kPa. The unit panels could endure a load with impact energy over 100 J, surpassing the Chinese standard requirement of 30 J. Furthermore, the noise reduction coefficient and weighted sound reduction index of the FCNB unit panels were 0.71 and 46 dB, respectively, meeting the standard requirements in China. The FCNB demonstrated optimal noise reduction within the frequency range of 800–5000 Hz, with peak noise attenuation observed near 1250 Hz. In addition, finite element numerical analysis was conducted to verify and compare the behavior of the FCNB against the experimental results. The findings provide scientifically reliable data and design guidance for the application of the FCNB in traffic noise control.
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